Build a bidirectional motor control – use an H-bridge with PWM to control a motor spinning in both directions.  Put it on a PCB to control E72 robots.

Research and build an equi-ripple group delay filter (mostly theory).  This filter is to a Bessel filter as Chebyshev is to Butterworth (an analogy that will probably never make it to the SAT).

Build a lock-in amplifier.  This is a very useful device for finding small signals within noise.

Build a spectrum analyzer using only (or mostly) analog components.  This isn’t too difficult, but involves a few subsystems that must interact correctly.

From Rebecca Roberts in the Scott Arboretum:

The Scott Arboretum is exploring the opportunity to bring DATA GARDEN to the campus in fall 2013.  We hope this will be a great opportunity to collaborate with other departments and involve students. Data Garden will design exhibits throughout the gardens that encourage exploration of the natural environment through live musical performance and sculpture that blurs the distinction between the biological and digital worlds. They exhibited at Bartram’s Garden last year, check out the video: http://vimeo.com/35915131

The “bio-interactive” art installations focus on connections between plants, music, and technology. They use electronic impulses produced by plants to generate music; crossing of biology, engineering, and musical disciplines. Making a unique blending of arts and sciences.

 These exhibit will grace the campus for 3 days culminating a concert in the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater. Electronic musician and sound artist, Tim Hecker will headline the concert with 2 to 3 opening acts. This would be a great opportunity for student groups, classes, and projects.

 With a proposed date of October 2013, there is plenty of time to incorporate efforts into syllabi for Fall 2013 semester.

 Those interested in becoming involved in this project should contact Becky Robert at 610-328-8023 or rrobert1@swarthmore.edu by Aug. 31.

-- Rebecca Robert PR and Volunteer Programs Coordinator The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College 500 College Avenue Swarthmore, PA 19081 Phone: (610) 328-8023 Fax: (610) 328-7755
rrobert1@swarthmore.edu

Stepper motors are very useful in situations where precise control of position is needed, but without direct feedback.  Design and build such a controller.

Brushless motors are somewhat more complicated to control than standard (brushed) DC motors.  Design and build a controller for a brushless motor.

Design and build a motor controller that charges up a battery when braking.

Design and build a motor controller that also measure motor speed.  It works by periodically stopping control for a few milliseconds and then reading the back emf of the motor before resuming control.

Measure distance using sonar

Use phase difference between two signals to localize a sound   

Build a light organ, that flashes different lights depending on the frequencies present in the incoming music.

Design and build a circuit that measures the phase difference between two signals.