EET 1011 — DC Circuits Curriculum Guide

EET 1011 — DC Circuits Curriculum Guide

Course Credit Hours: 4 · Contact Hours: 30–45 · Prerequisites: Basic algebra and trigonometry

Course Overview

This course emphasizes direct current (DC) principles and methods as well as the underlying theories and concepts needed for a strong foundation in electrical technology. Students will develop practical skills in circuit construction, measurement, and troubleshooting while building theoretical understanding of DC circuit behavior.

Learning Outcomes & Assessment Questions

Core Competency Questions

• Ohm’s Law & Kirchhoff’s Laws: Given a circuit with multiple resistors and voltage sources, how do you calculate the current through each branch and voltage across each component?
• Power Analysis: How do you determine the power dissipated by each component in a series-parallel circuit, and which component will get the hottest?
• Circuit Analysis: What is the difference between voltage division and current division, and when would you use each technique?
• Measurement Techniques: How do you properly connect a multimeter to measure voltage, current, and resistance in a live circuit without damaging the meter or circuit?
• Troubleshooting: Given a circuit that should work but doesn’t, what systematic steps would you take to identify the problem?
• Thevenin/Norton Analysis: How do you simplify a complex circuit to analyze the behavior at a specific load resistor?
• Maximum Power Transfer: Under what conditions does a load receive maximum power from a source, and why is this important?

Optional Advanced Questions

• Simulation Validation: How do you use circuit simulation software to verify your hand calculations?
• Advanced Analysis: How do you analyze circuits using mesh current or nodal voltage methods?
• Dependent Sources: How do dependent voltage and current sources change circuit analysis procedures?

Modules

Module 1 — Electrical Fundamentals (6–8 Hours)

Learning Objectives

• Define voltage, current, resistance, and power
• Apply metric prefixes and engineering notation
• Understand atomic theory and electron flow
• Apply electrical safety principles

Topics Covered

Basic Electrical Quantities (1.5 hours)

• Voltage (potential difference)
• Current (electron flow)
• Resistance (opposition to current flow)
• Power and energy relationships
• Units: volts, amperes, ohms, watts

Mathematical Tools (1 hour)

• Engineering notation and metric prefixes
• Scientific notation
• Unit conversions
• Significant figures in electrical calculations

Atomic Theory and Current Flow (1.5 hours)

• Atomic structure and free electrons
• Conventional vs. electron current flow
• Conductors, insulators, and semiconductors
• Current flow in different materials

Electrical Safety (2 hours)

• Electrical hazards and safety procedures
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Laboratory safety rules
• Emergency procedures
• Proper use of electrical equipment

Laboratory Activities

Lab 1.1: Multimeter Familiarization and Basic Measurements

• Set up and use digital multimeter (DMM)
• Measure resistance of various components
• Measure DC voltage from power supplies
• Document measurement uncertainty and accuracy

Lab 1.2: Component Identification and Color Coding

• Identify resistor values using color codes
• Measure actual vs. nominal resistor values
• Calculate tolerance and verify specifications
• Organize components for future labs

Assessment Methods

• Quiz on electrical quantities and units
• Safety checklist completion
• Lab report on measurement accuracy
• Component identification practical test

Module 2 — Ohm’s Law and Basic Circuits (6–8 Hours)

Learning Objectives

• Apply Ohm’s Law to solve circuit problems
• Construct simple circuits on breadboards
• Measure voltage, current, and resistance
• Calculate power in DC circuits

Topics Covered

Ohm’s Law Fundamentals (2 hours)

• Mathematical relationship: V = IR
• Ohm’s Law triangle and variations
• Linear vs. non-linear components
• Limitations of Ohm’s Law

Power Relationships (1.5 hours)

• Power formula: P = VI
• Alternative power formulas: P = I²R, P = V²/R
• Power dissipation and heat generation
• Energy calculations: W = Pt

Basic Circuit Construction (2.5 hours)

• Breadboard layout and connections
• Circuit symbols and schematic interpretation
• Wire gauges and connections
• Circuit construction best practices

Introduction to Measurement (2 hours)

• Voltmeter connection (parallel)
• Ammeter connection (series)
• Ohmmeter use and safety
• Meter loading effects

Laboratory Activities

Lab 2.1: Ohm’s Law Verification

• Build simple resistor circuits with various values
• Measure V, I, and R for different conditions
• Calculate power and verify with measurements
• Compare theoretical vs. measured values

Lab 2.2: Breadboard Techniques and Circuit Construction

• Learn proper breadboard wiring techniques
• Build circuits from schematic diagrams
• Practice neat and organized construction
• Develop troubleshooting skills for poor connections

Lab 2.3: Power and Energy Measurements

• Measure power dissipation in resistors
• Calculate energy consumption over time
• Observe thermal effects of power dissipation
• Apply power ratings and safety margins

Assessment Methods

• Ohm’s Law calculation problems
• Circuit construction practical exam
• Power analysis homework assignments
• Lab performance evaluation

Module 3 — Series Circuits (6–8 Hours)

Learning Objectives

• Apply Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
• Analyze series circuits for voltage, current, and power
• Design voltage divider circuits
• Troubleshoot series circuit problems

Topics Covered

Series Circuit Characteristics (1.5 hours)

• Current is same throughout series circuit
• Voltage drops sum to source voltage
• Total resistance calculation: RT = R1 + R2 + R3…
• Power distribution in series circuits

Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) (2 hours)

• Statement and application of KVL
• Voltage rise and voltage drop conventions
• Loop analysis techniques
• Polarity considerations

Voltage Divider Circuits (2 hours)

• Voltage divider formula derivation
• Loaded vs. unloaded voltage dividers
• Design procedures for voltage dividers
• Applications and limitations

Series Circuit Analysis Methods (2.5 hours)

• Step-by-step analysis procedure
• Multiple source circuits
• Open and short circuit effects
• Troubleshooting techniques

Laboratory Activities

Lab 3.1: Series Circuit Analysis

• Build series circuits with 2, 3, and 4 resistors
• Verify KVL through measurements
• Calculate and measure individual voltage drops
• Analyze power distribution

Lab 3.2: Voltage Divider Design and Testing

• Design voltage divider for specific output voltages
• Test loaded and unloaded conditions
• Measure voltage regulation effects
• Compare theoretical vs. actual performance

Lab 3.3: Series Circuit Troubleshooting

• Introduce faults (opens, shorts) in known circuits
• Use systematic troubleshooting procedures
• Document fault-finding methodology
• Practice rapid fault isolation techniques

Assessment Methods

• Series circuit analysis problems
• Voltage divider design project
• Troubleshooting practical exam
• KVL application quiz

Module 4 — Parallel Circuits (6–8 Hours)

Learning Objectives

• Apply Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)
• Analyze parallel circuits for voltage, current, and power
• Design current divider circuits
• Compare series and parallel circuit characteristics

Topics Covered

Parallel Circuit Characteristics (1.5 hours)

• Voltage is same across parallel branches
• Current divides among branches
• Total resistance calculation: 1/RT = 1/R1 + 1/R2…
• Power distribution in parallel circuits

Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) (2 hours)

• Statement and application of KCL
• Current entering vs. leaving nodes
• Node analysis fundamentals
• Sign conventions for currents

Current Divider Circuits (2 hours)

• Current divider formula derivation
• Two-resistor current divider rule
• General current divider applications
• Design procedures

Parallel Circuit Analysis (2.5 hours)

• Step-by-step analysis procedure
• Multiple source effects
• Open and short circuit analysis
• Comparison with series circuits

Laboratory Activities

Lab 4.1: Parallel Circuit Analysis

• Build parallel circuits with multiple branches
• Verify KCL through current measurements
• Calculate and measure branch currents
• Analyze total resistance effects

Lab 4.2: Current Divider Applications

• Design current divider circuits
• Test current splitting ratios
• Measure effect of adding/removing branches
• Compare with voltage divider behavior

Lab 4.3: Series vs. Parallel Comparison

• Build identical components in series and parallel
• Compare voltage, current, and power characteristics
• Analyze advantages/disadvantages of each configuration
• Practical applications discussion

Assessment Methods

• Parallel circuit calculation exercises
• Current divider design problems
• Comparative analysis report
• Practical circuit construction test

Module 5 — Series-Parallel (Combination) Circuits (8–10 Hours)

Learning Objectives

• Analyze complex series-parallel circuits
• Apply reduction techniques for circuit simplification
• Use both KVL and KCL in circuit analysis
• Design practical series-parallel applications

Topics Covered

Circuit Recognition and Reduction (2.5 hours)

• Identifying series and parallel sections
• Circuit reduction step-by-step process
• Equivalent resistance calculations
• Working backwards to find individual values

Complex Circuit Analysis (3 hours)

• Combined application of KVL and KCL
• Current and voltage analysis throughout circuit
• Power calculations for all components
• Multiple source circuit analysis

Practical Design Applications (2.5 hours)

• LED circuits with current limiting
• Multi-tap voltage dividers
• Current sensing circuits
• Battery charging circuits

Laboratory Activities

Lab 5.1: Series-Parallel Circuit Analysis

• Build and analyze moderate complexity circuits
• Use reduction techniques to find equivalent circuits
• Verify calculations with measurements
• Document complete analysis procedure

Lab 5.2: Design Project — Multi-Output Power Supply

• Design circuit providing multiple voltage levels
• Include current limiting and regulation
• Test circuit performance under various loads
• Optimize for efficiency and regulation

Lab 5.3: Complex Troubleshooting Exercise

• Work with pre-built complex circuits containing faults
• Apply systematic troubleshooting methodology
• Use both theoretical analysis and measurements
• Document fault-finding process and solutions

Assessment Methods

• Complex circuit analysis problems
• Design project evaluation
• Troubleshooting competency test
• Comprehensive practical examination

Module 6 — Circuit Theorems and Advanced Analysis (8–10 Hours)

Learning Objectives

• Apply Thevenin’s and Norton’s theorems
• Understand maximum power transfer theorem
• Use superposition theorem for multiple sources
• Perform mesh and nodal analysis (optional)

Topics Covered

Thevenin’s Theorem (2.5 hours)

• Thevenin equivalent circuit concept
• Finding Thevenin voltage and resistance
• Load analysis using Thevenin equivalent
• Applications and limitations

Norton’s Theorem (2 hours)

• Norton equivalent circuit development
• Source conversions between Thevenin and Norton
• Current source circuit analysis
• Practical applications

Maximum Power Transfer (1.5 hours)

• Conditions for maximum power transfer
• Proof and derivation
• Efficiency vs. maximum power considerations
• Applications in electronics and power systems

Superposition Theorem (2 hours)

• Principle of superposition
• Step-by-step superposition procedure
• Multiple independent source analysis
• Limitations and applicability

Advanced Methods (Optional — 2 hours)

• Mesh current analysis introduction
• Nodal voltage analysis introduction
• Dependent source analysis basics
• Computer-aided analysis techniques

Laboratory Activities

Lab 6.1: Thevenin Equivalent Circuits

• Find Thevenin equivalent of complex circuits
• Verify through load testing
• Compare original vs. equivalent circuit behavior
• Apply to practical circuit simplification

Lab 6.2: Maximum Power Transfer Verification

• Build circuits with variable load resistance
• Measure power transfer vs. load resistance
• Find maximum power transfer point
• Analyze efficiency vs. power trade-offs

Lab 6.3: Circuit Simulation and Analysis (Optional)

• Use SPICE or similar simulation software
• Model circuits built in previous labs
• Compare simulation vs. measured results
• Perform what-if analysis using simulation

Assessment Methods

• Theorem application problems
• Circuit simplification exercises
• Maximum power transfer calculations
• Optional: Simulation project report

Module 7 — Troubleshooting and Professional Skills (4–6 Hours)

Learning Objectives

• Apply systematic troubleshooting methodologies
• Use advanced test equipment effectively
• Document technical work professionally
• Demonstrate safe laboratory practices

Topics Covered

Troubleshooting Methodology (2 hours)

• Half-split method
• Symptom-based diagnosis
• Common failure modes
• Documentation and reporting

Advanced Measurement Techniques (1.5 hours)

• Precision measurement considerations
• Measurement loading effects
• Error analysis and uncertainty
• Calibration principles

Professional Documentation (1.5 hours)

• Technical report writing
• Schematic drawing standards
• Data presentation and analysis
• Professional communication skills

Career Applications (1 hour)

• Electronics technician roles
• Industry applications of DC circuits
• Continuing education pathways
• Professional certifications

Laboratory Activities

Lab 7.1: Comprehensive Troubleshooting Challenge

• Work with multiple circuit boards containing various faults
• Apply learned troubleshooting methodologies
• Document procedures and findings professionally
• Present solutions to class

Lab 7.2: Precision Measurement Laboratory

• Use high-precision instruments
• Analyze measurement uncertainty
• Compare different measurement techniques
• Document measurement procedures

Assessment Methods

• Troubleshooting practical examination
• Professional technical report
• Measurement precision analysis
• Final comprehensive assessment

Equipment and Materials Required

Laboratory Equipment (Per Station)

• Digital multimeters (DMM) with current, voltage, and resistance capability
• DC power supplies (variable and fixed voltage)
• Solderless breadboards (multiple sizes)
• Function generator (for advanced labs)
• Oscilloscope (basic dual-channel)
• Component tester/analyzer

Components and Supplies

• Resistor assortment (1/4W, 5% tolerance, decade values)
• Potentiometers (various values)
• Switches (SPST, SPDT)
• LEDs and current limiting resistors
• Breadboard jumper wires
• Hookup wire (various gauges and colors)
• Batteries and battery holders
• Fuses and fuse holders

Software (Optional)

• Circuit simulation software (SPICE, Multisim, or LTspice)
• Spreadsheet software for data analysis
• Schematic capture software

Assessment Strategy

Grade Distribution

Laboratory Work: 40%

• Lab performance and participation: 15%
• Lab reports and documentation: 15%
• Practical examinations: 10%

Examinations: 35%

• Module quizzes: 15%
• Midterm examination: 10%
• Final comprehensive examination: 10%

Projects and Assignments: 25%

• Design projects: 15%
• Homework and problem sets: 10%

Competency Requirements

Students must demonstrate minimum 70% competency in circuit analysis calculations, laboratory measurement techniques, circuit construction skills, troubleshooting methodology, and safety procedures.

Professional Skills Development

Technical Communication

• Written lab reports using proper technical format
• Oral presentations of design projects
• Peer review of analysis methods
• Professional documentation standards

Safety and Ethics

• Electrical safety compliance
• Proper equipment handling
• Environmental responsibility
• Academic integrity in collaborative work

Problem-Solving Skills

• Systematic analysis approaches
• Creative design solutions
• Troubleshooting methodology
• Critical thinking in circuit behavior

Extension and Enrichment Activities

For Advanced Students

• Independent research projects on DC circuit applications
• Peer tutoring opportunities
• Industry facility visits
• Professional certification preparation (e.g., IPC standards)

Remediation Support

• Additional practice problems with solutions
• Supplementary lab time for skill development
• Peer study groups and tutoring
• Online simulation exercises

Real-World Connections

• Guest speakers from electronics industry
• Field trips to local electronics manufacturers
• Internship and co-op program connections
• Professional society meeting attendance