Unit Description and General Aims

The objective in presenting this unit is to impart to students the fundamentals of electronic technology, in order to deepen their knowledge of the electronic devices that are part of the different technologies surrounding us.

The focus of this unit is not only on theories but also on design and experiments of practical electronic circuits using different equipment. The combination of theoretical and practical approach of this unit enhances students' foundation knowledge and prepares them for creating more complex projects such as commercial or scientific projects in their future career. The practical approach of this unit focuses on designing working devices while choosing standard and appropriate parts and circuits.

The subject matter covered in this unit will include but is not limited to semiconductors, unipolar/bipolar transistors, operational amplifiers, and solid-state devices. The practical work component of this unit will further develop students' design, testing, and troubleshooting skills using various test equipment.

Learning Outcomes

1. Recognize and interpret the basic structure of solids, types of semiconductors, and other electronic components and devices which are used for different electronic functions.
   Bloom's Level 4
2. Apply the diode current equation and explain the characteristics of some common applications.
   Bloom's Level 3
3. Apply FET and BJT in amplifiers and switches.
   Bloom's Level 3
4. Prepare different OPAMP Circuits such as Inverting Amp, Non-Inverting Amp, Comparator Adder / Subtractor, I/V, V/I Converters, A/D, and D/A Converters.
   Bloom's Level 3
5. Analyse and describe pulse circuit operations and their associated waveforms.
   Bloom's Level 4
6. Use software to design and simulate simple PCB (e.g., using electronic components such as diode, transistor and OPAMP circuits).
   Bloom's Level 6

Student Assessment

Overall Requirements: Students must achieve a result of 50% or above in the exam itself to pass the exam and must pass the exam to be able to pass the unit. An overall final unit score of 50% or above must be achieved to pass the unit once all assessment, including the exam, has been completed.

Prescribed and Recommended Readings

Suggested Textbook

1. R. L. Boylestad, Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory, 11th Edn. Pearson, 2013 - ISBN: 978-0132622264

Reference Materials

1. Handbook of Optoelectronics, 2nd Edn, Applications of Optoelectronics Volume 3 by John P. Dakin Robert G. W. Brown, 2017.
2. Mehta, VK, Principles of Electronics, 7th edn, S Chand & Co Ltd, ISBN-13: 978-8121924504, 2005.
3. Shanefield, DJ, Industrial Electronics for Engineers, Chemists, and Technicians - With Optional Lab Experiments. William Andrew Publishing/Noyes, 2007 Online version available at: http://app.knovel.com/hotlink/toc/id:kpIEECTWOA/industrial-electronics/industrial-electronics
4. Rashid, MH, Power Electronics Handbook 4th edn, 2017.
5. Erickson RW and Maksimovic D, Fundamentals of Power Electronics, Springer International Publishing, 2020.
6. Knovel library: http://app.knovel.com
7. IDC Technologies publications
8. Other material and online collections as advised during the lectures

Unit Content

Topic 1

Structure of solids

1. Electric circuits review
2. Kirchoff's Voltage/Current Laws
3. Solid-state switching vs electromechanical relays
4. Structure of matter
5. Semiconductor materials

Topic 2

PN Junction Diodes

1. PN junction
2. Diode characteristics
3. Resistance levels
4. Types and applications of diodes
5. Introduction to EasyEDA

Topic 3

Bipolar Junction Transistors

1. Construction of BJT transistors
2. Configuration
3. Transistor ratings

Topic 4

Field Effect Transistors

1. FET principle
2. FET Biasing
3. FET impedance determination

Topic 5

Transistors as Amplifiers and Switches

1. BJT load line analysis
2. BJT and FET as amplifiers
3. BJT and FET as switches
4. MOSFET as amplifiers
5. Transistors in an oscillator

Topic 6

Operational Amplifiers

1. Operational amplifiers basics
2. Operational amplifiers connections
3. Operational amplifiers applications

Topic 7

Waveforms and Pulse Generating Circuits

1. Analog vs Digital
2. Waveform basics
3. Differentiators and Integrators
4. Signal conditioning circuits
5. Basics of oscillators
6. Phase-shift oscillators
7. Wien-Bridge oscillator
8. Wien oscillator design

Topic 8

Introduction to Optoelectronics

1. Visible light-emitting diodes
2. Semiconductor lasers
3. Optical detectors and receivers
4. Optical fibre devices
5. Optical modulators
6. Optical amplifiers

Topic 9

Introduction to Logic Circuits

1. Introduction to binary
2. Logic gates
3. Truth tables
4. Introduction to flip-flops
5. Introduction to multiplexers

Topic 10

Timing, Relay, and Digital Circuits

1. RC charging circuits
2. Unijunction Transistors (UJT)
3. UJT-based relaxation oscillators
4. 555 Timer IC

Topic 11

Thyristor (PNPN) Control Devices

1. Introduction to latching
2. Silicon-Controlled Rectifiers (Thyristors)
3. Other PNPN devices
4. Phase-control applications
5. Solid-State Relays
6. Introduction to programmable logic devices (PLDs)

Topic 12

Unit Review and exam revision

In the final week, students will have an opportunity to review the contents covered so far. Opportunity will be provided for a review of student work and to clarify any outstanding issues. Instructors/facilitators may choose to cover a specialized topic if applicable to that cohort.

Software/Hardware Used

Software

• EasyEDA:  It is a cloud-based electronic design automation (EDA) tool that enables users to create, simulate, and design printed circuit boards (PCBs) efficiently. It offers a comprehensive suite of features, including schematic capture, PCB layout, circuit simulation, and a vast library of components. With its intuitive web-based interface, EasyEDA allows engineers, hobbyists, and students to collaborate on projects seamlessly without the need for complex installations. It also integrates with component suppliers like LCSC, making it easy to source parts for manufacturing. EasyEDA supports Gerber file export, ensuring compatibility with PCB fabrication services, making it a versatile tool for circuit design and prototyping.
• PSIM (PowerSimTech): It is a simulation software specifically designed for power electronics, motor drives, and energy systems. It provides a fast and intuitive environment for analyzing and designing circuits, with a strong focus on efficiency and ease of use. PSIM offers a wide range of features, including schematic capture, control system design, and thermal analysis, making it ideal for engineers working on power conversion, renewable energy, and electric vehicle applications. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with other design tools like MATLAB/Simulink enhances its functionality for advanced simulations. With its speed and accuracy, PSIM is widely used in academia and industry for research, development, and education in power electronics.
  • Instructions:  Y:\Data - ALL.E-Learning\Software\Remote Labs\Instructions for Specific Labs\PSIM
  • Additional resources or files: https://powersimtech.com/drive/uploads/2016/06/PSIM-User-Manual.pdf  

Hardware

• 130in1 Electronic Hardware Kit (Optional - to show electronics)

Unit Changes Based on Student Feedback

• The assessment structure is updated based on the action items of the Learning and Teaching Committee (Dec 2024)