Engineering and design

Electronic Devices and Circuit Prototyping

Module code: H6099
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Practical, Laboratory
Assessment modes: Coursework, Unseen examination

Transistors are the basic building block of modern electronics and are used in a large variety of applications in computing and electronics.

This module provides you with an introduction of electronic devices, circuit theory and prototyping. It will consist of a series of lectures, starting with basic concepts of semiconductor devices and circuit theory such as diodes, junction transistors and field effect transistors (FET) and metal oxide semiconductor FET (MOSFET).

You will learn how to use component specifications (data sheets) to select your electronic components and design advanced circuit to solve real world challenges. You will gain the skills to simulate and test such electronic circuits and prototype them in the Laboratory using National Instrument hardware and software.

You will use the theory covered in lectures to produce a feedback stabilized series voltage regulator in the Lab and convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) using JFET, comparing its performance with MOSFET. 

Topics include:

  • semiconductor devices - diodes, junction transistors, field-effect transistors (FETs)
  • circuit applications - Half-wave, Full wave rectification and amplifiers.
  • Zener diode applications- fixed reference voltage
  • voltage regulators using FET and MOSFET
  • feedback stabilized series voltage regulator
  • component specifications and selection
  • use of data sheets and applications notes
  • production of circuit diagrams
  • circuit simulation using NI Multisim
  • circuit prototyping using NI Elvis
  • circuit development and testing
  • circuit final construction and testing
  • technical report writing.

Pre-requisite

Electrical Circuits & Devices

Module learning outcomes

  • Apply mathematics and engineering principles to demonstrate a sound knowledge of fundamental analogue and digital systems.
  • Apply circuit design concepts to develop solutions of problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of requirements using a practical implementation and consider the inclusive engineering framework.
  • Interpret component specifications, application notes and datasheets to select appropriate electronic components and processes, recognising their limitations.
  • Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to build, test and evaluate a circuit as part of a group in the laboratory.