First semester of the capstone honors senior thesis research. Topics include creativity, design methodology, specification development, project management, ethics, safety, reliability and preparation for oral and written reports. Students develop project plans, and prepare and present written and oral project proposals. The project plans must include aspects of design, implementation and evaluation, similar to ECE 791. However, honors thesis research must also include independent research beyond the normal scope of ECE 791. At the end of the semester students prepare a written progress report. All ECE Core Course Requirements must be met prior to enrolling in Senior Honors Project I.

Introduction to digital signal processing theory and practice, including coverage of discrete time signals and systems, frequency domain transforms and practical spectral analysis, digital filter terminology and design, and sampling and reconstruction of continuous time signals. Laboratory component providing an introduction to DSP design tools and algorithm implementation. Lab.

Spectra of deterministic and random signals, baseband and bandpass digital and analog signaling techniques, transmitter and receiver architectures, performing analysis of digital and analog signaling in additive noise channels, carrier and symbol timing synchronization methods. Lab.

Design and construction of linear and nonlinear electronic circuits using existing integrated circuits. Limitations and use of operational amplifiers. Laboratory course in practical applications of non-digital integrated circuit devices. Lab.