2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Conventional courses in signals and systems, communications systems, and data communications use lecture and readings to explain the theory and assign paper-based problem sets of theory and math, possibly supplemented with simulation labs, such as using Matlab and Multisim. Software based simulation studies are a useful learning tool, however, computer simulations cannot model all aspects of the behavior of actual systems.

Telecommunication Instructional Modelling System (TIMS) is an advanced system for telecommunications training. TIMS is a rack and module system, in which modules perform a basic communication or signal processing function on actual analog signals in hardware. For example, there are adders, multipliers, filters, samplers, and signal generators. TIMS provides students with a way of prototyping communication and signal processing systems in the laboratory that helps understanding.

TIMS would provide a more "real world" experience for the students compared with only software simulations. A series of laboratory exercises for signals and systems course was developed to help students understand and visualize the complex mathematical concepts and gain a better appreciation for how the concepts are useful in real-world situations: Fourier series analyzer, spectrum analysis of signals, and sampling and aliasing. In an attempt to give students more hands-on experience with the theories and concepts of analog and digital communications, TIMS lab exercises included amplitude modulation/demodulation, frequency modulation/demodulation, ASK generation/demodulation, BPSK generation/demodulation, FSK generation/demodulation. In data communication class, TIMS lab exercises sampling theorem verification and constellation diagrams for multi-level modulation were introduced to students. TIMS units are hardware training systems, with which the students build the circuits at a block diagram level and observe the results using oscilloscope.

Evaluations were based on student surveys (course evaluations) and student work (assigned homework, exams and labs). 87% of signals and systems class students “agree” or “strongly agree” that the TIMS laboratory exercises helped them to better learn the course content. 81% “of the students agree” or “strongly agree” that laboratory exercises increased their interest in the subject. 96% of engineering communication systems students “agree” or “strongly agree” that TIMS helped them to better learn the course content. 92% of students “agree” or “strongly agree” that TIMS increased their interest in the subject.