Module overview
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Meet this module's contribution to the transferable and generic learning outcomes of ELEC1029
- Understand the principles of defining problems in standard form to allow standard solutions
- Record and report laboratory work
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Understand the concepts of transfer functions, block diagrams, poles and zeros and simple feedback systems
- Understand the key concepts of modern communications and their application in communication systems
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the operation of bipolar, field effect transistors, and op-amps
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Derive transfer functions for mechatronic and electromechanical systems
- Meet this module's contribution to the subject specific intellectual learning outcomes of ELEC1029
- Apply key network theory to allow the abstraction of problems
- Determine the transfer function and step response for a system of any order
- Use Matlab to investigate a range of problems related to electronic circuits
- Appreciate the importance of linearising systems, and the use of linear models
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Understand the links between mathematical concepts and be able to apply them to a range of engineering problems
- Analyse simple circuits containing active elements such as bipolar transistors, FETs and Opamps
- Meet this module's contribution to the subject specific practical learning outcomes of ELEC1029
- Appreciate the practical limitations of such devices
Syllabus
MESH AND NODAL ANALYSIS
- Mesh analysis for circuits with voltage sources and resistors
- Matrix notation for mesh equations
- Gaussian elimination
- Nodal analysis for circuits with current sources and resistors
- Analysis of circuits with both current and voltage sources
DEPENDENT SOURCES
- Types of dependent source
- The operational amplifier and bipolar transistors as applications of dependent sources
- Mesh and nodal analysis with dependent sources
- Superposition with dependent sources
THEVENIN AND NORTON THEOREMS
- Thevenin's theorem
- Source transformation
- Thevenin's theorem with dependent sources
- Norton's theorem
- Analysis of ladder networks
STAR–Δ TRANSFORMATION
FETs
- JFETs and MOSFETs
- Large signal characteristics (FET and Bipolar)
- Enhancement and depletion devices
- Power MOSFETs
- Analogue Switches
- MOS Invertors
SMALL-SOGNAL ANALYSIS OF TRANSISTOR (FET AND BIPOLAR) CIRCUITS
- Small-signal approximation
- Common emitter amplifier: DC and AC analysis
- Voltage, current and power gain
- Common collector amplifier: analysis and mode of operation
- Application to FETs (Common source, common drain)
OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIER CIRCUITS
- Linear op amp circuits: inverting/non-inverting amplifier, adder, subtractor, voltage follower
- Buffers, cascading
- Schmitt trigger, precision diode
- Introduction to frequency dependence, integrator
COMMUNICATIONS
- Effect of harmonics on shape of a waveform, e.g. building up edges.
- Effect of the phase of harmonics, e.g. phase of 3rd harmonic moves edges, changes P-P.
- Square, triangular and sawtooth waves, effect of waveform symmetry on harmonics.
- Truncated sine waves, e.g. saturation, triac control.
- Differentiation and integration, effect on harmonic amplitudes, fall-off of higher order harmonics.
- Nyquist sampling rate
- Modulation to convey information, AM spectrum, linear superposition, effect of sideband
- Phases on amplitude variation (cf NBFM).
- Suppressed carrier, SSB to improve power and spectrum efficiency.
- Digital modulation: ASK, FSK, QAM
- Mention of radio: antennas, propagation (emphasise 500MHz...5GHz), path loss (dB),
radar
CONTROL
- Linear Time Invariant Systems and Ordinary Differential Equations
- An alternative approach to time-based analysis
- Transfer Functions, Poles, Zeroes and the Characteristic Equation
- Block Diagram Notation
- Standard Inputs and System Response
Learning and Teaching
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Tutorial | 12 |
Lecture | 36 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
Follow-up work | 18 |
Wider reading or practice | 43 |
Completion of assessment task | 13 |
Revision | 10 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
Introduction to Analog and Digital Communications - Simon Haykin, Michael Moher.
Textbooks
Dorf R C, Svoboda J A (2006). Introduction to Electric Circuits. Wiley.
Price, T. E (1997). Analog Electronics - An Integrated PSpice Approach. Prentice Hall.
I.Otung (2001). Communication Engineering Principles. Palgrave.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
These technical labs consider Amplifier Input/Output Impedances and Loading Effects, Modulation and Demodulation, as well as Operational Amplifiers, addressing the above-listed learning outcomes.
They are conducted under the umbrella of ELEC1029 but the marks contribute towards this module.
Skills labs are conducted under the umbrella of the zero-credit ELEC1029 module and address its learning outcomes. The marks contribute to a number of ELEC12xx modules, including this one.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 70% |
Technical Laboratories | 10% |
Skills Laboratories | 10% |
Coursework assignment(s) | 10% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External