Overview

Indicative content includes:

• Circuit symbols and large signal behaviour of resistors, voltage sources and current generator.

• Physical explanation of the mode of operation of diodes and Transitors. I-V characteristics. Methods for biasing to operating (quiescent) point.

• Large signal vs small signal resistance. Calculating the small signal resistance. Transistor configurations and their small-signal equivalent circuits. Single stage audio and buffer amplifiers.

• Basic introduction to Operational Amplifiers.

• Half-wave rectification, full-wave rectification, bridge rectifier, ripple, Zener stabilisation, IC regulators. Voltage doubling - Cockroft Walton stack. RC signal conditioning and diode shaping circuits, DC restoration, clipping.

• Laws of Boolean algebra. De Morgan’s Laws of basic logic gates: OR, AND, NOT Exclusive OR (XOR)

• Digital Comparators; Parity generation and checking; Flip-flops; Memories.

• Karnaugh Maps; Multiplexers and demultiplexers; Shift Registers and Counters; Simple state machines.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Equivalent to 40%. Uses key areas of theory or knowledge to meet the Learning Outcomes of the module. Is able to formulate an appropriate solution to accurately solve tasks and questions. Can identify individual aspects, but lacks an awareness of links between them and the wider contexts. Outputs can be understood, but lack structure and/or coherence.

-good -Equivalent to the range 60%-69%. Is able to analyse a task or problem to decide which aspects of theory and knowledge to apply. Solutions are of a workable quality, demonstrating understanding of underlying principles. Major themes can be linked appropriately but may not be able to extend this to individual aspects. Outputs are readily understood, with an appropriate structure but may lack sophistication.

-excellent -Equivalent to the range 70%+. Assemble critically evaluated, relevant areas of knowledge and theory to construct professional-level solutions to tasks and questions presented. Is able to cross-link themes and aspects to draw considered conclusions. Presents outputs in a cohesive, accurate, and efficient manner.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse the large signal behaviour of a Diodes and Transistors and their applications.

• Analyse the small signal behavior of Diodes and Transistors and their applications

• Apply the basic rules of binary logic and the operation of simple logic gates.

• Design basic combinatorial and sequential logic circuits using logic gates.

• Distinguish the I-V characteristics of resistors, constant voltage sources, constant current generators and their combinations.