CSCE 491 - Capstone Computer Engineering Design
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.
My Course Syllabus & Course Text (click this link)
Lecture Materials & Resources (click this link)
Homework Assignments (click this link)
9/19/02 New! I have moved all of the details off this page, as it is getting much too long, and too much time is involved in downloading the page. Note that, with the removal of the frames, you can now save the specific page link for the Lecture Notes and for the Homework Assignments. Also, I'm trying to keep the amount of material per page to a single average sized window, to minimize hand movement via scrolling. User friendliness is our "middle name".
9/19/02 New! Note the change I have indicated on the Syllabus in terms of assignment of percentages for the workload for this course. I was reminded that these needed to change, as they are weighted in the course definition, and I had let this error slip through. Sorry for any inconvenience, but this *is* a "design" course, so the design project will count a more sizable portion of the grade. I bring this to your attention just so we are all on the same page on this matter. I don't see it as a problem and you shouldn't either.