Department of Electronics
Monthly Feature:
Exploring Engineering:
Interactive Demos in Electronics and Mechatronics
By Blythe Armstrong
On Saturday, November 16th Carleton University’s Faculty of Engineering and Design had the great opportunity to host an event for high school students interested in pursuing engineering. The Department of Electronics started the day with two seminar presentations, followed by hands-on lab sessions split between Electronics and the new Mechatronics program. Parents also had the chance to participate, making it an enjoyable and interactive experience for all.
First Demonstration
The first demo illustrates white light twisting and separating into different colours as it passes through sugar water.
Second Demonstration
The second demo highlights how stresses in plastic cause birefringence.
The students got the chance to work with some of the state-of-the-art lab equipment here on campus, including the oscilloscope and function generator. Their enthusiasm as they navigated the resistor-capacitor lab, driving the bread-boarded circuit with a square waveform and measuring the transient output of the low-pass filter was inspiring. The students were able to get a taste of what it would be like to study Electronics at Carleton.
Following the Electronics lab, Mohammad Biglar Begian, the new Director of the Mechatronics program, shared insights on robotics and soft manipulators, offering an exciting perspective on the vast possibilities within mechatronics and the integration of electronics, mechanics and robotics.
To finish the day, Riley Cameron-Rogers, featured on the Department of Electronics webpage, provided an engaging live demonstration of an articulated robot arm that was designed by first-year students in the Faculty of Engineering and Design.
Overall, the event provided an exciting hands-on introduction to the world of engineering for high school students (and their parents), highlighting the innovative work being done here at Carleton University. From exploring electronics and mechatronics through interactive labs to experiencing cutting-edge projects like the articulated robot arm, attendees gained valuable insight into the intersection of electronics, mechanics, and robotics.
The day was a resounding success, sparking curiosity and inspiration for future careers in engineering. The collaboration between the Department of Electronics and the Mechatronics program promises even more exciting opportunities ahead.
Welcome from the Chair
— Dr. Leonard MacEachern
Welcome to the Department of Electronics, where you’ll find an exciting blend of hands-on learning and innovation.
Whether you’re passionate about building electrical machines, designing integrated circuits, or exploring photonic technology, our programs offer you the chance to bring your ideas to life. While we certainly embrace coding and simulations, we go beyond the screen by focusing on creating real, tangible systems.
You can choose from three core programs—Electrical Engineering (EE), Engineering Physics (EngPhys), and Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering (SREE-A)—each offering unique opportunities to match your interests.
Within EE, we also offer specializations like power systems, integrated devices, RF/microwave circuits, and more, so you can tailor your learning to what excites you most.
We can’t wait to see what you’ll build with us!
Join us on an exciting journey where innovation meets expertise!
As one of Canada’s largest and most research-intensive departments, we’re at the forefront of electronic circuit design, RF and microwave circuits, photonics, and integrated circuit technology. Our vibrant community is fueled by passionate students and guided by our internationally respected faculty, who are dedicated to helping you excel.
Whether you’re drawn to the latest advancements in sustainable energy or the intricacies of circuit design, you’ll find your place here. Explore your potential and be part of a legacy of innovation!
News
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Congratulations! Pavel Cheben: The 2025 SPIE Maria Goeppert Mayer Award in Photonics
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