EECE 200 Homework, Spring 2008

American University of Beirut ECE 200, Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering Homework 1: Engineering as a profession 1-Give examples, from Lebanon, of communications engineering projects that are:  Fiscally feasible but economically unfeasible. Explain.  The introduction of GPS car on the Lebanese market is a good example of a communication engineering product that is economically unfeasible. In fact, the integration of GPS in the new cars is fiscally feasible but most of the Lebanese won’t spend money for such a device that they consider useless.  Economically feasible but fiscally unfeasible. Explain.  The ADSL in Lebanon is a good example of a communication engineering project that is economically feasible but fiscally unfeasible. In fact, while the DSL project attracts a wide range of the population, the government doesn’t have enough money to develop the system by buying new technologic materials so they can perform the speed and cover the needs of all the country...  Renewing the telephone lines is also a good example of a communication engineering project that is economically feasible but fiscally unfeasible... Actually, the arteries of transmission-centric in Lebanon lost 85% of their initial capacity and several villages don’t even have access to telephone lines. Building new telephones lines could be a very economical project and attract more customers... But the problem is that the government doesn’t have enough money to sponsor such a project…  Environmentally or socially unfeasible. Explain.  The construction of several communication system such as mast could be considered as environementally and socially unfeasible project. In fact, the construction of geant masts near to school or habitats increase highly the electro smog problem (the exposure to the electromagnetic fields can cause headaches, irritability, sleeplessness, fatigue or even more serious health concerns) and is obviously rejected by the population. 2-Discuss how the major engineering disciplines contribute to the design and construction of a new airplane. List at least five disciplines. 1 The construction of an airplane is a good example of the considerable interaction that takes place among the engineering disciplines. The different disciplines that interact with each other to construct the plane are: 1-The computer and communication engineering Computer and communication engineer work on the signal processing systems of the plane. On the newest commercial plane, computer engineer developed an onboard computer system for managing engine functions, implementing the navigation and flight control system, and generating video information screens in the cockpit. A complex control system uses cockpit commands to adjust the position and sped of the airplane, producing the appropriate signals to the engines and the control surface to ensure the plane remains airborne and on the desired flight path. In addition, engineers perform signal processing systems to reduce the noise in air traffic communication and transform information about the plane’s location into the more meaningful form of a video display in the cockpit. 2-The electrical engineering The electrical engineers work in the power system of the plane to keep the cabin lights on, make the coffee, show movies.. 3-The aeronautical engineering Aerospace Engineers are responsible for investigating faulty engines or other components, and for developing repair systems. They are involved in designing improved air conditioning, fuel systems and ground based systems for flight control. In addition, they design the physical configuration of the craft to withstand the forces encountered during flight, keeping structures lightweight. At the end of the project, they execute flight test programs in order to determine if the airplane meets its design and performance goals and certification requirements. 4-The mechanical engineering The mechanical engineers’ role in the project of construction of the new airplane is very important and consist in designing and develloping the aircraft engine. They also work with aeronautical engineers to perform heating and air conditioning system to maintain comfortable temperatures inside the plane.. 5-Materials Engineering Materials Engineers test the ways certain materials composing the plan behave when put under pressure or are heated or joined with other materials (metals, plastics, rubber, timber, ceramics). They are involved with developing new materials and improving certain qualities of existing materials( example: early airplanes were constructed of wood and fabric for the most part. After World War I, engineers began to think about replacing wood with all-metal construction). 2 6-Structural Engineering This branch of engineering take into account natural forces such as wind, waves and earthquakes and their effects when a plane is designed and built. The structural engineer ensures that structures are built in such a way that they stand up to these forces. Innovative solutions to these problems are researched, developed and tested by structural engineers. 7-Risk Engineering There is a growing awareness in the general public of the need for risk assessments to be carried out before a project begins. This involves analyses based on a knowledge of chemistry, physics and operational aspects of the construction of the aircraft. It is important to identify any potential hazards, the consequences of these hazards and the frequency and magnitude with which they are likely to occur. For example, in the new airplane, risk engineer have developped emergency oxygen systems that automatically deployed in the rare event of cabin depressurization. 8-Industrial Engineering Industrial Engineering is concerned with the design, improvement, materials, equipment and finance integrated in the construction of “the new plane”. It predicts and evaluates the results to be obtained from the project and measure achievement. 9-Environmental Engineering Environmental Engineers are concerned with protecting the environment.This is done by studying the plane's design, construction and operation and minimising any adverse effects that it may have on the environment. They also design equipment and processes for the treatment and safe disposal of waste material and try to develop alternative energy sources, water reclamation.. 3- What constraints should be considered in the design of a new portable DVD player? List at least five constraints. Many constraints should be identified before designing a new portable DVD. Some of the constraints for this device include the following: - Energy use: the portable DVD shouldn’t require too much energy - Battery life: easy to charge (can be charged via PC like the I-Pod, car power adapter...) - Picture quality: good picture quality - Movement: the device should not be connected physically to anything else that would limit our movement when using it - Size: the device should be small and portable - Weight: the device should have a light weight (use macro chips and light weight material...) - Easy to manipulate 3 - Cost: It should be inexpensive enough so that people will buy it (Nb. It’s hard to have a high performance DVD player in a law price; therefore we have to make a good combination between the technical issues and price issues). 4-Visit the website of the Institute of Electrical and electronics engineers IEEE:  What is the mission statement of IEEE? The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers regroups people interested in engineering or computer science. It offers a source of technical and professional information, resources and services (journals, transactions, magazines, conference…). Thus, we can say that this institute promotes for the development of technologies and the advancement of “the Electrical and Electronics engineering profession”.  How many IEEE members are there? The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers regroups more than 375 000 members.  What are the benefits of joining IEEE? Joining IEEE presents several benefits, such as - Accessing to the industry’s most essential technical information which allow us to stay current with the fast changing of technology’s world. - Connecting with members worldwide sharing the same interests. - Benefit from IEEE’s educational activities (the online learning course for example). 5.a. What are your interests in the concentration areas of electrical/computer engineering? Explain. I have particular interests in the study of “digital system” and “communication and signal processing”. Actually, I’m very attracted by all kind of digital product (laptops, virtual reality system, I-pods...) and I feel very curious to understand how they work. In addition, I would like to comprehend the manipulation of electromagnetic signals that has various application including digital telephony, satellite communication, local-area connection… b. What industry sector would you be interested to work in after you graduate? Explain. 4 After graduation, I would like to work in of the two “telecommunication” or “manufacturing” sectors. In particular, I want to get an employment in a large company that contains a research center where I can work with a group of engineers on projects in order to develop digital devices or perform communications services. 5 6