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Course: Textbooks and Other Resources Needed for this Class

The list of materials you will need for this class is given below.  I realize this is a substantial investment for this class.  The other professors in the program and I have coordinated to make it possible for you to use the textbook, MyDAQ, MATLAB, and Office tools in multiple classes.  No, you really can't get by without buying the textbook/software/hardware bundle.  The lectures are not copies of what is in the book.  The material will be obviously very similar, but the examples are different than the book, so you have multiple examples to learn from.  The lab will be based on using the MyDAQ, and we really will use this extensively.  Multisim is our key to easy simulation of these circuits, and we will use it in lectures, in labs, and also in homework.  MATLAB is about 1/4 of the class content, so you absolutely need that tool.  There are other tools (Python, for example) that are similar to Matlab, but Matlab is the industry standard and has the best technical support. You will be using Matlab quite extensively for the next 4+ years, so investing in it now will pay off throughout your program.

We instructors, (especially Dr. Furse), have provided a number of additional resources linked to each lecture. We hope you will find applications, cool tidbits, etc. that capture your personal creative streak, and perhaps you will even want to pursue them further. There will be a number of extra credit opportunities.  These can be used to bring your homework and lab scores up to 100%, in case you miss a few points or assignments here and there.  If you have something you would really like to do for extra credit, suggest it to me.  If it makes sense to let you do it for points, I will make that opportunity available for everyone else for extra credit too.

1. Textbook/hardware/software bundle:

Circuits Links to an external site. by Fawwaz T. Ulaby and Michel M. Maharbiz ($250 bundled with myDAQ at Studica.com) (available at the UofU Bookstore, or online)

http://www.studica.com/National-Instruments-students-ni-labview-mydaq/ni-mydaq-circuits-textbook-bundle-for-students.html Links to an external site.

This bundle includes:

  • The textbook Links to an external site., which will be used in ECE1250 and ECE2240.  I really like this textbook. It is readable, and I think quite understandable. I hope you will like it too.  I don't think it makes sense financially to buy this textbook used, as then the MyDAQ and software is more expensive individually.

       Videos by the authors

  •  MyDAQ hardware Links to an external site., which is like having your own personal electrical engineering lab (power supplies, DVM, scope, function generator, etc.) in your backpack!    The textbook link above has support for the MyDAQ as well. (This has a year warranty, so buying it used is risky.)  You will use the MyDAQ in ECE1250, 2240, and probably ECE2280.
  • Multisim software Links to an external site., which will let you simulate the circuits in the textbook, your homework, and the labs.  We will use this in ECE1250, and (probably) also ECE2240.  The DVD in the back of your textbook has tutorials and support to get you started with Multisim.
  • Labview software Links to an external site., very useful software for general use during your degree.  Not quite sure how much we will use this in this class, but it lets you use MathScript RT, which can substitute for Matlab. 

2. MATLAB text

MATLAB for Engineers (textbook), by Holly Moore (4th edition) Links to an external site.. ($89) (available at the UofU Bookstore, or online)

You need the 2014 edition.  Older editions are likely to be very confusing, as they will describe things in the older interface.  HOWEVER, if you are using an older edition of Matlab (such as if you are retaking this class), then buy the edition of the book that is compatible with the version of Matlab you are using (check by year).  The book will also come with updated video lectures that I think you will find very, very helpful.  You will use MATLAB and this book for reference throughout your whole program in the ECE department.  MATLAB is used throughout the program in many of your upcoming courses.  It is a tool routinely used by engineers in industry, as well.

3. MATLAB Software

Student Version of MATLAB (software) Links to an external site..  ($99)  (available at the UofU Bookstore, or online)

MATLAB is a simple programming interface that engineers use for quick, effective simulation, computation, and graphing.  We will use it throughout the course (ECE1250 is meant to be your first introduction to this powerful tool), and in several other classes throughout your degree.  The link above also has tutorials and support to get you started. 

4. Microsoft Office (Word)

You will need access to word processing software for writing.  Microsoft Office (Word) is available to UofU students free from the Office of Software Licensing Links to an external site..  Check out other free and discounted software for students.

5. Computer

You will need a computer.  You are encouraged to use your own computer running Windows or a Windows emulator, (more on this in the Lab section).  If you do not have a computer, you are welcome to use the computers in the ECE Computer Lab in MEB 2555 Links to an external site..  Software for the MyDaq, Matlab, Microsoft Office, and Labview are all installed in this lab, and you can run MultiSim using the DVD from the back of your textbook.  You can access the video lectures and class website there as well.  BUT it will surely be a LOT easier if you have a computer at home, whether it is a desktop or laptop.  A personal tablet (ipad, etc.) is not enough for this class -- the MyDAQ requires a USB interface and the Windows OS.  A tablet is a great supplement to a PC (you'll probably love it for watching video lectures), but is not a good substitute.

6. Calculator

You will need a calculator to do your homework, and exams.  For more complex calculations in the homework and labs, you may use MATLAB.  For exams, only a calculator is allowed.  The calculator needs to be capable of handling complex numbers and converting from rectangular to polar coordinates.  Calculators that will do the job include the TI 83 and up.

7. Lab Keycard Access

To get into the lab in MEB 2555, you will need keycard access.  To obtain access, fill out the form in the ECE Stockroom in MEB 2355 (after you get your UofU student ID card).  

8. Parts for Labs

You will need additional parts and materials for the lab.  They can be purchased in MEB2355 (Electrical Engineering Lab Store/Stockroom).  You will need money on your U-card Links to an external site. in order to make these purchases.