1. On Monday April 9, 2007 the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Advisory Council assembled at approximately 8:05 A.M. in the University of Akron Martin Center.

2. The meeting was called to order and opening remarks made by Tom Frey, chairman of the Council. In the opening remarks, Tom welcomed everyone to the Spring 2007 Meeting and presented the modified agenda for the meeting.

3. Tom Frey introduced Kaye Bogue Assistant Director of Development. Kaye will be working with Mr. Dave Day and will focus on growth of the ECE Department..

4. Greg Lewis passed out senior project evaluation forms to all members of the Council along with instructions for completing the forms.

5. After opening remarks by Akron University’s senior project advisor Mr. G. Lewis, 11 projects were presented by project leads and, in turn, evaluated by the ECE Advisory Council.

6. The Senior projects were the following:
   
   

   Media Center X     Design Team #1

   Mike Block  Patrick Broughton  Kevin Phifer  Brad Tapolcsanyi

   Abstract
   
   A replacement for the Equinox system with a foldout display for drive state and danger notifications for the consumer and CAN diagnostics for the competition team. DVD was added. Standard chimes, and OnStar communication were preserved.
   

   Challenge X: Sensor Interface Design Team 2

   Brian George Michael Jansen Patrick Riegler

   Abstract
   
   
   A programmable communications box to translate sensor generated voltages to digital readings in specified units, and to broadcast these and programmed limit warnings on the CAN bus.
   
   
   

   Challenge X: System Health Monitor/Black Box Design Team 3

   Brent Buehrle Greg Dillion Aaron Nicol Joe Sarkauskas

   Abstract
   
   A communications/data logging box that monitors all system health/safety related CAN transmissions and issues warning messages when health/safety rules are violated. Omissions of expected signals are detected and interpreted. Competition data logging requirements are met. PC download capability is provided for the competition.
   
   
   

   Challenge X: Ultracapacitor Management System Design Team 4

   Robert Gruich Jared Hicks Dustin Myers Alex Oldja

   Abstract
   
   An ultracapacitor storage system was designed and custom manufactured to replace the battery of the Equinox. Cells were configured into two series-connected banks. Individual microcontrollers protect each cell, while allowing it to charge to peak capacity. A CAN based interface with energy demand units enables the system to respond immediately to all demands over a wider range than batteries permit. This project in itself makes the University of Akron entry the most aggressive by far in the Challenge X competition.
   
   
   
   

   Model Airplane Engine Benchmark Rig   Design Team 5

   Benjamin S. Bloss Megan L. Dillion Christopher L. Feyerchak Jonathan D. Soudry

   Abstract
   A test rig for remotely operating a model airplane engine to explore engine performance over a permitted control space. The throttle and air mixture can be manually or automatically controlled. Automatic options are a two dimensional area search and a steepest gradient guided sequence.
   
   
   

   Aquarium Paradise  Design Team 6

   Tinh Khongphatthana Matthew R. Kinsinger Ryan J. Leon

   Abstract
   An aquarium monitoring and control system for maintaining proper temperature, water levels and impurity levels, and for controlled feeding of the fish. Water cycling is used for control of pH and Nitrite levels, and for overheating.
   
   
   

   Smart Sensory Alarm Clock   Design Team 7

   Brad Morse Karl Pilz Josh Runtas

   Abstract
   A microprocessor based alarm system that is easy to set and hard to defeat. Standard power is provided before the wakeup time for coffee, music, etc. Snooze activation brings progressively unpleasant alerts. Remote disarming guarantees emergence and adjustable weight sensors detect re-entry within the programmed time.
   
   
   

   EnviroCane  Design Team 8

   Stephen McCarthy Matthew Miesle Jigar Patel Brandon Smith

   Abstract
   A low power, ultrasonic sensing walking cane for the blind. Sensors detect side and forward floor level obstacles, and a forward overhanging obstacle. Four isolated vibration pads alert the walker. A buzzer alert signals malfunction or a failing battery.
   
   Accreditation update and Fall 2007 ABET Evaluation Team Visit – Dr. John Welch
   
   In the visit, there will be a team chair, and a team member for each program, EE and CpE. The members will have read the self-study document, and will have (prior to the visit) a CD with supporting data, and a website with data and graphic materials about the program, including the senior design reports. The team will examine student work on a course by course basis. The EE and CpE members will probably request a brief meeting with the Advisory Council, to assess their involvement in the programs.

   The ABET team may refer to the Advisory Council as the IAB or Industrial Advisory Board. Our advisory council participates in ABET assessment in the following ways:

   As representatives of the employer constituency, the Advisory Council provides input on the refinement of Educational Objectives (EO) and Program Outcomes (PO), and reviews Senior Design presentations to assess potential for EO achievement. Design team ratings from the April 06 meeting were presented.

   As industry leaders, Advisory Council members review EO evaluation and PO assessment results and offer advice to the faculty on program improvements. They also conduct an alumni survey which obtains company responses on EO refinement, alumni supervisor responses on EO achievement, and alumni responses on PO refinement. Results from the 06-07 survey were presented.

   Charts of several program level assessment metrics were shown as examples of detailed data available to the ABET team in the self-study, including PO Importance and Preparedness Ratings by alumni, Co-op III Employer Ratings, Fundamentals of Engineering (FOE) passing rates and test results, assessments of elective choices, and team PO achievement ratings by faculty advisors. Recent response levels for co-op employer ratings were shown, since this has been an improvement project of the Advisory Council ABET Subcommittee.
   
   In Closing:

   • The Employer/Survey is a major EO evaluation tool, and good data was obtained.
   • The rating of team presentations provides additional EO Evaluation data.
   
   
   • The Advisory Council helps the ECE refine the EO’s and PO’s and the evaluation and assessment processes.
   • The ECE will be informing the ABET evaluators of these contributions and the value of our Advisory Council to our programs.
   
   
7. During lunch, Dr. Alex De Abreu-Garcia debriefed the Council on recent status of the University of Akron Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
8. During lunch Deanna Dunn provided the Advisory Council with the following:
• August 2005 Graduate Salary Information
• August 2006 Graduate Salary Information
• Optional Summer 2006 Employer Evaluations (Class of 2009)
• Fall Summer 2006 Employer Evaluations (Class of 2009)
• Engineering Cooperative Education Salaries Class of 2007, 2008 and 2009
• Class of 2006 Graduate Salary Summary
• Class of 2007 Graduate Salary Summary
• Co-op Program Student Performance Evaluation form

NATCAR Design Team 9

Daniel Hawk Jason Kuzman Josh Miller

Abstract
A student competition requiring a 1/10 th scale car to navigate a curved and jogged track defined by a wire carrying a 75kHz, 100mA RMS signal in a timed trial. The UA entry is PIC based, with inner front and outer back magnetic sensors, and a row of infrared sensors to detect the vinyl tape over the wire. A proportional compensator controls acceleration and braking. The compensator is tuned for the competition track via a personal computer.




Formula SAE Graphic Display Module   Design Team 10

Philip Klein Damir Ljubanovic John McGonnell Daniel Zaratsian

Abstract
A CAN based display system with easily selectable modes of display of current gear position, critical running parameters and lap times. LED warning lights are included for alerting the driver to violations of preset limits.




Perfect Popcorn  Design Team 11

Neil Brooks Michael Plahuta Jeff Rossow

Abstract
A control system inserted between the keypad and the microwave control elements of a microwave to cut off the microwave when 95% of the kernels are popped. The system is based on audible detection, using directional microphone and filtering to isolate pops. Cutoff is based on pop interval and humidity measurement. Nonpopping food will shut down the popcorn system.

At the conclusion of the senior project presentations, the council completed the evaluation forms and submitted to these to the University of Akron ECE dept. personnel.

 

9. An ECE Council group photo was taken.
   
10. Committee Reports were presented by the Chairman of each committee. The individual reports are as follows:
    

ABET Committee – Tom Frey

Course Assessments
     - Being Done
Final Co-Op Reports
     - Uniform Report will be used
     - Student responsible to get report from employer
     - Being Done
Preparation for Fall ABET Visit
     - September Timeframe
     - Advisory Council will probably be asked for input
     - Outcomes and objectives are the most important things
Employer and Alumni survey reports
     - Preliminary list received and some contacts provided by Deanna
     - Companies contracted
     - Surveys being received
     - Will contact additional companies as contact persons are identified
Senior Project Evaluations
     - The supervisor of the design team would determine outcomes addressed
     - Design team will also assess whether objectives and outcomes addressed
     - Advisory Council will also do assessment
     - Differences in assessments will be used to improve
     - Being done
Program Outcome 3
     - John has new wording to be reviewed by Advisory Council
     - Finalized
Objective and Outcomes
     - Keep in front of students in the “Tools for Engineering” course
     - Incorporation into course syllabus
     - Poster on bulletin board to be done
ABET Website
     - Concept of ABET website for posting of all appropriate information
     - Could be used for senior design projects
     - Being designed for electrical and computer engineering department



Research Committee (RSC) – Jim Peters

A. RSC Members: Dave Filicky, Jim Peters, Dale Perram, Paul Raptis, Ming Zhang

B. RSC U/A Advisors: Dr. S.I. Hariharan, Dr. Iqbal Husain, Dr. Robert J. Veillette

C. Report:

1. On 11-28-07 the RSC met with Dr. Alex De Abreu-Garcia to discuss existing U/A Research structure, concepts, and visions in an attempt to identify the RSC goals and tasks.
   
2. Existing U/A concepts include the following:
• A request from President Proenza for a "synergy of efforts".
• Strengthening the existing U/A research foundation and partnerships.
• Creating a new U/A Incubator Building.
• Developing U/A research contracts with private industry on a per department basis.
• Obtaining (earmarking) Federal funds for construction of a new U/A Research Building.
3. RSC has decided to target their efforts towards helping the U/A ECE Department increase the volume of its research contracts. Suggested next steps include the following:
• Become familiar with existing research partnerships, contracts, and projects.
• Become familiar with the skills, interests, and abilities of the U/A ECE Faculty w.r.t. projects and assignments.
• Become familiar with existing facilities and equipment.
• Meet with past research partners from private industry (both large and small) to understand their experiences, accomplishments, and/or problems.
• Obtain an understanding of the U/A Research Foundation and its policies w.r.t. Intellectual Properties rights, contracts, partnership agreements, costing, etc.
• Familiarize ourselves with existing U/A research assignment procedures, staffing policies, and rate schedules for all research staff (faculty, grad students, undergrads, etc.).
• Work closely with ECE Department Head to obtain department and faculty profile sheets with specific emphasis on research, and develop a brochure to market same.
• Continue to develop strategies to market the U/A deliverables.


Program Development Committee – Jim Eckman for Jim Stadelman



1. The Program Development Committee was asked to provide employment interviewing tips for Electrical and Computer Engineering graduates. Based on that request, the committee prepared and submitted for review a Power Point presentation providing helpful hints for before, during and after job interviews. The Power Point presentation was handed out to the Advisory Council attendees for review and comment. Initially the committee suggested that the committee members may present both good and bad interviewing techniques to the students in the form of skits. The skits would then be followed by with the Power Point presentation. The Advisory Council provided numerous comments including the following:
   
   
   • The committee should contact Deanna Dunn from the Co-op Office as well as a contact person from the University’s Placement Office to determine what interviewing materials may already be available.
   • It was discussed that one-on-one coaching of the students may provide more benefit than a group presentation. Depending on the number of Advisory Council members who could assist, the individual presentation approach would be extremely beneficial.
   • It was discussed that the Power Point presentation may be incorporated into an existing class.
   • Dr. Alex offered to provide or set up rooms for possible mock interviews.It was suggested that the mock interviews might be video taped in an effort to better refine the students interviewing abilities.


2. The Program Development subcommittee will take all Advisory Council comments and refine the employment interviewing program for follow up to the Advisory Council.

Marketing Committee – No Report


11. Tom Frey opened discussion on general topics of interest.

The next meeting of the ECE Council was set for October 8, 2007 at the University of Akron’s Martin Center. This will be a half day (afternoon) meeting beginning at Noon.


12. Conclusion: Tom Frey thanked everyone for contributions to the Spring 2007 ECE Council meeting.
    
13. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 4:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
James E. Eckman - Secretary ECE Advisory Council
Web Page address:
http://ece.uakron.edu/advisory_council.html