Electronic Systems

Learning Outcomes

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:

• Use Matlab to investigate a range of problems related to electronic circuits
• Apply key network theory to allow the abstraction of problems
• Derive transfer functions for mechatronic and electromechanical systems
• Meet this module's contribution to the subject specific intellectual learning outcomes of ELEC1029
• Determine the transfer function and step response for a system of any order
• Appreciate the importance of linearising systems, and the use of linear models

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Understand the principles of defining problems in standard form to allow standard solutions
• Meet this module's contribution to the transferable and generic learning outcomes of ELEC1029
• Record and report laboratory work

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Appreciate the practical limitations of such devices
• Meet this module's contribution to the subject specific practical learning outcomes of ELEC1029
• Analyse simple circuits containing active elements such as bipolar transistors, FETs and Opamps
• Understand the links between mathematical concepts and be able to apply them to a range of engineering problems

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

Resources & Reading list

Internet Resources

Introduction to Analog and Digital Communications - Simon Haykin, Michael Moher.

Textbooks

I.Otung (2001). Communication Engineering Principles. Palgrave.

Dorf R C, Svoboda J A (2006). Introduction to Electric Circuits. Wiley.

Price, T. E (1997). Analog Electronics - An Integrated PSpice Approach. Prentice Hall.

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.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

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.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External