DocumentCode :
3410884
Title :
HO scale model trains provide a vehicle for curriculum fusion between electrical engineering and computer science
Author :
Loy, J.R.
fYear :
1994
fDate :
2-6 Nov 1994
Firstpage :
361
Lastpage :
365
Abstract :
Model trains provide an ideal vehicle for promoting digital computer design concepts while simultaneously integrating the computer science and computer engineering curriculums. The authors´ research employed two categories of HO scale model train systems. The first was the traditional version available at most hobby shops. The second was an intelligent version which uses independent microprocessors in each cab for advanced control. Each system proved well suited for certain specific lab objectives, and together spanned the applications spectrum. Model trains have also helped to energize the curriculum fusion process. There are numerous reasons for using model trains in a computer science and electrical engineering curriculum. Model trains stimulate student interest because they are fun and can be used to simulate complex systems. Model trains have proven to be a flexible tool, being utilized in the basic digital logic course through the capstone design project. Considering the relatively small cost of a model train set, model trains can be a cost effective tool to model such things as a state machine, collision avoidance, and deadlock avoidance
Keywords :
electrical engineering education; HO scale model trains; advanced control; capstone design project; collision avoidance; computer science; curriculum fusion; deadlock avoidance; digital computer design concepts; digital logic course; education; electrical engineering; microprocessors; personal computers; research; state machine; student interest; Application software; Automotive engineering; Computational modeling; Computer science; Costs; Design engineering; Electrical engineering; Logic design; Microprocessors; Vehicles;
fLanguage :
English
Publisher :
ieee
Conference_Titel :
Frontiers in Education Conference, 1994. Twenty-fourth Annual Conference. Proceedings
Conference_Location :
San Jose, CA
ISSN :
0190-5848
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-2413-7
Type :
conf
DOI :
10.1109/FIE.1994.580558
Filename :
580558
Link To Document :
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