ECE 40020 - Sound Reinforcement System Design
Note:
This course will no longer be offered after the Spring 2020 semester.
Course Details
Lecture Hours: 3 Credits: 3
Counts as:
- EE Elective
- CMPE Special Content Elective
Normally Offered:
Requisites:
(ECE 20002 or ECE 25500) and ECE 30100 [may be taken concurrently]
Requisites by Topic:
Prerequisites: Basic electronic components and circuit design principles Concurrent Prerequisites: Basic understanding of signals and systems
Catalog Description:
An introduction to computational tools used in the measurement and analysis of electro-acoustic systems, and their application to sound reinforcement system engineering. Service learning based projects, serving the needs of community clients, provide the context for application of sound reinforcement system design principles and practices.
Required Text(s):
- Sound Systems: Design and Optimization , 2nd Edition , Bob McCarthy , Focal Press , 2009 , ISBN No. 9780240521565
Recommended Text(s):
- Sound System Engineering , 3 Edition , Don Davis and Eugene Patronis , Focal Press , 2006 , ISBN No. 0240808304
Learning Outcomes:
- an ability to apply knowledge obtained in earlier coursework and to obtain new knowledge necessary to design a sound reinforcement system. [1,2,4,6,7]
- an understanding of the engineering design process. [1,2,4,6]
- an ability to function on a multidisciplinary team. [4,5]
- an awareness of professional and ethical responsibility. [4]
- an ability to communicate effectively, in both oral and written form. [3]
Lecture Outline:
| Week(s) | Topics |
|---|---|
| 1 | Physics: radiation of sound |
| 3 | Sound: transmission, summation, and reception |
| 3 | Design: evaluation, prediction, variation, and specification |
| 3 | Optimization: examination, verification, and calibration |
| 3 | Component selection: loudspeakers, power amplifiers, signal processors, mixing consoles, microphones, racks, wiring |
| 1 | Project presentations |
| 1 | Demos, design project overview, midterm exam |
Engineering Design Content:
- Establishment of Objectives and Criteria
- Synthesis
- Analysis
- Testing
- Evaluation
Engineering Design Consideration(s):
- Economic
- Environmental
- Ethical
- Health/Safety
- Social
Assessment Method:
Outcome Evaluation Instruments Used (i) Sound System Design and EASE Simulation for Assigned Venue (ii) Concept Questions on Midterm and Final Exams (iii) Service Learning Report for Community Client (iv) Essay Questions on Midterm and Final Exams (v) Written Project Report and Presentation Students must demonstrate basic competency in all the course outcomes, listed above, in order to receive a passing grade. Demonstration of Outcome (i) will be based on successful completion of a sound reinforcement design for an assigned venue (e.g., 2000-seat general-purpose auditorium with balcony), for which a minimum score of 60% will be required to establish basic competency (based on technical content and design constraint satisfaction scores on project report). Demonstration of Outcome (ii) will be based on successful completion of concept questions on the midterm and final exams, for which a minimum score of 60% will be required to establish basic competency. Demonstration of Outcome (iii) will be based on successful completion of an audio-related service learning project for a community client and submission of a written report detailing the work completed, for which a minimum score of 60% will be required to establish basic competency. Demonstration of Outcome (iv) will be based on successful completion of essay questions on the midterm and final exams (that address economic, environmental, ethical, safety, reliability, and social issues associated with sound system design), for which a minimum score of 60% will be required to establish basic competency. Demonstration of Outcome (v) will be based on the written project report (technical writing style score) and oral presentation, for which a minimum score of 60% on each will be required to establish basic competency.