View All Pages

Course: Textbooks And Other Resources Needed For This Class

Textbooks & Other Materials 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.

I have also provided a number of additional resources linked to each lecture. I hope you will find applications, cool tidbits, etc. that capture your personal creative streak, and perhaps you will even want to pursue them further.

1. Textbook / MyDAQ / Multisim / Mathscript / Labview bundle:

Circuits and MyDAQ bundle Links to an external site. by Fawwaz T. Ulaby, Michel M. Maharbiz, Cynthia Furse , 3rd edition ($300)  (available at the UofU Bookstore, or online Links to an external site.)

This bundle includes:

  • The Circuits textbook Links to an external site. (THIRD EDITION) which will be used in ECE1250 and ECE2240.  I really liked this textbook, for its readable/understandable explanations.  Last year, I helped write the 3rd edition, and added a lot of additional explanations and real world applications.  I hope you will find it a 'good read'.  It is less expensive to buy the text/software/myDAQ as a bundle Links to an external site..  Can you use an older version of the textbook?  Yes, you can. I will put a new version on reserve in the Marriott Library, so you can compare it to yours and copy sections as needed.  (NOTE:  I will not accept profits from the use of this textbook in this course, and will donate any profits thus obtained to a scholarship fund.  I wrote this book to help you learn.)  Here is the COMPANION SITE Links to an external site. for the textbook.
  •  MyDAQ 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 and 2240.   myDAQ Resources
  • 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 also ECE2240.  The DVD in the back of your textbook has tutorials and support to get you started with Multisim.  Multisim Resources
  • Labview Software Links to an external site. is a very useful software for general use during your degree, but we won't be using it in this class. This does give you an alternative to buying Matlab --MathScript RT.  The user interface is slightly different, but you should be able to work around that pretty well.

2. Zyante Matlab Online Textbook  ($57) Links to an external site.

  1. Sign up at zyBooks.com
  2. Enter zyBook code UtahECE1250RasmussenSummer2016
  3. Click Subscribe

Students can begin subscribing at the beginning of the semester to the class zyBook by following these simple instructions. Copy the above instuctions into your syllabus or LMS. The cost to subscribe is set at $57; any applicable returning student discounts will be applied automatically. The student subscriptions will be valid through the fall semester 2016.

This interactive online ebook will walk you step-by-step through Matlab programming, and is a very effective way of learning this material.

IFFF you are already familiar with Matlab, you may use any other Matlab textbook or the online resources Matlab: Resources to complete your assignments. In this case, you are not required to purchase the Zybook.

3.  Student Version of Matlab Links to an external site. ($99)  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.  You can purchase this online or at the bookstore.  You will need access to this software, and having it on your own computer is the most convenient.  There are alternatives to purchasing, including using Matlab virtually online, Mathscript which came with your textbook bundle, or Python. See Matlab: Resources

4. 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. 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 (approximately $30) on your U-card in order to make these purchases.

6?. Do I NEED a laptop?  Well, technically no.  You are welcome to use the ECE Computer Lab in MEB 2555 .  To get 24/7 keycard access, fill out the form in the ECE Stockroom (after you get your UofU student ID card).  Software for the MyDaq, Matlab, Multisim, Microsoft Office, and Labview are all installed in this lab.  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.  A tablet is a great supplement to a PC (you'll probably love it for watching video lectures), but not a good substitute.

7. Calculator.  You will also need a calculator to do your homework, and exams.  The calculator needs to be capable of handling matrix math, including complex matrices.  Calculators that will do the job include TI 85 and up, and also TI 36.  The TI 83 and 84 are NOT sufficient.