module specification

This module builds on the knowledge gained in the first year module - Electronic Systems (CT4002). It aims to introduce some of the more subtle, real world issues associated with the design and implementation of the electronic systems through group case study.  Group case study design involves application of both analogue and digital electronics through hands-on system design approach using both discrete and IC components. This laboratory based module also involves brief outlining lectures and interactive group discussion relevant to the given case study. The module will present students with a set of processes such as research skills, systems level analysis and design, circuit simulation, PCB design, soldering and testing which enable them to understand the real-world aspects of simple but sufficiently involved electronic systems.

The aims of the module are as follows:
1. To appreciate and contextualise a given design problem and basic functionality of relevant electronic sub-systems through block diagram
To put into practice the design techniques used in the realisation of real-world electronic system
To provide insight into the theory, design, simulation and hands-on system building
To introduce the concepts of system integration, testing and debugging
To develop independent and team working skills in the context of a given group design case study
To analyze and document various processes professionally

Background research and directed independent study on theory and operation of
commonly used analogue and digital devices and ICs in context of a given group cases
study.

Block diagrams and system representation, Sub-system level modular design, analysis and integration, Appreciation of the applications of both analogue and digital circuits and sub-systems, Datasheets, Wiring diagrams, Schematics.

Application of simulation softwares (e.g. Simetrix, CircuitWizard) in designing a relatively bigger system than the usual lab experiments.

Hands-on skills of breadboard testing and debugging of mixed signal systems. Effective use of laboratory instruments, PCB design and manufacturing process, Health and safety.

Performance analysis of the systems through advanced data processing and visualisation. Professional documentation and presentation.

Team working, Project management, Costing etc

Module is delivered once a week in 3-hour session.  Because of the practical nature of this module, module is mainly delivered in lab environment. All groups are directed systematically so that they can appreciate and participate in various stages of group design case study.

A series of brief lectures/talks are delivered in context of the given case study. Lectures may include topics such as theory and operation of relevant electronic devices, technical research and library databases, project management, costing, engineering design cycle, technical writing.

Although, students work in a group of 4 or 5, each student is required to keep a logbook and record his/her weekly contribution and reflection for tutor’s regular feedback and one to one interactions.

All module material including teaching plan, outline of the group case study, lecture / lab handouts, sample class test, links to key data sheets, YouTube videos and up to date reading lists are made available through University’s VLE - Weblearn.

Office hours are made available for one to one problem solving and some directed independent learning.

By the end of this module students should be able to:

LO1. Grasp the application of the general theory of analogue and digital electronics in the design of real-world electronic systems.

LO2. Decompose bigger system into smaller blocks and analyze them in sequence identifying various design issues and options.

LO3. Simulate the given eletronic system using routinely availabe softwares.

LO4. Use laboratory equipments effectively. Understand the core essence of calibration, measurement, testing and debugging.

LO5. Use routinely available PCB design software and understand PCB design processes. Give consideration to the practical limitations of logic designs in terms of effects such as propogation delay.

LO6. Document and present various design aspects in professional manner.

Group design case study [LO1-LO6] is assessed as a portfolio submission. Depending on the class size and available resources, portfolio may include logbook notes and reflection, regular engagement, participation on VLE (WebLearn), quality of individual contributions, team working, contribution in documentation of group report / poster, interaction with the group members and lab tutors, project management, continuous assessment of various design stages, class test, working demonstration of the system and viva. All these contribute towards final module marks. Although, only one report / poster is required per group, it is possible that the members of the same group may obtain distinctly different marks depending on their individual contribution and performance.

• • Paul Scherz and Simon Monk (2016), Practical Electronics for Inventors (4th ed)), McGraw-Hill Education [CORE]
  • Thomas L. Floyd (2017), Electronic Devices (10th ed), Pearson [CORE]
  • Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill (2015), The Art of Electronics (3rd ed), Cambridge University Press [CORE]
  • Thomas C. Hayes and Paul Horowitz (2016), Learning the Art of Electronics: A Hands-On Lab Course, Cambridge University Press [CORE]
  • Richard Morris (2016), The Fundamentals of Product Design (2nd ed), Fairchild Books [CORE]
  • John M. Nicholas and Herman Steyn (2016), Project Management for Engineering, Business and Technology (5th ed), Routledge [CORE]

  • A Anand Kumar (2014), Fundamentals of Digital Circuits (3rd ed), PHI Learning.
  • Adel S. Sedra And Kenneth C. Smith (2017), Microelectronic Circuits: Theory And Application (7th ed), Oxford University Press.
  • Sergio Franco (2016), Design With Operational Amplifiers And Analog Integrated Circuits, MHI.
  • Earl Boysen and Harry Kybett (2012), Complete Electronics Self-teaching Guide with Projects, John Wiley & Sons.
  • Maini Anil Kumar (2009), Electronic Projects for Beginners, Pustak Mahal.
  • Charles Platt (2015), Make - Electronics: Learning Through Discovery, Maker Media.
  • Seggy T Segaran (2014), From Prototype to Product: A Practical Guide for Electronic Engineers, Ohm Books.
  • Alan Cohen (2015), Prototype to Product: A Practical Guide for Getting to Market, O'Reilly Media.
  • Simon Monk (2015), Fritzing for Inventors: Take Your Electronics Project from Prototype to Product, McGraw-Hill Education TAB.
  • Richard Newton (2016), Project Management, Step by Step: How to Plan and Manage a Highly Successful Project (2nd ed), Pearson.
  • Stan Gibilisco (2013), Beginner's Guide to Reading Schematics (3r ed), McGraw-Hill Education TAB.
  • Charles Platt (2016), Make: Encyclopedia of Electronic Components Volume 1, 2 and 3, Maker Media.
  • Simon Monk (2017), Make Your Own PCBs with Eagle: From Schematic Designs to Finished Boards (2nd ed), McGraw-Hill Education Tab.
  • Joseph Berardi (2016), Electronic Projects for Oscilloscopes, CreateSpace Independent Publishing.
  • Michael Jay Geier (2015), How to Diagnose and Fix Everything Electronic (2nd ed), McGraw-Hill Education TAB.
  • Robert A. Pease (2013), Troubleshooting Analog Circuits, Butterworth-Heinemann.
  • Robert A. Pease (2008), Analog Circuits (World Class Designs), Newnes
  Simon Monk (2017), Hacking Electronics: Learning Electronics with Arduino and Raspberry Pi, McGraw-Hill Education TAB.