ECE 453 - Fall 2026

LABS

About the Labs

To get access to Keysight Advanced Design System (ADS), follow the steps below:

1. Connect to campus VPN (we recommend you to use TunnelAll option so the connection is more stable).
2. Follow the guide at https://go.illinois.edu/fastx to log into FastX
3. Follow the guide at https://answers.uillinois.edu/illinois.engineering/81201 to open ADS
   • Open the Applications menu in the top-left and select Terminal
   • Type module load ads and press Enter
   • Type ads and press Enter to open ADS
4. If you enconuter any set-up issues, contact ews@illinois.edu.

Additional Information and Links

ECE supply center catalog: https://my.ece.illinois.edu/storeroom/catalog.asp

Agilent Spectrum Analyzer Mode Measurement Guide: http://courses.engr.illinois.edu/ece453/lab_files/N9060-90035.pdf

Oscillator video #1: https://uofi.box.com/s/t9vebusvtj274e4jk43ebcx136tsp0vv

Oscillator video #2: https://uofi.box.com/s/cubtgy4sw6fo3skkh2j7v0gyvodeywtx

Oscillator video #3: https://uofi.box.com/s/ekt9y6nx1kym84qs7vxgyqujos3ld9nh

FM quadrature demodulation slides: http://courses.engr.illinois.edu/ece453/lab_files/FM_demod_slides.pdf

ECE453 Eagle supplemental part library: http://courses.engr.illinois.edu/ece453/lab_files/ece453.lbr

Additional Eagle use notes: http://courses.engr.illinois.edu/ece453/lab_files/Eagle_Use_Notes_JCG2.txt

Eagle schematic design tutorial video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AXwjZoyNno

Eagle layout design tutorial video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCTs0mNXY24

• Lab reports should be prepared with a word processor and a good quality printer.
• Try to make it look professional. Plots should be informative. Scale the axes appropriately.
• Lab reports are written in pairs.If you have difficulties with your partner, seek assistance early in helping you work together better.
• All tables, plots and equations should be placed where they are needed, not the end of the lab report.
• Using snapshots of setups and circuits is encouraged. If a snapshot of an instrument screen is used, the screen text should be readable.
• Each lab document provided to students should have a rubric/checklist. Watch for Emails regarding occasional rubric/checklist updates. Make sure to address every point in the checklist to obtain a good score.
• An executive summary about a quarter-page in length is required from EACH group member. That part is individually written.