Electrical & Computer Engineering

The baccalaureate program in electrical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 - telephone (410) 347-7700.

FACULTY Professors Anakwa, Shastry; Associate Professors Ahn, Dempsey, Huggins (chair), Irwin, Malinowski; Assistant Professors Lu, Sanchez, Schipper; Temporary Assistant Professor Gutschlag.

The department offers degree programs in electrical engineering (B.S.E.E. and M.S.E.E.) and electrical engineering with computer option (B.S.E.E.). It takes special pride in the particularly close student-faculty relationships it has developed over the years. Entrance requirements can be obtained by contacting the chair of the ECE department.

Educational Objectives and Department Mission

Society has been transformed dramatically by the widespread use of electrical and electronic devices and systems and it is certain that even more dramatic changes are in store. These changes are fast paced and are driven by electrical and computer engineers working in many different areas including bioengineering, communications, computers, controls, electronics, energy, microprocessors, integrated circuits, robotics, signal and information processing, wireless components and systems, and software development. The engineering process is complex and practitioners perform many roles such as research, design, development, product application, manufacturing, and system integration as well as marketing, sales and management. Bradley electrical engineering graduates have been involved in all of these endeavors, and it is the goal of the Bradley ECE program to continue to educate the next generation of electrical and computer engineers to meet the challenges of the future.

In this dynamic profession, the Bradley ECE faculty recognize that each career path is unique, based on the individual’s particular ambitions, capabilities and interests. By coupling the focus on undergraduate education and depth of faculty expertise with the small student-to-faculty ratio and design project sequence, the ECE faculty can respond to the needs and interest of each student in the electrical engineering program. However, the ECE faculty also recognize that there are common elements to success in the profession. These are the ability to acquire, generate, and use new knowledge; the ability to complete complex electrical engineering projects; and the experience, knowledge, skills and capabilities to progress professionally. These common elements for success in the electrical engineering profession are the basis for the educational objectives of the program. These objectives are as follows.

1. To graduate electrical engineers who apply their education to work in the public or private sectors or to obtain an advanced degree.
2. To graduate electrical engineers with the ability to acquire and use new knowledge.
3. To graduate electrical engineers who will be productive, demonstrate professional growth, and assume increasing responsibility.

In order to meet these objectives, students graduating from Bradley’s electrical engineering program will attain the following outcomes.

• an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering,
• an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data,
• an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability,
• an ability to function on a multi-disciplinary team,
• an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems,
• an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility,
• an ability to communicate effectively,
• the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context,
• a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning,
• a knowledge of contemporary issues,
• an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

It is the mission of the ECE Department to provide the intellectual and physical environment in which students achieve these outcomes. The intellectual component of this environment is supplied by the ECE faculty members, in their roles as mentors, advisors, and engineering professionals, as well as by the curriculum they establish for the programs. The physical component consists of quality facilities equipped with modern instrumentation, components, computers, and software.

Curriculum

The electrical engineering program, including the computer option, consists of several curricular components that give the student the opportunity to build a solid foundation of basic physical principles and obtain experience in design as well as insight into the profession and practice of electrical engineering. The lecture sequence consists mostly of required core courses through which the student learns about and acquires problem solving and/or design skills in circuit analysis, programming in C++, electronics, microprocessors, signals and systems, and electromagnetic fields. Furthermore, through elective courses, the student can specialize in areas such as applied electromagnetics, communications, controls, digital signal processing, digital and computer systems, electromechanical systems, embedded systems, medical imaging, and wireless components and systems. For a student in the computer option, the electives must be in the digital area (see computer option in Programs of Study section.)

Though many design techniques are taught in the lecture courses, the student learns the practice of electrical engineering design primarily through the 15-hour laboratory and project sequence.

The lab courses integrate material from the lecture courses and are taught by experienced faculty members. In addition, small numbers of students allow for close interaction with the instructor. Furthermore, the laboratory facilities and equipment are modern and readily accessible. Many of the lecture courses and all of the lab courses require the use of computers as well as the oral and/or written presentation of technical material.

Several aspects of design are taught in the sophomore and junior labs (EE 206, EE 331, and EE 332). The student’s design experience in these courses includes synthesis to meet specifications, analysis, construction, testing, and evaluation with respect to specifications. Furthermore, the sophomore and junior design projects associated with these courses are particularly valuable and establish the foundation of the design project sequence. In addition to the implementation steps described above, the projects also require the formulation of design problem statements and criteria, the consideration of alternative solutions, and system descriptions.

The design project sequence culminates in the fourth year with the electronic product design project and the senior capstone project. The electronic product design is completed in the first half of the fall semester in EE 450 (Electronic Product Design.) The student works with a partner to design and implement a microprocessor-based system meeting particular specifications and requiring hardware design, software development, and laboratory work. The student then builds on this experience in EE 402 (Senior Design Seminar) during the spring semester. In this course, the student works on a multidisciplinary team to prepare a business plan delineating the development of a venture based on an electronic product. The student also explores other aspects of engineering in EE 402 and, through the process, gains a broader view of the engineering profession.

Work on the senior capstone project begins at the start of the fall semester and the primary deliverables for the semester are to:

• choose a senior capstone project and ECE faculty advisor,
• develop a detailed functional description and block diagram of the project,
• determine the functional requirements of your project and list its quantitative performance specifications,
• identify and evaluate the patents and standards applicable to your project,
• initiate experimental work,
• present a proposal presenting a design and implementation plan for the project, and
• establish a web page for the project.

In addition to the effort on the capstone project, the seniors work on teams to review and analyze the deliverables for other senior projects. Lab work associated with the capstone senior project starts in the last half of the fall semester in EE 451 and is completed in EE 452 the following semester.

The senior capstone project is a major educational component of the program. It involves the student in design at or near the professional level and requires the formulation of design specifications, consideration of alternative solutions, feasibility considerations, time management, allocation of design responsibilities, and detailed system documentation. Project advising is done on a distributed basis with the student choosing his/her project advisor from among the members of the ECE faculty.

The electrical engineering program, including the computer option, also requires the student to complete a 12-hour professional elective stem. This stem allows the student to take a coherent set of courses so as to enhance the student’s competitiveness in the job market or better prepare for graduate or professional school. For example, the student can use the professional electives to obtain business skills by taking courses offered by the Foster College of Business Administration. Also, no more than 6 hours of EE courses can be applied toward the 12 hours of the professional elective stem. Additional information is available in an advising handout. The student must work with an academic advisor to identify the courses he/she will use to satisfy the professional elective stem and fill out the Professional Elective Approval Form. This form must be signed by the ECE Chairman and the courses approved to fill the professional elective stem constitute a requirement for the BSEE degree for the student.

In addition to the technical part of the program described above, the student must also meet the University General Education requirements (see “Academic Regulations” in this catalog.) As part of the General Education requirement, the student gains effective communication skills via introductory and advanced English composition and a speech course. The General Education requirements also provide the foundation for a liberal education, which helps the student understand and participate in society as a responsible human being. Courses include Western Civilization (CIV 100, CIV 101, or CIV 102), Introduction to Economics (ECO 100), as well as selections from non-western civilization, social forces, human values, and fine arts. For these last four categories, the student chooses from a list of approved courses.

A wide range of career opportunities is available to the electrical engineering graduate in many different technical areas and industries. For those who wish to continue their professional studies, details of the M.S.E.E. program are given in the Bradley University Graduate Catalog.

Professional and Personal Growth

The electrical engineering lecture courses and lab/project sequence prepare students very well for success as design engineers in the electrical and computer engineering profession. The ECE faculty also urges students to participate in activities and take courses that promote professional growth. It is strongly recommended that students join the Bradley Student Branch of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). The IEEE is the world's leading professional association for the advancement of technology and promotes professional development through various activities. In addition, students are advised to consider experiential education such as the co-op program. Finally, students can choose their general education courses and professional electives to put a distinctive stamp on their programs of study. For example, they can seek a minor appropriate to career goals or participate in a study abroad program. (Note that certain minors and study abroad program will add hours and/or time to the normal eight-semester, 129-hour program of study.)

In addition to professional development, students are urged to participate in a variety of activities and organizations to enhance personal growth. Employers like individuals who are well rounded and can effectively interact with different people. Bradley offers a wide range of experiences and, in the past, electrical engineering students have participated in many activities and organization such as intramurals, service groups, sport clubs, study abroad, theatre, tutoring, various Bradley musical groups, and volunteer activities. A complete list of registered student organizations is listed in this catalog in the Student Activities section.

Programs of Study

Electrical Engineering

Credit in the following courses must be obtained to meet degree requirements in electrical engineering, leading to the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

• Freshman Year

• First Semester
• EE 101 Intro. Electrical Engineering 1
• EE 102 Computer and Programming in EE 2
• MTH 121 Calculus I 4
• CHM 110 General Chemistry I 3
• CHM 111 General Chemistry I Lab 1
• ENG 101 English Composition 3
• Gen. Ed. – CIV 100, 101, or 102 Western Civilization or ECO 100 Intro. to Economics 3
• 17 hours
• Second Semester
• COM 103 Oral Communication Process 3
• MTH 122 Calculus II 4
• PHY 110 University Physics I 4
• Gen. Ed. – Fine Arts 3
• Gen. Ed. – ECO 100 Intro. to Economics or CIV 100, 101, or 102 Western Civilization 3
• 17 hours

• Sophomore Year

• First Semester
• EE 201 Digital Hardware Organization 2
• EE 205 Fundamentals of Circuit Analysis 4
• EE 221 Data Structures and OOP 3
• MTH 223 Calculus III 4
• PHY 201 University Physics II 4
• 17 hours
• Second Semester
• EE 206 Sophomore Laboratory 2
• MTH 207 Elementary Linear Algebra with Applications 3
• MTH 224 Differential Equations 3
• PHY 202 Applied Quantum Physics 3
• Gen. Ed. - Social Forces 3
• 14 hours

• Junior Year

• First Semester
• EE 301 Signals & Systems I 3
• EE 303 Principles of Electronics I 3
• EE 365 Microprocessors 3
• EE 331 Junior Laboratory I 3
• ENG 300, 301, 305, or 306 Advanced Writing 3
• 15 hours
• Second Semester
• EE 302 Signals and Systems II 3
• EE 304 Principles of Electronics II 3
• EE 332 Junior Laboratory II 2
• EE 381 T-Lines and EM Fields 3
• Approved Professional Elective 3
• Gen. Ed. – Human Values 3
• 17 hours

• Senior Year

• First Semester
• EE 450 Electronic Product Design 1
• EE 451 Senior Capstone Project I 3
• *Approved EE Electives 6
• Approved Professional Electives 6
• 16 hours
• Second Semester
• EE 402 Senior Design Seminar 1
• EE 452 Senior Capstone Project II 3
• *Approved EE Electives 6
• Approved Professional Elective 3
• Gen. Ed.—Non-Western Civilization 3
• 16 hours

Total Hours 129

General education courses must be selected from an approved list for each category. They may be taken in any sequence, not necessarily in the semester indicated. Other university general education requirements are satisfied by specific courses required below.

*Four EE electives are required and one must be from the control stem (EE 430, 431, or 432). A list of approved courses is available from your academic advisor.

Electrical Engineering with Computer Option

The demand for and continuing advances in computers and digital systems have created opportunities for professionals capable of not only designing computer systems but also applying these systems to a broad range of applications. Such fields as communications, automatic control, robotics, and signal processing have benefited greatly from developments in the digital area. Additionally, the development of modern computers requires a thorough understanding of the methodologies of software and hardware design.

The department offers an option to students desiring to specialize in this branch of electrical engineering and it requires students to take 23 semester hours of course work in the digital area. The required courses are digital hardware organization (EE 101 and EE 201), computational techniques for electrical engineering (EE 102), data structures and object-oriented programming (EE 221), and microprocessors (EE 365). Four EE electives must also be taken in the digital area which includes courses such as digital image processing (EE 533), digital signal processing (EE 534), neural networks (EE 535), microprocessor and PC architecture (EE 565), and VHDL (EE 568). Also special topic courses are frequently offered that are EE digital electives. Finally, one of the EE digital electives must include coverage of computer architecture (EE 565 or EE 568). See your advisor for a current list of approved EE digital electives.

Students in the option are also required to complete a 12-hour professional elective stem. As previously discussed, this stem allows the student to take a coherent set of courses so as to enhance the student’s competitiveness in the job market or better prepare for graduate or professional school. No more than 6 hours of EE courses can be applied toward the 12 hours of the professional elective stem. Additional information is available in an advising handout. The student must work with an academic advisor to identify the courses he/she will use to satisfy the professional elective stem and fill out the Professional Elective Approval Form. This form must be signed by the ECE Chairman and the courses approved to fill the professional elective stem constitute a requirement for the BSEE degree for the student.

The computer option of electrical engineering differs from the regular program in that it requires four EE digital electives. It is also expected that the students in the option focus their project work in the digital area. Credit in the following courses must be obtained to meet degree requirements in the computer option of electrical engineering, leading to the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

• Freshman Year

• First Semester

• EE 101 Intro. Electrical Engineering 1
• EE 102 Computational Techniques for EE 2
• MTH 121 Calculus I 4
• CHM 110 General Chemistry I 3
• CHM 111 General Chemistry I Lab 1
• ENG 101 English Composition 3
• Gen. Ed.—CIV 100, 101, or 102 Western Civ. or ECO 100 Intro. to Economics 3
• 17 hours
• Second Semester
• COM 103 Oral Communication Process 3
• MTH 122 Calculus II 4
• PHY 110 University Physics I 4
• Gen. Ed.—Fine Arts 3
• Gen. Ed.—ECO 100 Intro. to Economics or CIV 100, 101, or 102 Western Civ. 3
• 17 hours

• Sophomore Year

• First Semester
• EE 201 Digital Hardware Organization 2
• EE 205 Fundamentals of Circuit Analysis 4
• EE 221 Data Structures & Object-Orientated Programming 3
• MTH 223 Calculus III 4
• PHY 201 University Physics II 4
• 17 hours
• Second Semester
• EE 206 Sophomore Laboratory 2
• MTH 207 Elementary Linear Algebra with Applications 3
• MTH 224 Differential Equations 3
• PHY 202 Applied Quantum Physics 3
• Gen. Ed. - Social Forces 3
• 14 hours

• Junior Year

• First Semester
• EE 301 Signals & Systems I 3
• EE 303 Principles of Electronics I 3
• EE 365 Microprocessors 3
• EE 331 Junior Laboratory I 3
• ENG 300, 301, 305, or 306 Advanced Writing 3
• 15 hours
• Second Semester
• EE 302 Signals and Systems II 3
• EE 304 Principles of Electronics II 3
• EE 332 Junior Laboratory II 2
• EE 381 T-Lines and EM Fields 3
• Approved Professional Elective 3
• Gen. Ed. – Human Values 3
• 17 hours

• Senior Year

• First Semester
• EE 450 Electronic Product 1
• EE 451 Senior Capstone Project I 3
• *EE Digital Electives 6
• Approved Professional Electives 6
• 16 hours
• Second Semester
• EE 402 Senior Design Seminar 1
• EE 452 Senior Capstone Project II 3
• *EE Digital Electives 6
• Approved Professional Elective 3
• Gen. Ed. – Non-Western Civilization 3
• 16 hours

Total Hours 129

General education courses must be selected from an approved list for each category. They may be taken in any sequence, not necessarily in the semester indicated. Other university general education requirements are satisfied by specific courses required below.

* Four EE digital electives are required and one must include coverage of computer architecture (EE 565 or 568). A list of approved courses is available from your academic advisor.

Elective Descriptions

EE electives are available in the areas of applied electromagnetics, communications, controls, digital signal processing, digital and computer systems, embedded systems, wireless components and systems and VLSI design. Approved EE electives include all 400- and 500-level EE courses except for EE 450, EE 451, and EE 452. Special topic courses are often available. See your advisor for the most current list of approved electives.

EE digital electives include:

• EE 533 Digital Image Processing
• EE 534 Digital Signal Processing
• EE 535 Engineering Applications of Neural Networks
• EE 565 Digital Systems: Microprocessor & PC Architecture
• EE 568 VHDL
• Special Topics: Linux for Embedded Systems
• Special Topics: Object Oriented Programming for Embedded Systems
• Special Topics: Web-Based Control
• Special Topics: RTOS and C for Embedded Systems
• Special Topics: Network Programming for Embedded Systems
  Other special topics courses may also be approved. See your advisor for the most current list.

Professional electives allow the student to take a coherent set of courses so as to enhance the student’s competitiveness in the job market or better prepare for graduate or professional school. They can also be applied toward a minor or second major. (Note that certain minors and majors will add hours and/or time to the normal 8-semester, 129-hour program of study.) However, no more than 6 hours of EE courses can be applied toward the 12 hours of the professional elective stem. Additional information is available in an advising handout. The student must work with an academic advisor to identify the courses he/she will use to satisfy the professional elective stem and fill out the Professional Elective Approval Form. This form must be signed by the ECE Chairman and the courses approved to fill the professional elective stem constitute a requirement for the BSEE degree for the student.