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Fundamentals of Electronics

Module description

This module takes you into the world of Electronic engineering - a field that covers everything from radio to space flight. In this module you will learn fundamental concepts of charge, current and potential which are the foundation of electrical signals. You will be introduced to the basic electronic components and circuital laws for developing important DC and AC circuits for applications in power supplies, wireless power transfer, signal filters and sensor circuits.

As part of modern electronics, this module also gives you a foundation of semiconductors and semiconductor devices both analogue and digital. You will learn the characteristic and operation of fundamental analogue devices such as diodes, transistors and operational amplifiers and their applications as amplifiers, in power suppliers, device drivers, and sensor circuits (such as temperature and strain). In digital electronics, you will study Boolean algebra and fundamentals of logic gates for the design of combinational and sequential logic circuits and their practical applications in decision making circuits and controllers for industrial applications, counters and timers.

You will also take part in assessed practical electronic laboratories that introduces and develops your practical electronic skills in soldering and wiring. These practical laboratories will also develop the familiarity with using test and measurement equipment and applies your knowledge in both analogue and digital fields and demonstrate applications of their circuits.

You will work through new topics each week with the aid of extensive learning materials, lectures, tutorials and experimental activities. You will undertake numerous elements of online continuous assessment throughout the module which will allow you to evaluate your understanding of the material and diagnose areas that require further attention. Continuous assessments provide ongoing feedback and support you to actively manage your learning.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to equip you with fundamental knowledge and skills in electronics and apply this knowledge and skill to understand and analyse the operation of electronic circuits (both analogue and digital). It also consolidates a common knowledge base and begins the development of a learning methodology appropriate to a professional engineer. Through both continuous assessment and the end of year exam, the module encourages you to actively manage your own learning and seeks to develop your ability to communicate your understanding of engineering theory and concepts in a professional manner.

Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education

Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes.

The following Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are taught and assessed on this module:

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 1. ILO 19 – Apply knowledge of mathematics and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (C1)
• 2. ILO 20 - Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics and engineering principles (C2)

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 3. ILOs 30 & 48 - Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (M12)

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

• 4. Work with other students in small groups to complete clearly defined tasks.

Syllabus plan

Analogue Electronics:
Alternating current,
Capacitors and inductors, phasors and j notation
Introduction to semiconductors;
Diodes and applications;
Transistors as amplifiers and switches;
Operational amplifiers and their applications.

Digital Electronics:
Boolean algebra;
Combinational logic: logic gates and logic design;
Sequential logic: latches, flip-flops and simple counters.

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Details of summative assessment

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment notes

Referred and deferred assignments will mirror the original modes of assessment

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

• Hughes, E., Electrical and Electronic Technology, Pearson, 2012. 978-0131143975
• Roth, C.H (JR), Kinney, Larry, L., Fundamentals of Logic Design, 6th International edition, Cengage Learning, 2010. 978-0495667766

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

• ELE.

Key words search

Electronics; DC circuits; AC circuits; analogue electronics; digital electronics; semiconductors; diodes; transistors; operational-amplifiers.