PH 251: Electrical Circuits and Electronics

``A study, with laboratory, of electrical and electronic circuits. The course will include an introduction to basic digital circuits.''

Prerequisites:	MAT 112: Calculus II
	PHY 112: General Physics II

Two credits.

On-line information for Fall, 2008.

Detailed Course Description:

Beginning with a review of the electric and magnetic field theory covered in the General Physics II course, Electrical Circuits and Electronics develops the theory and practices necessary for design and construction of many of the basic types of electrical and electronic circuits used in the equipment of today.

The course is divided into three major sections. The semester begins with circuits comprised of components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, semiconductor devices such as diodes and transistors, and integrated operational amplifiers. The second section introduces combinatorial and sequential digital logic from which the basics of programmable logic, microprocessors, microcontrollers, and digital memories are developed. The course finishes with a three week period during which each of the students choose one of the swishing light laboratory projects, possibly make modifications and improvements, and then construct the final circuit on a printed circuit board of their own design and fabrication.

Each of the first two sections of the course is followed by a comprehensive week-long take-home exam. The final exam covers course content from the entire semester. During exams, students are permitted to make use of their notes and any books they may find useful. However, working together and seeking help from other faculty is prohibited.

Lecture Topics and Laboratory Sessions:

• Review Electricity from General Physics
• Lab: Prototype Techniques and Basic Measurements
• Lab: Analog and Digital Oscilloscope Use
• General Treatment of Impedance
• Lab: Filters and Phase Relationships
• Basic Semiconductors: Diodes and Transistors
• Lab: Transistor Amplifier
• Introduction to Operational Amplifiers
• Lab: Characteristics of Common Op-Amp Circuits
• Specialized Op-Amp Circuits
• Lab: Specialized Op-Amp Circuits
• Basic Digital Logic
• Lab: Combinational Logic
• Sequential Logic
• Lab: Swishing Lights I: Discrete Sequential Logic
• Programmable Logic and Memories
• Lab: Swishing Lights II: Memory and the EPROM
• Computer Basics: CPU's and Microcontrollers
• Lab: Swishing Lights III: The PIC Processor
• Programming the PIC Processor
• Lab: PIC Microcontroller Hardware
• Circuit Board Fabrication Techniques

Electrical Circuits and Electronics Laboratory Facilities:

The Electrical Circuits and Electronics Laboratory contains stock supplies of the basic electrical and electronics materials such as wire, resistors, capacitors, transistors, diodes, and both linear and digital integrated circuits.

There are four student work desks, each equipped with a dual-channel 20 MHz digital storage oscilloscope, computerized digital storage oscilloscope, function generator, multiple voltage power supply, digital multimeter, prototyping bread board, and basic tools including wire strippers, IC extractor, and clippers. Each work desk also includes a copy of the Microchip PIC 16F84A data sheet and a Local Guide to the facilities and software used in the Electrical Circuits and Electronics Laboratory. Most student work is performed in small groups at the student work desks. The size of the groups is determined by the number of students enrolled in the course and is generally no more than two.

In addition to this general use equipment, the laboratory contains several special purpose stations. The first station includes a computer, software, and hardware for device programming. One of the two device programmers is utilized for programming EPROM memory and is capable of programming a large variety of memories, PAL's, and Microcontrollers. The second device programmer is a PICSTART+ programmer used to program PIC 16F84A microcontrollers. The PIC development suite from Microchip is also available on this computer.

Throughout the semester, students may make use of this computer for other tasks associated with work in the laboratory. For example, software has been installed on this computer for generation and review of publication quality graphs. Software for layout and design of printed circuit boards is also available on this computer.

A second special purpose station has been set up to allow fabrication of printed circuit boards. This station allows transfer of printed circuit artwork with either iron- or photographic-transfer methods. A commercial etching tank allows etching up to four circuit boards at once in an agitated ferric-chloride bath. Also associated with printed circuit board fabrication is a third station still under construction which will contain a small drill-press.

Part of the remaining space is a dedicated soldering desk with the remainder serving for equipment repair and lecture facilities.

During the course, each student learn to use each of the facilities of the laboratory and will be able to actually make use them, if not during the first two sections of the course, while completing the final project.