Orcad and Pspice Simulations

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Adam

As a student studying Electrical Engineering you will use many different tools to assist you in the learning and application process. So today I will go into one of the AWESOME software tools I use on a daily basis.

One thing that just about all of my professors have told me about using a computer aided design (CAD) is that if you don’t master the software, the software masters you. This may not make sense yet but it will by the time you finish reading this blog.

Although the above picture is not a schematic I have drawn, the Program, ORCAD, allows you to draw a schematic like the one you see above. This is what the interface looks like on your screen.

You need ORCAD to run a simulation with values you set and then will receive data much faster then actually setting up a circuit with discrete components. So before I enter the Electronic Devices lab every Thursday I draw a schematic similar to the one above. I set all the values of Resistors, Capacitors and Sources to receive the data I want. With this data, I have a reference point for the values I should receive when I design the Circuit with discrete components like the one below.

The software is a great tool to master and utilize! I highly suggest buying a text on the software and reading it as you learn to master it. It can be tricky! If you really want a jump start you can check out the link below, if you are a student you may download the free lite version of ORCAD with pspice simulations.

http://www.orcad.com/

Again this ORCAD is just one of many great tools you will learn to use at Embry-Riddle. Thanks for reading.

Overview of Electrical Engineering classes

Posted on September 24, 2014 by Adam

Are you interested in studying Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering? Well as a junior I am just starting to take all the core engineering classes at Embry-Riddle, Prescott. So if you decide to read further into this blog which I highly encourage, I will be covering what it’s like taking the first of many core Electrical Engineering classes.

Currently I am taking: Signal Processing, Electronic Device Design, Computer Science (C Programming) and Engineering Math. So why do these classes even mater? Engineering math is Essential the last math tools you need to to take the upper class Electrical Engineering courses. so far we have covered Fourier Series, which I have provided a link to information about if you click Here

. As far as Signals goes, this class has struck my interest the most. I have so far learned about sampling, which is a necessary process for converting continuous (real time) time signals to digital signals. Learning about this and the process of amplitude/frequency modulation is pretty fun considering there are so many applications.

Too quickly sum up Electronic Device Design, the name says it all. Basic Op Amp applications in designing an amplifier. Applications and design of Transistors and more to come.

While taking these classes are demanding, don’t fear, by the time you come to your junior year you will be well prepared for the task at hand. The best way to keep up with everything is staying motivated, and enjoying what you learn. If you don’t enjoy it then you may consider studying another topic or learning in a way that is enjoyable to you. If you have any further questions that I can answer please feel free to comment or email me and thanks for reading.

The New Semester

Posted on August 11, 2014 by Adam

Good afternoon everyone, I hope you all have enjoyed you’re summer as much as I did. Today I will discuss with you some tips that I have come to learn about getting ready for the new semester after a long summer break. After a few years of experience I have decided to share some personal tricks for relieving stress and getting psyched for the new year.

To start off, we all know the routine shopping spree for school supplies and clothes. That is clearly a must, one thing I like to do when shopping for school supplies is get a few extra of everything; binders, pens, pencils, exct. Just to be sure your ready all year. Don’t forget to get in there before all the high schools begin their shopping, usually they do begin school prior to colleges.

I personally like to get everything ready a couple weeks in advanced when I have free time and I feel motivated. This way I have plenty of time to get anything I forget and I am not feeling rushed before school.

Now the best way to relieve the stress of not know how tough the year is going to be is to be sure you aren’t rushed with anything the first month school starts. So for instance if you work like me, take a fee weeks off so you can relax and know what you are getting in to. Just remind yourself of all the tough classes you have already been through and realize those classes have prepared you for this semester and the classes you are about to take.

Lastly it couldn’t hurt to read a few pages of the textbooks for your classes. All it takes for me is a chapter in each and I feel comfortable enough to relax.

Please feel free to contact me in the comments, I understand my profile says I am a freshmen but this year will begin my junior year. Thank you for reading.