Electrical & Electronic Devices & Circuits

Code

ENGF1016

School

Foundation in Engineering and Physical Sciences

Level

1

Credits

20

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module provides an introduction to electronic devices and circuits. The module develops the knowledge and abilities to design, measure and analyse simple analogue circuits involving DC and AC signals, resistors, capacitors and inductors and power sources (voltage sources, current sources and batteries). Relevant (important) mathematical tools are introduced and used in this module, including linearity and superposition, vector quantities and isopotential surfaces, complex numbers and phasor analysis. Practical skills are developed along with the illustration of key concepts through a series of hands-on laboratory experiments. 
The module begins by defining and discussing key electrical properties (e.g. charge, current, energy, potential). Key circuit theorems and analysis techniques are also introduced, including Ohm’s law, Kirchoff’s current and voltage laws, Norton and Thevenin equivalent circuits, impedance matching. AC signals (e.g. sine, square and triangle waves) with particular emphasis on sine wave signals and their properties (i.e. frequency and phase). AC circuit analysis techniques based upon phasors and complex impedance are introduced. These are used to introduce and illustrate the implementation of simple RC and RL filters. This is followed by the analysis of the transient responses of simple RC and RL circuits. Finally, key questions related to the propagation of ac signals are investigated (e.g. signal velocity, how ac signals propagate and carry power down transmission lines, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) measurements of the reflections produced by mismatched load impedances).

Students who fail this module overall and are required to complete a re-assessment will be reassessed by retaking the failed assessment (resubmission of coursework or resit of examination). The re-assessment mark alone will be used to determine whether students satisfy progression requirements.

Target Students

This module is only available to Apprentices on the Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Level Apprenticeship.

Assessment

• 20% Coursework 1: Write up of practicum (10 pages)
• 20% Coursework 1: Write up of practicum (10 pages)
• 20% Coursework 2: Write up of practicum (10 pages)
• 60% Exam 1 (3-hour): Open book examination

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Understand and apply the fundamental laws and theorems that govern electronic circuits; (KSB K8)

Understand, wire test and measure and describe the function of common analogue electronic devices and passive circuit behaviour (KSB K8, S12)

Select and use appropriate laboratory equipment, acquire and analyse experimental data including the evaluation of performance; design simple analogue circuits. (KSB K3, K8, S9)

Hold paramount the health and safety of themselves and others, and model health and safety conscious behaviour (KSB B1); Follow rules, procedures and principles in ensuring work completed is fit for purpose, and pay attention to detail / error checks throughout activities (KSB B5).

K3 - Systems design
K8 - Electrical and electronic engineering.
S9 - Design functional electronic systems and circuits from component level.
S12 - Assemble, wire, program and test electrical equipment, motors and control systems.
B1 - Hold paramount the health and safety of themselves and others, and model health and safety conscious behaviour.
B5 - Prioritise quality. Follow rules, procedures and principles in ensuring work completed is fit for purpose, and pay attention to detail / error checks throughout activities.
 

Conveners

• Professor Eric Larkins