A Progressive Design Approach to Enhance Project-Based Learning in Applied Electronics Through an Optoelectronic Sensing Project.

In this paper, a progressive design learning approach is proposed in the course of "applied electronics" to help students to develop system design skills through an optoelectronic sensing project. This project offers a progressive guideline to lead student teams to design, build, and troubleshoot their optoelectronic systems. Such a system contains a light-source current stabilizer, a photodiode amplifier, a microcontroller system (including input and output), and optomechanical devices. In this approach, students are motivated to learn the required knowledge and skills in a future professional capacity. Those skills include designing specification, realizing teamwork and communication, and developing a variety of optoelectronic sensing techniques. Through this project, an optoelectronic sensing system is established called a spatial radiance distribution measurement system for various light sources. In particular, this kind of system is useful and important for LED industries. The course evaluations have been obtained from class- mates and instructors and these results indicate that the objectives of this course are achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]