Its amazing how my results turns out exactly the same i predicted. So yup, it was as bad as i have expected, resulting in a slight drop in the cap. Well, its about time i guess, it has been rising steadily for the last few sems.. In summary, EE2001 saved me. Being the only A however, it had quite a difficult time trying to neutralize the negative effects of the rest of the modules, where the next best grade is B+. S/u option shall also be employed to help clear up the mess created by a B, although s/u-ing a B doesn't feel quite right, but well there's no other modules i can s/u and it does help me abit, so why not?
Next, the dateline for FYP selection will close next friday (6th June). Looking through the 700+ project proposals can be a pain in the ass and the search algorithm also just cannot make it. Spent some time last week during work to scan through the list and found that alot of them damn scary one, of course there are interesting ones like implementing a PS3 game/wii, some are just weird like laser for a king?? and also cute engineering, part of a series of research into the use of cuteness in engineering new interactive systems.
Here's the top 3 hottest projects as of now:
First 2 damn scary, so many people choose. Bet they never look at this stats, especially those choosing as 2nd and 3rd, sure no chance and wasting their choice slot one leh.
Yay, it's weekend again! The 2nd week of internship past by real fast. Cos monday is public holiday, tuesday i did half day cos got interview with Chartered, Friday also half day cos DSI got some dinner and dance thingy, so we were released early.
The interview with Chartered was quite horrible. It was largely due to the fact that i did not understand how Chartered fit in in terms of designing role. As Chartered is well known for being a fabrication foundry and only does manufacturing of wafer from the designs of their customers , i was being questioned as to how can i contribute as an ic designer. I mentioned a few things like verification, testing and stuff, but each answer was backfired as those weren't exactly what they are dealing with; obviously i didn't do my homework.
Technical question were alright, was asked to design an inverter using CMOS process, that one i did ok, with the circuit as well as the explanation. Then, the next one was how to simulate and measure the RC time constant. This one i blanked out, damn it's only after the interview i realized how easy it was. The remaining of the interview was the most jialat one, the interviewer kept reiterating: So you really wana be an ic designer? for like 10 times or Tell me why should we give you the scholarship and not the rest of your peers? Do you think Chartered is really the right choice for you? You sure you wun regret?
Ok back to my internship. I have been given more tasks after completing the first one. I also implemented what i have learnt in EE3208 (timer interrupt) into my project, in order to make my timing more accurate. Now thinking back, even though EE3208 might be my worse module this sem, i actually learn alot from the module and applied the most in my work here in DSI. This is the reason why you should take design module, you get to do hands on project and not just theory only. And of course you get to tell people you did something impressive in the module like:"Hey i did a talking cash register in my module.", rather than:"Erm, well, I learnt how to do fast fourier transform." (Erm, i have nothing against the signals and comms folks ah, this is just an example..lol)
Also, other than doing my microcontroller programming, I am also writing a simple game using visual C++ just for fun after I have finished my task. It's just a simple text based game where you get to fight monsters based on dungeons and dragons rule but a more simplified version to ease the complexity of my program..
Oh yeah, by the way, even though i am working in a research institute, I am doing pretty much industry work rather than research. I am part of the team that is going to produce something that is going to be sell for industry use. Which kinda answer my question on why everyone else is like studying... while i am doing actual work...
Alright, that's all for now.
Now let's see, i finished my last paper on the 10th and my internship at DSI (Data storage institution) began on the 12th, barely have time to relax lar. My task is mainly programming, very much like the programming of the PIC in EE2001, but much more complex as the chip i am working with has much more capabilities. Also, the idea is also similar to that of EE3208, programming the microprocessor to control several other ic chips which in turn perform other tasks. In short, its EE2001 and EE3208 all over again...
However, working there was far from stressful or difficult, in fact i kinda enjoyed it. Maybe because of my experience in EE2001 and EE3208 (or maybe it's only the 1st wk?), i found the first task my supervisor gave me quite easy to grasp and got rather familiar with the software i am using to program the chip. It's a darn powerful software, can code, can compile, can convert to hex format, can debug, even can simulate the ports output, variables value, the serial port input/output (omgosh love this one, save me so much trouble when working with the GUI), timing waveforms and even the performance of the program.
Alright, not supposed to reveal too much. Of course, dun expect any photos either.
Other than work, I pretty much slack at home watching tv and playing CABAL online which BK recommends.
It's slightly different from the typical MMOs i have played, in that this one doesn't focus so much on grinding your character and you can have the flexibility to build your character. Also, there's the combo system which is quite refreshing and fun. Actually havent really explore much about the game, still dunno alot of the game system.
Go try it!
Weekend had high tea with LT and Matt, at Fort canning The Legend's strawberry fantasy high tea buffet. Basically its cakes and tea. Not bad though, eat until damn shiok.
Thats all folks, maybe next week then update again.
I finally submitted my project for EE3208...took the whole reading week plus last week to rush it out.
Here's some photos of the final product:
Ah i know success is missing a 'c', but i only limited to 6 characters mah...heh
I always thought software was hard. But i was so wrong as this project has proven to be that software is the easier part as compared to hardware. Why? Cos hardware is sometimes so hard to debug, there can be so many possibilities and uncertainties.
Ah, whatever, i still have 2 more papers to go.. and most people have already finished their exams liaoz. Sian..back to mugging.
