module specification

This module builds on the knowledge gained in the first-year module CT4002: Electronic Systems. It aims to introduce some subtle, real-world issues associated with electronic sub-systems by means of carefully chosen group design case study. The group design involves hands-on approach in analysis, design and troubleshooting of mixed-signal systems involving discrete components and ICs (Integrated Circuits).

The module follows a key set of engineering processes such as research skills, systems level analysis and design, circuit simulation, PCB/prototyping, soldering and testing which enable them to understand the real-world aspects of simple but sufficiently involved electronic systems.

This laboratory-based module is delivered in such a way that students have a balanced autonomy enabling them to explore personalised learning, creative problem solving, demonstrate and acquire transferable skills.

CT4002: Electronic Systems

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. LO1

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. LO2

Application of simulation software (e.g. CircuitWizard, Simetrix, Multisim, TINA) in designing a relatively bigger system than the usual lab experiments. LO2

Hands-on skills of breadboard testing and debugging of mixed signal systems. Effective use of laboratory instruments, Prototyping/PCB design and manufacturing process, Health and safety. LO2

Performance analysis of the systems through analytical approaches involving tables, graphs, data processing and visualisation and critical commentary, Professional documentation and presentation. LO3

Transferable skills, Independent and team working and engineering practices (project management, costing) LO4

Module is delivered once a week in a 3-hour session.  Because of the practical nature of this module, the module is mainly delivered in a 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 short briefings are delivered in context of the given case study to stimulate interactive group discussions. Short briefings are delivered on topics such as theory and operation of relevant electronic devices, applications of CAD tools, technical research and library databases, project management, costing, engineering design cycle, technical writing.

Although students work in a group, each student is required to keep an individual logbook and record his/her weekly contribution and reflection for tutor’s regular feedback and one to one interaction.

All module material including teaching plan, outline of the group case study, supplementary notes, 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:

LO1. To contextualise the functionality, operation and application of relevant electronic devices and sub-systems for a given design problem and its applications

LO2. To demonstrate the various phases of modular system design involving simulation, breadboarding, prototyping, integration, testing and troubleshooting while showing clear understating of subtle practical and LSEP issues

LO3. To reflect, critically analyse and document various processes and engineering product design cycle in professional manner

LO4. To apply and acquire transferable-skills such as independent and team working, creative problem solving, flexibility, communication, time management in addition to standard engineering practises

Group design case study (LO1-LO4) 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 contribution, 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, artefact demonstration and viva. All these contribute towards the final module mark/grade. 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.

Core Text:

Neil Storey (2017), Electronics: a systems approach (6 ed), Pearson, ISBN: 1292114118

Owen Bishop (2011), Electronics: circuits and systems (4 ed), Newnes, ISBN: 9780080966359

Charles Platt (2016), Encyclopedia of Electronic Components Volume 1, 2 and 3, Maker Media, ISBN: 9781449334291

Michael Jay Geier (2016), How to diagnose and fix everything electronic (2 ed), McGraw-Hill, ISBN: 9780071848305

Stuart G. Walesh (2012), Engineering Your Future: The Professional Practice of Engineering (3 ed), Wiley, ISBN-10: 047090044X

Simon Monk (2015), Fritzing for Inventors: Take Your Electronics Project from Prototype to Product, McGraw-Hill Education TAB, ISBN: 9780071844642

John M. Nichola (2017), Project management for engineering, business and technology, Routledge, an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, ISBN: 1317384806

Dennis Lock (2013), Naked project management: the bare facts, Gower, ISBN: 9781409461067

Caroline Whitbeck (2011), Ethics in Engineering Practice and Research, Cambridge University Press, ISBN:9780511976339

Other Texts:

Paul Scherz and Simon Monk (2016), Practical Electronics for Inventors (4th ed)), McGraw-Hill Education

Daniel M. Kaplan, Christopher G. White (2003), Hands-On Electronics: A Practical Introduction to Analog and Digital Circuits, Cambridge University Press, ISBN: 9780511754579

Richard Morris (2016), The Fundamentals of Product Design (2nd ed), Fairchild Books, ISBN: 1472578244

Seggy T Segaran (2014), From Prototype to Product: A Practical Guide for Electronic Engineers, Ohm Books, ISBN: 9780956153791

Alan Cohen (2015), Prototype to Product: A Practical Guide for Getting to Market, O'Reilly Media, ISBN: 1449362281

Gregory M. Horine (2013), Project management: absolute beginner's guide, Que, OCLC: ocn827953439

Stan Gibilisco (2014), Beginner's Guide to Reading Schematics (3r ed), McGraw-Hill Education TAB, ISBN: 9780071827799

Simon Monk (2017), Make Your Own PCBs with Eagle: From Schematic Designs to Finished Boards (2nd ed), McGraw-Hill Education Tab, ISBN: 1260019195

Joseph Berardi (2017), Electronic Projects for Oscilloscopes, CreateSpace Independent Publishing, ISBN: 197837688x

Simon Monk (2017), Hacking Electronics: Learning Electronics with Arduino and Raspberry Pi (2 ed), McGraw-Hill Education, ISB: 1260012204

Robert A. Pease (2008), Analog Circuits (World Class Designs), Newnes, ISBN: 0080569811

Robert A. Pease (1991), Troubleshooting Analog Circuits, Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN: 148314464X

Charles Fleddermann (2012), Engineering Ethics (4 ed), Pearson Education, ISBN-10: 1292012528

Sarah Bell, Caroline Baillie (2011), Engineers, Society, and Sustainability, Morgan & Claypool, ISBN-10: 1608457893

Magazines/Journals:

Every Day Practical Electronics: http://www.epemag3.com/index.html

Elektor Labs: https://www.elektor.com/labs/

New Electronics : http://www.newelectronics.co.uk/digital-magazine/

Nuts and Volts: https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine

Electronics for You: https://grab.electronicsforu.com/collections/grab-

magazines/products/efy-magazine-subscription

Electronics weekly, https://www.electronicsweekly.com/

Electronics letters, Institution of Electrical Engineers, ISSN: 0013-5194

Websites:

University Library website- https://student.londonmet.ac.uk/library/

Subject guides and research support - https://student.londonmet.ac.uk/library/subject-guides-and-research-support/

Electronic Databases:

IEEE Xplore / IET Digital Library (IEL) - https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/home.jsp

Wiley Online Library - https://0-www-onlinelibrary-wiley-com.emu.londonmet.ac.uk/

Social Media Sources: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/

Other: Lynda-  www.lynda.com