CSCE 491
Capstone Computer Engineering Design Project
Department Course Description
The official departmental description for this course can be
found at the following link: 491—Computer
Engineering System Project.
(3) (Prereq: CSCE 240, CSCE 311) Selected design projects.
This course has undergone considerable changes in its outcomes and its methods since Spring of 2002. We are now covering a range of topics related to the Computer Engineering discipline, and applied to the project domain of 802.11 wireless LAN systems specification and custom programmable VLSI hardware design. Specifically, we are designing VLSI components to implement the MAC layer of the 802.11b protocol.
This course is required for rising or graduating seniors focusing on a Computer Engineering program of study. It assumes the student can recall knowledge, materials and techniques presented in CSCE 211 (Digital Logic Design) and CSCE 212 (Computer Architecture) as a minimum. However, it also draws somewhat on knowledge of algorithm design and programming languages. The focus is on instilling a set of engineering practices and discipline centered around the execution of a team-oriented design project.
The Importance of This Course for Computer Engineering
In my view, this class is your first, last and best look at what it will be like to practice the craft of computer engineering as it pertains to hardware-oriented design projects. I have managed many such projects over the years (in both hardware and software), and I know what it takes to specify a system, take that specification and realize a set of competing architectures from it, and to carry it with into a software implementation or into a VLSI hardware one. My philosophy is to treat the course as a team-oriented design project, although (depending on class size) the assignments could be made individually. In the real world, designers work in teams, highly coordinated and involving specialists from many functions within an organization. As a team member on such a design project, you will be expected to (1) carry out your project function in a highly disciplined manner, (2) be accountable to your teammates for upholding your end of the project (because your bonus, and even your job, depends on it), (3) exercise sound engineering principles in executing your job function (i.e., be highly technically competent, having "done your homework" on the project, so to speak), and (4) be able to conduct yourself in a professional manner, treating team mates ethically, and with dignity and courtesy, which they deserve and extend to you in a professional setting.
Course Content Materials
My Course Syllabus & Text (Click this link)
Course Lecture Notes & Resources (Click this link, and save it as a bookmark in your browser)
Homework Assignments (Click this link, and save it as a bookmark in your browser)
Course Pages Content - Change History
05/29/03 New!! I have added this page, so that prospective students know the texts to be used, how the course will be graded, and the overall structure of it. More information on the course subject materials and projects will be posted soon, along with a more detailed outline of the materials to be covered (I am still working on this).