An Rf Communication Laboratory Capstone Electronic Design Experience

A direct conversion short wave receiver is used as a laboratory capstone electronic design experience in the Topics of Electronic Communication Laboratory offered to Electrical Engineering Technology students at the University of Cincinnati. The direct conversion receiver is used to illustrate the reception of continuous wave (CW) and single-sideband (SSB) signals in the 40-41 meter (7.0-7.3 MHz) short wave bands. The receiver is implemented with a low cost, readily available, printed circuit board and two commonly available integrated circuit chips. Electronic assembly time is approximately six hours with a total project cost, excluding resistors and capacitors, under $25. At the outset of the laboratory course, students are given a schematic diagram and are required to develop a project parts list to include component cost and supplier. Students are also required to develop and implement assembly, test, and calibration procedures for the project. Project journals and reports are used to record student ideas and experiences throughout the project.