PHY2003 Practical Electronics II

2010-2011

Code: PHY2003
Level: 2
Title: Practical Electronics II
Instructors: Dr C.D.H. Williams
CATS Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credit Value: 5
Pre-requisites: Practical Electronics I (PHY1107)
Co-requisites: N/A
Duration: M1-M11
Availability: unrestricted
Background Assumed: Waves and Oscillators (PHY1106)
Directed Study Time: 44 hours
Private Study Time: 40 hours
Assessment Tasks Time: 16 hours

Aims

This module introduces students to the basic areas of analogue electronics, as they might be encountered in physics instrumentation etc. Professional electronics design involves three stages: design, simulate, build; represented this module by the worksheet, simulation exercises and laboratory elements. MacSpice, which is compatible with Berkeley Spice 3f5, simulation system is used here so that students will acquire a sound understanding of the principles underlying almost all professional analogue design systems.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to:

Module Specific Skills

• apply the techniques of AC theory in a complex representation;
• describe the operation of simple semiconductor devices: junction diode, bipolar transistor, field-effect transistor, etc.;
• analyse the operation of a range of basic analogue electronic circuits involving transistors and/or operational amplifiers;
• perform design calculations for such circuits;
• investigate circuits using SPICE simulation software;
• measure circuit performance;
• apply simple fault-finding techniques to electronic circuits which malfunction;

Discipline Specific Skills

• apply logic to the solution of problems;
• keep contemporaneous notes;

Personal and Key Skills

• deal with the practicalities of electronics hardware;
• use complex-number analysis to describe system behaviour;
• make appropriate use of electronic measuring-instruments;
• apply theoretical analysis to practical tasks;
• use software to simulate non-linear systems.

Learning / Teaching Methods

Laboratory classes (12×3hrs); computer classes (4×2hrs); directed self-study; e-learning resources.

Assignments

In each week 1-6: Complete exercises on preparatory worksheet in advance of six hours of laboratory work. Weeks 7-11: Complete weekly worksheets which will involve the use of the SPICE simulation .

Assessment

Continuous assessment of laboratory work and simulation exercises (100%).

Syllabus Plan and Content

1. The Ideal Operational Amplifier
2. Feedback and its Applications (DC)
3. Circuit Analysis
   1. Recap of complex impedance;
   2. Kirchhoff laws at AC, loop analysis, node analysis;
   3. AC potential dividers and bridges.
4. Filters
   1. First-order high-pass and low-pass;
   2. Bode plot;
   3. Second-order high-pass and low-pass.
5. Oscillators
   Phase shift, Wien bridge.
6. Bistable, Monostable and Astable Circuits
7. Non-ideal Operational Amplifiers
   Gain-bandwidth product, slew-rate limiting.
8. Semiconductor Diodes
   Resistance, differential resistance; Insulators, semiconductors, conductors; p-n junction; Types of diodes; Zener diode, voltage regulation.
9. Bipolar Transistors
   Design of amplifier; Negative feed-back; Two-stage amplifier; Transistor and Zener diode as constant current/voltage source.
10. Unipolar Transistor
    j-FET, MOSFET; FET amplifier; Source follower; FET as voltage-controlled resistor.
11. Differential Amplifier
    CMRR; Complementary emitter follower.
12. Power Supplies and Rectification
    Rectification and smoothing; Stabilisation using Zener diode, etc.; Precision rectifiers.

Core Text

Storey N. (1998), Electronics: A Systems Approach (2^nd edition), Addison-Wesley, ISBN 020117796x (UL: 621.381 STO)

Supplementary Text(s)

Faissler W.L. (1991), Introduction to Modern Electronics, Wiley, ISBN 0-471-62242-7 (UL: 621.381 FAI)
Hartley-Jones M (1977), A Practical Introduction to Electronic Circuits, Cambridge University Press (UL: 621.38 JON)

Formative Mechanisms

Students are able to monitor their learning by attempting practical design, measurement and simulation exercises. They are able to discuss these exercises with demonstrators and the course instructor.

Evaluation Mechanisms

The module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment.