Jin-Ning Tioh Computer EngineeringTony Ross Computer EngineeringDave Zajicek Computer EngineeringAlex Burds Computer Engineering

AbstractAbstract

In recent years, computer-based education has become an increasingly popular means of disseminating information over that of traditional pencil and paper methods, while holding the attention of students at the same time. With traditional methods presenting a lack of interaction and a significant time delay between completion and feedback, this project aims to design and develop an interactive framework to practice digital logic exercises, while providing immediate feedback on problem areas. Additionally, a modular design will be adapted which will enable future senior design teams to program and add additional modules covering a wider number of topics.

IntroductionIntroduction

Problem StatementTraditional pencil and paper methods are unsuited for doing exercises pertaining to digital logic, as they lack interaction and present a significant time delay between completion and feedback. This can discourage students and cause them to lose interest in a topic.

Operating Environment• Runs on home computer with Windows platform

• Microsoft .NET framework required

Intended Users• Future senior design teams

• Basic digital logic design course students

• Basic digital logic course instructors

Assumptions and Limitations• Completion timeframe of two semesters

• Supporting computer software is available

Expected End Product and Other Deliverables• Digital Logic Training Tool framework with circuits and truth tables

• Formal project documentation

Design RequirementsDesign Requirements

Functional Requirements• Ability to choose, create, edit and organize exercises.

• Ability to solve and create a solution for problems.

• Ability to receive feedback on problem solution.

Non-Functional Requirements• Loading and saving an exercise should take less than 2 seconds.

• Grading a solution should take less than 2 seconds.

• Application should require no more than 256 MB of disk space.

• Each exercise should require no more than 1 MB of disk space.

Design Method and ConsiderationsDesign Method and Considerations

Design Method• Followed V-model software development model.

• Design document split into Software Requirements Specification (SRS) and Software Design Document (SDD) to separate client requirements from system features.

• Class structure split into modules (GUI-Class pairs).

• Module-level rapid prototyping employed.

• Modules integrated iteratively.

Design Considerations• Java vs. C# programming language

• Use of MVSIS Logic Synthesis and Verification package

• Best approach for providing student feedback

Client : Client : Dr. Chris ChuDr. Chris Chu Faculty Advisors : Faculty Advisors : Dr. Joseph Zambreno and Dr.Dr. Joseph Zambreno and Dr. Gregory Smith Project : Gregory Smith Project : May08-32May08-32

Closing SummaryClosing Summary

This project aims to help students practice digital logic exercises, with immediate feedback on their solution. Efforts this semester were directed towards creating the basic framework.

Estimated ResourcesEstimated Resources

TestingTesting

Unit TestingAutomated unit tests are written for data classes by developers.

System Integration and Verification TestingAfter individual modules have been tested, alpha testing will be performed by the developers, with testing based on a checklist of uniquely labeled specific requirements to ensure traceability.

User Acceptance TestingStudents and instructors of basic digital logic courses will be asked to work their way down a list of tasks involving the finished program taking roughly half-an-hour before filling a short survey.

ScreenshotsScreenshots

Fig. 2 Exercise Management System Fig. 3 Circuit Solution Editor

Fig. 1 Detailed Design – System Class Structure

Measurable MilestonesMeasurable Milestones

• Problem definition and technology selection

• Design and implementation

• Testing and demonstration