Information & Systems

Code

ENGF1010

School

Foundation in Engineering and Physical Sciences

Level

1

Credits

20

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module introduces Analogue Devices and continues the understanding of fundamental concepts in analogue and digital electronics including digital design techniques and software tools. 
Fundamental concepts and theories in digital electronics are introduced. Combinational logic circuit components and applications are discussed with the use of Boolean algebra and Karnaugh maps to simplify Boolean functions. Functionality and analysis of basic sequential logic circuit components, latches and flip-flops are discussed using timing diagrams and state-space analysis.
Semiconductor devices (diodes, bipolar junction transistors and MOSFETs) and their operating principles are introduced. DC and small-signal AC circuit analysis methodologies are introduced, which allow the analysis of electronic circuits with nonlinear semiconductor devices, for example of the linear analysis of small AC signals around a DC operating point (i.e. quiescent bias point). Large- and small-signal equivalent circuits for semiconductor devices are developed for these DC and AC circuit analysis techniques. These analysis techniques are illustrated, and the limits of their applicability critically evaluated through the design and fabrication of simple diode and transistor circuits (e.g. power rectification, voltage reference circuits and linear transistor amplifiers).
Functionality and practical applications of operational amplifiers are discussed with examples and design activities on solving basic signal conditioning problems using operational amplifiers.
The earning activities include hands-on problem solving to design and develop solutions to posed engineering challenges, laboratory-based project, data analysis, self-learning and information presentation.

Re-assessment
Reassessment of each element will be as per the original element.
 

Target Students

This module is only available to Apprentices on the Electromechanical Engineer Degree Level Apprenticeship.

Assessment

• 10% Coursework 1: Laboratory Assignment 1 - 2,000-2,500 word write up of experiment.
• 10% Coursework 2: Laboratory Assignment 2 - 2,000-2,500 word write up of experiment.
• 20% In-class Test: ExamSys Test
• 60% Exam 1 (3-hour): Open book examination

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes for the Information & Systems module covers the assimilation of the electrical and electronic engineering knowledge elements of the electro-mechanical engineer apprenticeship standard, including significant amounts of: Electrical and electronic engineering, digital and embedded systems. The learning outcomes for the module also embed skills and behaviours including designing and characterizing analogue and digital electronic circuits and quality focus.

Electrical and electronic engineering: theory and design of equipment and systems which use electricity and electromagnetism, and the fundamental laws and theorems that govern electronic circuits: function of common digital and analogue electronic devices, passive circuit behaviour, modelling circuits, active electronic components, transformers, AC/DC, power electronics, motors. (KSB K8)

Digital and embedded systems: number systems, Boolean algebra, logic gates, logic expressions, combinational logic, A/D and D/A converters. (KSB K10)

Follow a methodical approach to engineering problem solving (KSB S2)

Produce electrical designs / drawings / sketches using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and manual systems. (KSB S4)

Design functional electronic systems and circuits from component level. (KSB S9)

Quality focussed. Follows rules, procedures and principles in ensuring work completed is fit for purpose and pays attention to detail / error checks throughout activities. (KSB B5)

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

L1.   Demonstrate an ability to design solutions to real world practical problems from component level through the application of a methodical approach and basic electrical and electronic engineering concepts, designing and analysing circuits and utilizing the theory of equipment and systems which use electricity and electromagnetism. (KSB K8, S2, S4, S9)
 

L2.    Identify basic operation and functionality of semiconductor devices and use semiconductor devices in simple electromechanical engineering applications. (KSB K8, S9)

L3.    Analyse the behaviour of common digital electronic circuits and design and implement simple combinational and sequential digital electronic circuits. (KSB K10, S4, S9)

Conveners

• Professor Eric Larkins