James M. Conrad, Ph.D., PMP
Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, UNC Charlotte

Current Classes - Spring 2022 Classes

• ECGR4161/5195 and MEGR4127 - Introduction to Robotics - See the Canvas Site for the class for details. 

Previous Courses

ECGR 2181 - Logic System Design I

Introduction to Boolean algebra; mixed logic; design of combinational circuits; introduction to sequential systems; MSI building blocks; includes laboratory design projects.   

• Summer 2022 - Refer to Canvas for course materials.
• Summer 2021 - Refer to Canvas for course materials.
• Fall 2020 - Refer to Canvas for course materials.
• Summer 2018 - Refer to Canvas for course materials.
• Fall 2016 - Refer to Canvas for course materials.
• Here is the ECGR2181 class website from Fall 2015.
• Here is the ECGR2181 class website from Fall 2009.
• Here is the ECGR2181 class website from Fall 2008.
• Here is the ECGR2181 class website from Spring 2006.
• Here is the ECGR2181 class website from Spring 2005.

ECGR 3183 - Computer Organization

Introduction to key concepts in computer organization, design, and engineering including the following topics: CPU Performance analysis, instruction set design, , system level view of computer arithmetic, design of the datapath and control for a a simple processor using VHDL, pipelining, hierarchical memory, I/O systems. (Fall).   

• Here is the ECGR3183 class website from Fall 2004.

ECGR3253 - Senior Design I

A project-oriented course stressing the planning and design of experiments to support the student's project. Formation of the design problem and specifications.

• Here is the ECGR3253 class website from Spring 2008.
• Here is the ECGR3253 class website from Fall 2007.
• Here is the ECGR3253 class website from Spring 2007.
• Here is the ECGR3253 class website from Fall 2006.

ECGR3254 - Senior Design II

A project-oriented course stressing the planning and design of experiments to support the student's project. Formation of the design problem and specifications.

• Here is the ECGR3254 class website from Fall 2008.
• Here is the ECGR3254 class website from Spring 2008.
• Here is the ECGR3254 class website from Fall 2007.
• Here is the ECGR3254 class website from Spring 2007.

ECGR4090/5090 - Special Topics:  Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Spring 2016 -  Materials posted on Moodle.

ECGR4101/5101 Embedded Systems

The goal of this course is to solidify and build upon a student's knowledge of computer organization by presenting hands-on experience with microcontrollers. Students will also examine a few sensors that are used in commercial and medical products and learn how to interface them in a microcontroller system. 

• The Fall 2022 course used Canvas.
• The Fall 2021 course used Canvas.
• The Fall 2018 course used Canvas.
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Fall 2017. 
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Fall 2016. 
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Fall 2015.  The lectures for this class were recorded and posted toYouTube (Version 3).
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Fall 2014. 
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Fall 2013. 
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Fall 2012. The lectures for this class were recorded and posted toYouTube (Version 2).
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Spring 2012. This class was taught using YouTube Videos.
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Fall 2011. The lectures for this class were recorded and posted toYouTube (Version 1).
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Spring 2010.
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Fall 2009.
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Fall 2008.
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Fall 2007.
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Fall 2006.
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Fall 2005.
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Fall 2004.
• Here is the ECGR4101/5101 class website from Fall 2003.  The class was called ECGR3090/5090.

ECGR4161/5196 and MEGR4127- Introduction to Robotics

• The Spring 2023 course used Canvas.
• The Summer 2022 course used Canvas.
• The Spring 2022 course used Canvas.
• The Summer 2021 course used Canvas.
• The Spring 2021 course used Canvas.
• The Summer 2020 course used Canvas.
• The Spring 2020 course used Canvas.
• The Fall 2019 course used Canvas.
• The Summer 2019 course used Canvas.
• The Spring 2019 course used Canvas.
• The Summer 2019 course used Canvas.
• The Summer 2019 course used Canvas.
• The Spring 2019 course used Canvas.
• The Summer 2018 course used Canvas.
• The Summer 2017 course used Canvas.
• The Summer 2016 course used Moodle.
• The Summer 2015 course used Moodle.
• The Summer 2014 course used Moodle.
• The Summer 2013 course used Moodle, but lectures were posted on YouTube.
• Here is the ECGR4161/5196 class website from Summer 2012.
• Here is the ECGR4161/5196 class website from Summer 2011. 
• Here is the ECGR4161/5196 class website from Summer 2010.
• Here is the ECGR4161/5196 class website from Spring 2009.

ECGR 6185/8185 Advanced Embedded Systems

Design and implementation of embedded computer systems. The student will extend previous knowledge of the use of microcontrollers, C and assembly programming, real-time methods, computer architecture, simulation, interfacing, system development and communication networks. System performance is measured in terms of power consumption, speed and reliability. Efficient methods for project development and testing are emphasized. 

• The Spring 2016 course used Moodle.
• The Spring 2015 course used Moodle.
• The Spring 2014 course used Moodle.
• Here is the ECGR6185/8185 class website from Spring 2013.
• Here is the ECGR6185/8185 class website from Spring 2011.
• Here is the ECGR6185/8185 class website from Spring 2010.
• Here is the ECGR6185/8185 class website from Spring 2009.
• Here is the ECGR6185/8185 class website from Spring 2008.
• Here is the ECGR6185/8185 class website from Spring 2007.
• Here is the ECGR6185/8185 class website from Spring 2006.
• Here is the ECGR6185/8185 class website from Spring 2005.
• Here is the ECGR6185/8185 class website from Spring 2004.  The class was called ECGR6090/8090

ENGR 1202 - Introduction to Engineering Practices and Principles II - Electrical and Computer Engineering

• Taught Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Summer 2018, Summer 2019 - Materials posted on Canvas.
• Taught Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016 - Materials posted on Moodle.

ENGR 3295 Professional Development

• Taught Fall 2010, Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2019, Spring 2023.

MS in Computer Engineering, "Concentration in Embedded Systems"

Recommendation for courses and activities for an MS in Computer Engineering, Concentration in Embedded Systems:

1. Complete these Three Core Courses:

• ECGR5101:  Advanced Embedded Systems (Fall)
• ECGR5181:  Computer Architecture (Fall)
• ECGR5187:  Data Communications and Networking II (Fall)

2. Take four additional courses that have an emphasis on Embedded Systems content:

• ECGR5090:  Reconfigurable Computing (Fall in odd-numbered years)
• ECGR5100:  Research Tools and Techniques in Computer Engineering (Fall)
• ECGR5146:  Intro to VHDL (Spring)
• ECGR5196:  Robotics (Spring, Summer)
• ECGR5111:  Controls (Fall)
• ECGR5411:  Controls 2 (Spring)
• ECGR5133:  VLSI Systems Design (Fall, Spring)
• ECGR6090:  Advanced Reconfigurable Computing (Fall in even-numbered years)
• ECGR6181:  Embedded Operating Systems (Fall)
• ECGR6182:  Advanced Embedded Operating Systems (Spring)
• ECGR6185:  Embedded System Application Design (Fall)
• ECGR5105:  Introduction to Machine Learning (Fall)
• ECGR5106:  Real-Time Machine Learning
• ECGR5127:  Machine Learning for the Internet of Things (Spring)

3a.  If you want to graduate with the thesis option:

• ECGR 6991: GRAD THESIS RESEARCH (9 hours)
• Successfully complete the research
• Complete an MS thesis document
• Pass an oral presentation to a faculty committee.
• Complete and submit an article to a conference selected by Dr. Conrad.

3b. If you want to graduate with an MS with Project:

• Complete another two courses beyond the core in ECGR (total of 9 courses).
• Enroll for ECGR 6990:  Project Course, during which you work on and successfully complete a project directed by Dr. Conrad (no student-identified projects are allowed).
• Complete a report on the project work.
• Pass an oral presentation to a faculty committee.
• Complete and submit an article to a conference selected by Dr. Conrad.

3c. If you want to graduate with an MS with coursework only (this does not need to be directed by Dr. Conrad):

• Complete another three courses beyond the core in ECGR (total of 10 courses).
• Successful score 60% per subject in the MS test.