BEEE411 

Module Name Fundamentals of Electronics and Electronic Design 
 Module Code BEEE411  
Level Four 
 Credits 15 

  

Module Description and General Aims 

The objective in presenting this module 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 module 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 module 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 module focuses on designing working devices while choosing standard and appropriate parts and circuits.  

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

  

Learning Outcomes 

On successful completion of this Module, students are expected to be able to: 

  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 
  1. Apply the diode current equation and explain the characteristics of some common applications. 
    Bloom’s Level 3 
  1. Apply FET and BJT in amplifiers and switches. 
    Bloom’s Level 3 
  1. 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 
  1. Analyse and describe pulse circuit operations and their associated waveforms. 
    Bloom’s Level 4 
  1. 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 

Assessment Type When assessed Weighting (% of total module marks) Learning Outcomes Assessed 
Assessment 1 Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions Example Topic: Semiconductors, electric potential, resistivity, Ohm’s law in conjunction with the structure and properties of solids, Diodes. Students may complete a quiz with MCQ type answers and solve some simple equations to demonstrate a good understanding of the fundamental concepts. Due After Topic 3 15% 1, 2 
Assessment 2 – mid-semester test Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions / Practical / Remote Lab / Simulation Example Topic: Transistors. Students may provide solutions to simple problems on various topics Due After Topic 6 20% 3 
Assessment 3 Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions / Practical / Remote Lab / Simulation / Project Example Topic: Applications of OPAMP circuits, pulse circuit operations, and their waveforms, draw circuits using the software. Students may complete a quiz with MCQ type answers or solve some simple problems or use software to complete a practical. Due After Topic 9 20% 4, 5, 6 
Assessment 4 Type: Examination Example Topic: All topics An examination with a mix of detailed report type questions and/or simple numerical problems to be completed in 3 hours Final Week 40% 1 to 5 
Attendance / Tutorial Participation Example: Presentation, discussion, group work, exercises, self-assessment/reflection, case study analysis, application. Continuous 5% 1 to 6 

  

Overall Requirements: Students must achieve a result of 40% or above in the exam itself to pass the exam and must pass the exam to be able to pass the module. An overall final module score of 50% or above must be achieved to pass the module once all assessment, including the exam, has been completed. 

Prescribed and Recommended Readings 

Suggested Textbook 

  1. R. L. Boylestad, Electronic Devices and Circuits, 11th edn. Pearson, 2012 – 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. 
  1. Mehta, VK, Principles of Electronics, 7th edn, S Chand & Co Ltd, ISBN-13: 978-8121924504, 2005. 
  1. 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 
  1. Rashid, MH, Power Electronics Handbook 4th edn, 2017.  
  1. Erickson RW and Maksimovic D, Fundamentals of Power Electronics, Springer International Publishing, 2020. 
  1. Knovel library: http://app.knovel.com  
  1. IDC Technologies publications 
  1. Other material and online collections as advised during the lectures 

  

Module Content 

  

Topic 1 

Structure of solids 

  1. Electric circuits review 
  1. Kirchoff’s Voltage/Current Laws 
  1. Solid-state switching vs electromechanical relays 
  1. Structure of matter 
  1. 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 
  1. Waveform basics  
  1. Differentiators and Integrators  
  1. Signal conditioning circuits  
  1. Basics of oscillators  
  1. Phase-shift oscillators  
  1. Wien-Bridge oscillator 
  1. Wien oscillator design  

  

Topic 8 

Introduction to Optoelectronics 

  1. Visible light-emitting diodes  
  1. Semiconductor lasers 
  1. Optical detectors and receivers 
  1. Optical fibre devices 
  1. Optical modulators 
  1. 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 IC5.Component selection 

  

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 programable logic devices (PLDs) 

  

Topic 12 

Module 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 
  • Version: (Standard) 6.4.25 (or higher) – Teamwork mode – Online version 
  •  Additional resources: https://easyeda.com/ 
  • Software: PSIM (PowerSimTech) 
  • Version: N/A 
  • Instructions:  Y:\Data – ALL.E-Learning\Software\Remote Labs\Instructions for Specific Labs\PSIM 

Hardware 

  • 130in1 Electronic Hardware Kit (Optional – to show electronics