EET 1084C — Introduction to Electronics Curriculum Guide

EET 1084C — Introduction to Electronics Curriculum Guide

Course Credit Hours: 3 · Contact Hours: 45 · Prerequisites: None or basic math skills recommended

Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to the basic fundamentals, terminology, and applications used in the electronics industry. The topic coverage includes circuit theory principles, electronic components, transistor usage, amplifiers, power supplies, digital logic techniques, and electronic instruments. This course also includes basic laboratory exercises to strengthen the topic coverage as it pertains to basic measurement involving both analog and digital circuits. The course is designed for students in technology and manufacturing fields who need a foundational understanding of electronics principles.

Learning Outcomes & Assessment Questions

Core Competency Questions

• DC Circuit Theory: How do you apply Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws to analyze basic DC circuits?
• AC Circuit Theory: What are the key characteristics of AC waveforms, and how do reactive components affect AC circuits?
• Electronic Components: What are the functions and characteristics of common passive and active electronic components?
• Transistors: How do transistors function as switches and amplifiers in electronic circuits?
• Amplifiers: What are the basic types of amplifiers, and how do you determine amplifier gain?
• Power Supplies: How does a basic DC power supply convert AC to regulated DC voltage?
• Digital Logic: What are the basic logic gates, and how do you analyze simple combinational logic circuits?

Optional Advanced Questions

• Waveshaping Circuits: How do waveshaping circuits modify signal characteristics?
• Test Instruments: How do you select and use appropriate electronic test instruments for circuit measurements?
• System Integration: How do analog and digital circuits work together in complete electronic systems?

Modules

Module 1 — DC Electric Circuits

Estimated Duration: 6–8 Hours

Learning Objectives

• Understand fundamental electrical quantities and units
• Apply Ohm's Law to DC circuit analysis
• Analyze series and parallel resistor circuits
• Calculate power in DC circuits

Topics Covered

Electrical Fundamentals (2 hours)

• Voltage, current, and resistance
• Electrical units and prefixes
• Conductors and insulators
• Circuit schematic symbols

Ohm's Law and Power (2 hours)

• Ohm's Law: V = IR
• Power formulas: P = VI, P = I²R, P = V²/R
• Energy calculations
• Power dissipation and ratings

Series and Parallel Circuits (2.5 hours)

• Series circuit characteristics
• Parallel circuit characteristics
• Voltage and current division
• Series-parallel combinations

Kirchhoff's Laws Introduction (1.5 hours)

• Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL)
• Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL)
• Application to circuit analysis

Laboratory Activities

Lab 1.1: Introduction to Test Equipment

• Digital multimeter operation
• DC power supply operation
• Basic safety procedures

Lab 1.2: DC Circuit Measurements

• Build and measure series circuits
• Build and measure parallel circuits
• Verify Ohm's Law calculations

Assessment Methods

• DC circuit calculation problems
• Ohm's Law and power quiz
• Lab measurement practical

Module 2 — AC Electric Circuits

Estimated Duration: 6–8 Hours

Learning Objectives

• Understand AC waveform characteristics
• Calculate AC values (peak, RMS, average)
• Understand capacitive and inductive reactance
• Analyze basic RC and RL circuits

Topics Covered

AC Fundamentals (2 hours)

• Sinusoidal waveforms
• Frequency, period, and wavelength
• Peak, peak-to-peak, and RMS values
• Phase relationships

Capacitors in AC Circuits (2 hours)

• Capacitor construction and types
• Capacitive reactance (XC)
• RC circuit behavior
• Phase shift in RC circuits

Inductors in AC Circuits (2 hours)

• Inductor construction and types
• Inductive reactance (XL)
• RL circuit behavior
• Phase shift in RL circuits

Impedance Concepts (2 hours)

• Impedance definition and calculation
• Series RLC circuits overview
• Resonance introduction

Laboratory Activities

Lab 2.1: Oscilloscope Introduction

• Oscilloscope controls and operation
• Measuring AC voltage and frequency
• Comparing oscilloscope and multimeter measurements

Lab 2.2: RC and RL Circuit Measurements

• Build and measure RC circuits
• Observe phase relationships
• Calculate and verify reactance

Assessment Methods

• AC circuit calculation problems
• Waveform analysis quiz
• Oscilloscope practical test

Module 3 — Electronic Components and Transistors

Estimated Duration: 8–10 Hours

Learning Objectives

• Identify and understand common electronic components
• Understand semiconductor fundamentals
• Explain transistor operation as switch and amplifier
• Test and identify transistors

Topics Covered

Passive Components (2 hours)

• Resistor types and specifications
• Capacitor types and specifications
• Inductor and transformer basics
• Component identification and datasheets

Semiconductor Diodes (2 hours)

• PN junction theory
• Diode characteristics and ratings
• Diode types: rectifier, LED, zener
• Diode applications

Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT) (3 hours)

• NPN and PNP transistor structure
• Transistor operating regions
• Current gain (beta/hFE)
• Transistor as a switch

Field-Effect Transistors (FET) Overview (1.5 hours)

• JFET basics
• MOSFET basics
• FET vs. BJT comparison

Integrated Circuits Introduction (1.5 hours)

• IC packaging and pin identification
• Linear vs. digital ICs
• IC handling precautions

Laboratory Activities

Lab 3.1: Diode Characteristics

• Test diodes with multimeter
• Build simple rectifier circuit
• LED circuit demonstration

Lab 3.2: Transistor Testing and Switching

• Test transistors with multimeter
• Build transistor switch circuit
• Measure transistor gain

Assessment Methods

• Component identification practical
• Semiconductor quiz
• Lab report on transistor circuits

Module 4 — Amplifiers

Estimated Duration: 6–8 Hours

Learning Objectives

• Understand amplifier concepts and terminology
• Calculate voltage, current, and power gain
• Identify basic amplifier configurations
• Understand operational amplifier basics

Topics Covered

Amplifier Fundamentals (2 hours)

• Amplifier function and applications
• Voltage, current, and power gain
• Decibel (dB) notation
• Amplifier classes overview (A, B, AB, C)

Transistor Amplifier Configurations (2.5 hours)

• Common-emitter configuration
• Common-collector (emitter follower)
• Biasing techniques overview
• Coupling and bypass capacitors

Operational Amplifiers Introduction (2.5 hours)

• Op-amp characteristics and symbols
• Inverting amplifier configuration
• Non-inverting amplifier configuration
• Voltage follower (buffer)

Laboratory Activities

Lab 4.1: Transistor Amplifier Circuit

• Build common-emitter amplifier
• Measure voltage gain
• Observe input/output waveforms

Lab 4.2: Op-Amp Circuits

• Build inverting amplifier
• Build non-inverting amplifier
• Calculate and verify gain

Assessment Methods

• Amplifier gain calculation problems
• Amplifier concepts quiz
• Lab practical on amplifier measurements

Module 5 — Power Supplies and Waveshaping

Estimated Duration: 6–8 Hours

Learning Objectives

• Understand power supply operation and components
• Analyze rectifier circuits
• Understand filtering and regulation
• Recognize basic waveshaping circuits

Topics Covered

Rectifier Circuits (2 hours)

• Half-wave rectifier
• Full-wave rectifier
• Bridge rectifier
• Rectifier specifications

Filtering and Regulation (2.5 hours)

• Capacitor filtering
• Ripple voltage
• Zener diode regulation
• IC voltage regulators (78XX/79XX)

Waveshaping Circuits (2.5 hours)

• Clipping circuits
• Clamping circuits
• RC differentiator and integrator
• Applications of waveshaping

Laboratory Activities

Lab 5.1: Power Supply Circuit

• Build half-wave and full-wave rectifiers
• Add filter capacitor and measure ripple
• Add voltage regulation

Lab 5.2: Waveshaping Demonstration

• Build clipper circuit
• Observe waveshaping on oscilloscope
• Document input/output waveforms

Assessment Methods

• Power supply analysis problems
• Rectifier and regulation quiz
• Lab report on power supply project

Module 6 — Digital Logic Techniques

Estimated Duration: 6–8 Hours

Learning Objectives

• Understand binary number system and codes
• Identify and analyze basic logic gates
• Create and interpret truth tables
• Understand combinational logic circuits

Topics Covered

Digital Concepts (1.5 hours)

• Analog vs. digital signals
• Binary number system
• Logic levels (HIGH/LOW)
• Binary-to-decimal conversion

Basic Logic Gates (2.5 hours)

• AND, OR, NOT gates
• NAND, NOR gates
• XOR, XNOR gates
• Truth tables and Boolean expressions

Combinational Logic (2 hours)

• Combining logic gates
• Logic circuit analysis
• Simple logic design
• TTL and CMOS logic families

Sequential Logic Introduction (2 hours)

• Flip-flop concepts
• Counter basics
• Register basics
• Clock signals

Laboratory Activities

Lab 6.1: Logic Gate Circuits

• Build circuits with 7400 series ICs
• Verify truth tables
• Observe logic levels with DMM and oscilloscope

Lab 6.2: Combinational Logic Project

• Design simple logic circuit from specifications
• Build and test the circuit
• Document design and results

Assessment Methods

• Digital logic problems and truth tables
• Logic gate quiz
• Digital circuit practical

Module 7 — Electronic Instruments and Measurements

Estimated Duration: 4–6 Hours

Learning Objectives

• Select appropriate test instruments for various measurements
• Understand instrument specifications and limitations
• Apply proper measurement techniques
• Document and interpret measurement results

Topics Covered

Multimeter Applications (1.5 hours)

• DC and AC voltage measurements
• Current measurements
• Resistance and continuity testing
• Component testing features

Oscilloscope Applications (2 hours)

• Waveform analysis
• Frequency and period measurements
• Phase measurements
• Triggering and display options

Other Test Equipment (1.5 hours)

• Function/signal generators
• Frequency counters
• Logic probes and analyzers
• LCR meters

Laboratory Activities

Lab 7.1: Comprehensive Measurement Exercise

• Measure various analog and digital circuits
• Select appropriate instruments for each measurement
• Document results professionally

Lab 7.2: Final Integration Project

• Build circuit combining analog and digital elements
• Perform complete circuit measurements
• Present project to class

Assessment Methods

• Instrument selection quiz
• Measurement technique practical
• Final comprehensive examination

Equipment and Materials Required

Laboratory Equipment (Per Station)

• Digital multimeter (DMM)
• Dual-channel oscilloscope
• Function generator
• DC power supply (dual output variable)
• Solderless breadboards
• Logic probe (optional)

Components and Supplies

• Resistor assortment (1/4W, various values)
• Capacitor assortment (electrolytic and ceramic)
• Inductor assortment
• Diode assortment (1N4001, 1N4148, LEDs, zener)
• Transistor assortment (2N3904, 2N3906, 2N2222)
• Op-amp ICs (741, LM358)
• Logic gate ICs (7400, 7402, 7404, 7408, 7432, 7486)
• Voltage regulator ICs (7805, 7812)
• Small transformers (center-tapped)
• Breadboard jumper wires

Software (Optional)

• Circuit simulation software (Multisim, LTspice, or similar)
• Digital logic simulator

Assessment Strategy

Grade Distribution

• Laboratory Work: 40% (Lab performance & participation 15%; Lab reports/documentation 15%; Practical examinations 10%)
• Examinations: 35% (Module quizzes 15%; Midterm examination 10%; Final comprehensive examination 10%)
• Projects & Assignments: 25% (Homework & problem sets 15%; Final integration project 10%)

Competency Requirements

Students must demonstrate minimum 70% competency in DC and AC circuit analysis, electronic component identification and testing, amplifier and power supply concepts, digital logic fundamentals, and test equipment operation and measurements.

Professional Skills Development

Technical Communication

• Written lab reports using proper technical format
• Circuit schematic interpretation
• Technical documentation practices
• Oral presentation of project results

Safety and Ethics

• Electrical safety compliance
• Proper equipment handling
• ESD awareness and prevention
• Academic integrity in collaborative work

Problem-Solving Skills

• Systematic circuit analysis
• Troubleshooting methodology introduction
• Critical thinking in circuit behavior
• Application of mathematical concepts

Extension and Enrichment Activities

For Advanced Students

• Independent circuit design projects
• Circuit simulation exercises
• Peer tutoring opportunities
• Industry certification preparation

Remediation Support

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

Real-World Connections

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