Entry Tips
ABSTRACT
COMPLETE DOCUMENTATION
CODE
MAKE AND SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY
FINAL ENTRY CHECKLIST
EXAMPLE ENTRIES
ABSTRACT
What it is?
The abstract is a synopsis of your project that we may use for publishing/posting purposes. It should include:
• Your Registration Number at the top of the first page or in a header/footer
• The name of the eligible part used in your project
• A brief text description of your project (two pages maximum)
• One photograph of the complete assembly of your project
• One block diagram
• Schematic(s)
• A sample of code (two pages maximum)
• Do NOT put your name on any materials
Special Exceptions: If your project does not use any hardware external to the EKK-LMS9B96, then you may include a relevant screen shot instead of a photograph of your project—such as if you used the IEC60730 library.
- Short text description—Basically, you want to summarize what your project is and what it does (two pages maximum). Make sure you specify which contest-related part you used. You might want to highlight any special features of your project.
- Block diagram—The block diagram should be a basic diagram that shows the connections among your project’s main components.
- Schematic(s)—The complete schematics must be included. Show all units and part numbers, and clearly label all signals, pins, etc. Note: If you use a demonstration/development board, then the schematic should show the connections to the board and any circuitry you add.
- Photograph—The photograph must show the complete assembly of your project. If you add text to your photograph, please also send a plain version without any modification.
- Brief sample of code—The brief sample of code, or listing, should be no longer than two pages. It should be just a short example of your code. Note: You may leave out the sample of code if you don’t have any segments short enough.
Formatting
You may submit your abstract in one of two ways:
a) as one Word/text file (no PDFs), with the art embedded
or
b) as a group of files
If you choose option b, be sure to label the files appropriately. Also, put them in a separate folder or a separate ZIP or RAR file from the rest of your entry.
The abstract can be a plain document or something fancier with a stylized layout, graphics, etc. Either way is fine.
Fonts (use something standard):
- Arial
- Courier New
- Helvetica
- Times New Roman
File formats:
- Word doc
- ASCII
- GIF
- JPG
- TIF
- BMP
- EPS
- EAGLE sch
- No PDF
Questions
If you have any questions, e-mail us at compadm@circuitcellar.com. Our business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. If you have a question, we strongly urge you to contact us at least a week before the contest ends. The turnaround time for a reply will be faster if you e-mail us sooner.
COMPLETE DOCUMENTATION
What it is?
The complete documentation is exactly that, complete. You should include everything from the abstract plus all other relevant flowcharts, photographs, tables, graphs, etc. The text description should be more extensive than what you included in the abstract. Fully explain the development process and function of your project. Your complete documentation should include:
- Your Registration Number at the top of the first page or in a header/footer
- A detailed text description of your project and its operation (no page limit)
- At least one photograph of the complete assembly of your project
- At least one block diagram
- Complete schematic(s) (Note: If you use a demonstration/development board, then the schematic should show the connections to the board and any circuitry you add.)
- Any additional photographs, diagrams, screen shots, tables, flowcharts, etc.
- Do NOT put your name on any materials
Formatting
You may submit your complete documentation in one of two ways:
a) as one Word/text file, with the art embedded
or
b) as a group of files that the judges can open separately.
If you chose option a, also include the original file for the photograph of your project. If you are selected as a winner, we will need a high-resolution image (300 dpi) that’s approximately 4 × 4 inches. Please do not manipulate or resize the image.
The text can be in a plain document or something fancier with a stylized layout, graphics, etc. Either way is fine.
Fonts (use something standard):
- Arial
- Courier New
- Helvetica
- Times New Roman
File formats:
- Word doc
- ASCII
- GIF
- JPG
- TIF
- BMP
- EPS
- EAGLE sch
- No PDF
Questions
If you have any questions, e-mail us at compadm@circuitcellar.com. Our business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. If you have a question, we strongly urge you to contact us at least a week before the contest ends. The turnaround time for a reply will be faster if you e-mail us sooner.
CODE
What it is?
You must include the complete source code for your project. This means you must include all of the source files necessary to assemble, compile, or build the firmware for your project. The object/executable code must be able to be recreated by a third party.
Formatting
According to the contest rules, any application code must be created with the provided Keil software. Therefore, the source code should be packaged and presented as the complete project folder as found on your machine once you are done developing the code. If you provide us the files in this manner then a third party will be able to build (compile, etc.) your project as required by the rules.
Questions
If you have any questions about creating or formatting your code, e-mail us at compadm@circuitcellar.com. If you have a question, we strongly urge you to contact us at least a week before the contest ends. Modifying code can take a long time, so the sooner you reach us, the better. The turnaround time for a reply will be faster if you e-mail us sooner. Our business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.
MAKE AND SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY
What is an “Entry”?
The term “Entry” refers to your Abstract, Complete Documentation, and Code collectively (e.g., all together in one ZIP file).
After you create the Abstract, Complete Documentation, and Code, you need to put together your Entry. Organization can really make a difference. The information below should help you organize your Entry in a way that will impress the judges.
Organize with labels
Make things easy for the judges. Label your files with straightforward, descriptive titles for easy identification. For example, when you’re labeling a photo:
• Don’t use: top.jpg
• Do use: photo1_top_view.jpg
Organize with ZIP or RAR files
Package your individual files in a zip or rar file. Label it with your REGISTRATION NUMBER. Example: TI9999_entry.ZIP. Organize the files within your ZIP or RAR file in folders. Label the folders and files with obvious titles. We suggest that you do NOT change the file/folder structure of your code files from how they are on your PC. Making changes can make building the project troublesome. Helpful web sites:
WinZip web site
WinRAR web site
Where to send your entry
Do NOT email your entry. To submit an Entry, you must upload your project files to the Circuit Cellar Dropbox.
The preferred method of Entry is to use the Dropbox. But if you cannot utilize the FTP Dropbox, you may send project files on a CD-ROM, DVD, or USB memory stick to the following address, taking care to label all items with you Project Registration Number:
DesignStellaris2010 Contest
Circuit Cellar
PO Box 180
Vernon, CT 06066
Confirmation
You should receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your entry within two business days. E-mails are usually sent sooner, but processing may take up to two days. E-mail confirmations will be sent during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST).
Note: If you send your entry at least a few business days in advance of the deadline, it gives us time to check your entry for corrupt files and completion. If your entry is missing something (e.g., a block diagram), you would have time to add it before the contest deadline.
Questions
If you have any questions, e-mail us at compadm@circuitcellar.com. Our business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. If you have a question, we strongly urge you to contact us at least a week before the contest ends. The turnaround time for a reply will be faster if you e-mail us sooner.
FINAL ENTRY CHECKLIST
Entry Materials & Checklist
• Abstract
• Complete documentation
• Code
• Project description
• Block diagram
• Schematic
• Photograph
• Source code
• Use your Registration Number for labeling
• Remove your name from your entry files
• The preferred submission method is to upload your project files to the Circuit Cellar Dropbox. (Or send project files to: DesignStellaris2010 Contest, Circuit Cellar, PO Box 180, Vernon, CT 06066)
EXAMPLE ENTRIES
These two entries are examples of past design contest winners. In both of these examples, the entries are well organized. Also, the documentation of the projects is thorough.
Example 1
First Prize, Atmel AVR 2004 Design Contest
Bruce Lightner
Registration Number: A3805
Entry: Fuel-Consumption Gauge for Your GM Car
Example 2
Second Prize, Atmel AVR 2004 Design Contest
John Orlando and Brent Taylor
Registration Number: A3694
Entry: AVRCam