4 ECTS credits
110 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1002041BNR for all students in the 1st semester at a (B) Bachelor - advanced level.
1) Introduction: electronics seen from a technological point of view, the user point of view, the architectural point of view; electronics versus microelectronics; 5 theorems: technology evolution, impact on society, future challenges, design complexity - the VUB educational trajectory, wanted: a new type of engineers.
2) Characteristics of the basic components and their usage in the design of circuits
- the ideal operational amplifier: model assumptions; basic amplifier circuits (unipolar amplifiers: inverting, non-inverting, buffer; differential amplifiers: types and properties, criteria for the selection of amplifier types in measurement applications); comparators: regenerative circuits, block waveform generator; illustration of the concept "feedback" in simple circuits.
- the diode: the notion of dynamic resistance, the quasi-static transfer function and several idealizations, a few circuits - rectifiers and filters, peak detectors, precision diodes, Zenerdiodes, AC-DC converter.
- the bipolar transistor: static characteristics and low frequency models derived from the static transfer functions, the basic amplifier topologies: AC versus DC coupled amplifier stages, bias considerations, small signal models, common base, common emitter and common collector circuits, the transistor as a switch (quasi-static model).
- the FET's: MOSFET's, JFET's, depletion and enhancement types, static characteristics and derived low frequency models, simple semiconductor model, the basic amplifier topologies, the FET used as a switch (quasi static model).
3) Electronic operators for the processing of analog, digital and sampled signals
- Feedback and stability: the benefits of feedback for the circuit properties, stability, gain- and phase margins, transformation of amplifier circuits into formal block schemes used in the control theory, Bode stability criterion.
- Oscillators: design of an RC oscillator, frequency stability, amplitude stability, types of oscillators.
- Regulators and power supplies: general set-up, choice of the rectifier circuit, filter, regulator type (continuous versus switched).
- Data acquisition: general set-up of an acquisition system (Sample and Hold, Multiplexer, DAC, ADC), choice of the sample frequency and the number of bits.
- Isolation amplifiers: purpose of their usage, specific properties, optical and electromagnetic isolation barrier.
- Switched capacitor circuits: basic principles and examples.
- Current boosters: general design rules.
- An introduction to digital electronics: from physical to logical description; combinatorial circuits; sequential circuits, (memories, counters, synchronous versus asynchronous systems, semiconductor memories types and structure, structured implementation of sequential systems, reconfigurable computing); electrical realization of digital circuits, comparative analysis of different types of realizations, electrical specifications; electronic design automation; technology: trends and bottlenecks.
- The laboratory sessions include:
(1) Introduction exercises and introduction to the use of a general, freeware, simulator: LTSpice IV
(2) Exercises and introduction to LabView
(3) Digital Electronics: graphically programming of reprogrammable digital designs by using Altium Designer
(4) The operational amplifier in practice
(5) Analysis of a complex schematic: a thermostatic regulator circuit
(6) The bipolar transistor
The course is given in Dutch. Most of the course material is written in Dutch - the laboratory book with exercises, practical information and specifications of components is in English
- Elektronica powerpoint illustraties (Eerste herdruk - Augustus 2007), Dienst uitgaven VUB (mandatory)
- Elektronica Deel 1 en Deel 2, Jan Cornelis, Dienst uitgaven VUB (optional but acquisition is strongly encouraged)
- The reference works mentioned in 'Elektronica Deel 1 en Deel 2' .
Complementary study material:
Yannis P. Tsividis, "Mixed Analog-Digital VLSI Devices and Technology - An Introduction" Mc Graw Hill, 1995, (a detailed book on the operation and electrical models of MOS transistors, both for circuit designers and semiconductor specialists, containing a very clear introductory description of the MOS transistor operation)
This overview course is an introduction in electronics. The general principles used in electronics are illustrated by circuits with low technical complexity. Starting from the external characteristics (input-output relations) of the components, the most classical circuits are analyzed and designed; an overview is given of the typical analog and digital operators. Several training examples are given for converting real circuits to formal descriptions used in control theory. It is shown that, even with very simple circuits, a lot of different electronic operators can be realized.
The competences acquired at the end of the course should include: the analysis and design of low frequency circuits, the use and the identification of feedback in electronic circuits, stability analysis, overview of electronic operators and their realizations (analog and digital). Actively following the course and studying its contents guarantees that the student gets a broad insight on electronic components, circuits, design methodologies, concepts, important specifications, evolutions and trends in electronics.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 67% of the final mark.
PRAC Lab Work determines 33% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Lab Work category, the following assignments need to be completed:
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Engineering: Mechanical and Electrotechnical Engineering (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Engineering: Civil Engineering (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Engineering: Chemistry and Materials (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Engineering: Electronics and Information Technology Profile Profile Computer Science (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Engineering: Biomedical Engineering (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Physics and Astronomy: Default track (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Physics and Astronomy: Minor Economy and Business
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