On Thursday, Dr. Rhett Davis taught an electrical engineering class on electric
circuits. This session introduced the student to computer aided circuit design.
Initially, dr. Davis introduced the class to basic electric components, such as
resistors, capacitors, LEDs, and hook-up wire. Following his instructions, the
each student was given a package containing resistors, capacitors, wire, and battery
connector, and LEDs. Each student also received a 9 volt battery and a circuit breadboard.
Dr. Davis showed the class how to hook up the electrical components using the
wire and breadboard. Each student successfully built a circuit that would allow
the LED to illuminate.
Next, the students used a computer applet to simulate a circuit that would blink
the LED. This applet allowed the student to change the values of various
resistors and capacitors and note the effect of the blink rate of the LED. While
using the applet, Dr. Davis introduced the timer IC chip, which is used to actually
blink the LED. Each student was given a timer chip to add into his breadboarded
circuit. Only two components were actually blown out of 16 students! Each
student was able to successfully build the timer circuit to blink the LED. Dr. Davis
asked questions after the exercise was completed.