Electronics and Circuits

Description

The main objective of this subject is to familiarise students with basic electronic circuits, mainly with op-amps as active elements, and their applications. By the end of the subject, students should have acquired reasonable proficiency in the analysis of basic electronic circuits and be able to build and test circuits in the laboratory. Particular emphasis is placed on the practical, hands-on aspect of electronics to provide a solid foundation of working knowledge for basic analog electronic circuits using op-amps. Laboratory work is a significant proportion of in-class delivery so as to make students proficient in circuit construction, testing, troubleshooting and to give them a sound knowledge of the use of test instruments. Another objective is to show that practical electronic applications are relevant to other engineering and technical disciplines and may often be placed within a wider social or commercial context.

Subject objectives

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Perform the DC, AC and transient analyses of simple passive and active linear circuits

2. Analyse and design basic electronic circuits with operational amplifiers (op-amps) as active elements.

3. Identify various op-amp circuit topologies and their applications

4. Build, test and troubleshoot basic analogue passive circuits and electronic circuits containing op-amps using appropriate laboratory equipment

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes:

Identify and apply relevant problem solving methodologies [EA Stage 1 Competency:1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3] (B.1)

Design components, systems and/or processes to meet required specifications [EA Stage 1 Competency: 1.3, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3] (B.2)

Apply abstraction, mathematics and/or discipline fundamentals to analysis, design and operation [EA Stage 1 Competency:1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2] (C.1)

Develop models using appropriate tools such as computer software, laboratory equipment and other devices [EA Stage 1 Competency: 2.2,2.3, 2.4] (C.2)

Evaluate model applicability, accuracy and limitations [EA Stage 1 Competency: 2.1,2.2] (C.3)

Manage own time and processes effectively by prioritising competing demands to achieve personal goals [EA Stage 1 Competency: 3.5, 3.6] (D.1)

Work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams within a multi-level, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural setting [EA Stage 1 Competency:2.4, 3.2, 3.6] (E.2)

Teaching and learning strategies

Each topic is introduced in a short 1 hr lecture. There is generally one 2 hr tutorial and one 2hr laboratory every week. For each topic students are given a set of compulsory problems that must be solved and submitted electronically. To help students focus on their task and spread their work evenly during the semester, a strict deadline for each problem set is enforced. To assist students in gaining an understanding of the material taught, an extensive collection of help files is accessible from the WebTutor.

Content

Definitions and Experimental Laws, Op-Amps and Basic Amplifiers, Circuit Analysis Techniques, Linear Op-Amp Applications, Reactive Components, Diodes and Basic Diode Circuits, Source-free RC and RL Circuits, Nonlinear Op-Amp Applications, First-Order Step Response, Op-Amp Imperfections, The Phasor Concept, Circuit Simulation, The Sinusoidal Steady-State Response, Amplifier Models, Frequency Response, First-Order Op-Amp Filters, Second-Order Step Response, Waveform Generation, Second-Order Frequency Response, Second-Order Op-Amp Filters, Complex Frequency, Specialty Amplifiers, Transfer Functions, Sensor Signal Conditioning, System Modelling.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: WebTutor Exercises

Intent: To spread the learning load evenly throughout the semester; to test students' understanding of basic electronics concepts and provide timely feedback.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objectives:

1 and 2

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes:

B.1, B.2 and D.1

Type: Exercises

Groupwork: Individual

Weight: 15%

Criteria linkages:

Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs

Correctness of the answer 17 1, 2 B.1

Application of methodology 17 1, 2 B.1

Functionality of design 17 1, 2 B.2

Application of standard 17 1, 2 B.2

Effectiveness of time management 17 1, 2 D.1

On time submission with quality 15 1, 2 D.1

SLOs: subject learning objectives

CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Labs

Intent: To make students proficient in circuit construction, testing and troubleshooting, and to give them sound knowledge of the use of test instruments.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objectives:

1, 2, 3 and 4

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes:

B.1, C.3, D.1 and E.2

Type: Laboratory/practical

Groupwork: Group, group assessed

Weight: 10%

Criteria linkages:

Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs

Correctness of the answer 14 1, 2, 4 B.1

Correctness of drawing 14 3, 4 B.1

Active participation 14 4 D.1

Efficiency of task performance 14 4 E.2

Level of engagement with Group 14 4 E.2

Accuracy of the model 14 3, 4 C.3

Judgement of experimental data and its limitation 16 3, 4 C.3

SLOs: subject learning objectives

CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Mid-semester test

Intent: To assess the depth of understanding of the operation and ability to analyse the basic electronic circuits.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objectives:

1, 2 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes:

B.1 and C.1

Type: Mid-semester examination

Groupwork: Individual

Weight: 25%

Criteria linkages:

Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs

Correctness of the answer 25 1, 2 B.1

Application of methodology 25 1, 2 B.1

Correctness of application 25 1, 2, 3 C.1

Application of theory 25 1, 2, 3 C.1

SLOs: subject learning objectives

CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 4: Final Exam

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses subject learning objectives:

1, 2 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes:

B.1, B.2, C.1 and C.2

Type: Examination

Groupwork: Individual

Weight: 50%

Criteria linkages:

Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs

Application of methodology 20 1, 2 B.1

Correctness of the answer 20 1, 2 B.1

Application of standard 20 1, 2 B.2

Application of theory 20 1, 2, 3 C.1

Relevance of the model 20 3 C.2

SLOs: subject learning objectives

CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, you must:

earn an overall total of 50 marks or more for the subject AND

attend all laboratory sessions and attempt all labs AND

attempt at least three final exam questions and earn a minimum of 5 out of 12.5 marks in each.