Applying engineering cost analysis in a microprocessor system design course

Engineering design is a crucial component of the under-graduate engineering curriculum. The design process should include not only synthesis based on performance criteria, but also consideration of economic and other factors to achieve cost-effective results. The author discusses the incorporation of engineering cost analysis into a design-oriented course. Specifically, cost analysis for microprocessor system design is discussed, but many of the concepts can be applied to design courses in other areas of engineering. The influence of economic factors on microprocessor system design is discussed and a simple cost analysis model is presented. This integration of cost analysis and use of the model in a course is described. The model is simple enough so that it can be understood with a minimal background in economics, but is complete enough and its use in the course is such that students can study design tradeoffs and gain an understanding of cost analysis in design