2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

In this paper we reflect on the use of software-defined radio (SDR) within a project-based learning (PBL) subject at the master’s level that incorporates a semester-long wireless communication design project. PBL as a pedagogy is an important tool for addressing disparities existing between the capabilities with which engineering students graduate and those demanded by employers. Ideally, it enables ‘dual impact’ activities in which both technical and professional skills can be developed concurrently. For the teaching of wireless communication systems, SDR has been the key enabling technology for a wider adoption of PBL pedagogies. SDR’s use of programmable software frameworks and general-purpose hardware lowers the barrier-to-entry for students to model, implement, debug, and verify real-world communication systems. As with any example of PBL, when using SDR to meet intended learning goals it is important to give due consideration to key subject design characteristics such as project complexity and open-endedness.

The subject reported in this paper exists as an opportunity for students to integrate prior knowledge from overlapping areas in communication systems, signal processing, and embedded systems. As is common in the literature, for the design project we chose a spectrum challenge in which students optimize the performance of a secondary communication link while limiting interference to a primary user with priority spectrum access. We first give an overview of the pedagogical subject design, the chosen design project, and the software and hardware platforms employed. Drawing upon instructor observations and student self-reflections, we report on the positive outcomes and limitations inherent in the subject’s design, highlighting important considerations when employing PBL to develop student capabilities in wireless communications. Among such considerations are a project’s suitability for addressing theoretical and conceptual topics, the time required for students to upskill on SDR software and hardware tools, and the need to ensure students apply sufficient engineering rigor in their analysis and design of project solutions.