This paper discusses the application a/ programmable logic devices (PLDs) to enhance the understanding ofdigital design at the University of Akron. Switching and Logic course has oflen been taught as a classical engineering class where students have little or no hands-on experience. and sometimes have diJjficulty in understanding the basic concepl. With the availability of lower-cost, digiral and logic components, and test equipment, this is changing. For freshman and sophomore engineering students taking an introduction to digital design, one musl make sure that error in implemenlation such as w i r i n g errors do not prevent the concept ofdesign from getting through. To ense implementation problems at the university, programmable logic devices in the form of ICT PEELsTM and PEELTM arrays are used with motherboard and daughter boards. The configuration tools are easy to use and available at no cost to the students for home use. Two and multilevel implementation are investigated for both combinational and sequential networks. The motherboard, daughter board combination was locally developed allowing their resources to closely track the accompanying laboratory exercises. By reducing wiring 10 a minimum laboratory, exercises can range from analysis to design and be accomplished in the allotted threehour period. The overall efectiveness of this instructional model has been positive. and this continues to be used and expanded.

No abstract

A fundamental problem of mechanical motion control is that of indexing a mass reliably from one stationary position to another in a given time with as little power as possible. A quadratic time increment function is proposed and demonstrated for stepping motor control. With this function, a given motor can index a mass through a variety of index lengths. The indexing system includes a microprocessor to adjust the motor pulse timing to index the inertial load through a range of motions — each with the same maximum torque. The functions and the sizing of the motor are described. The interaction between the microprocessor calculation speed and the indexing capability is given for achievable real time control. Experimental results for a specific system are presented.