7 ECTS credits
190 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1002043BNR for all students in the 1st and 2nd 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, design procedures, 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), design of series regulators with current limit and circuits for switched regulators.
- 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, linearization.
- Switched capacitor circuits: basic principles and examples.
- Current boosters: general design rule; maximal power transfer and amplifier classes (A, B, AB).
- Properties of non-ideal operational amplifiers.
- 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.
- MOSFET operation (semiconductor model); basic amplifiers: unipolar and differential amplifiers realized with FET's (in more detail); FET switches in digital circuits; the transition from circuits based on discrete components to IC's - current mirrors and active loads.
- Introductory notions of CMOS amplifier design, i.e. modules, amplifier topologies, analysis of circuits, design rules, specifications.
- 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
(7) Power circuits
(8-12) CMOS amplifiers (elementary operational amplifier - bias, low frequency signal behaviour, gain bandwidth properties)
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 (Eertse 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' .
- CMOS: Basisbouwstenen en versterkers, Maarten Kuijk, Jan Cornelis (available on the INTRANET of the ETRO Department).
- CMOS: Operationele versterkers - interne werking, basismodules, eigenschappen en ontwerp Frank Op 't Eynde, Jan Cornelis (available on the INTRANET of the ETRO Department).
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.
An extra learning objective has been added, namely the comprehension of elementary concepts behind CMOS amplifier design, i.e. circuit modules, amplifier topologies, general design rules, system specifications.
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.
This course contributes to the following programme outcomes of the Bachelor in Engineering Sciences:
The Bachelor in Engineering Sciences has a broad fundamental knowledge and understanding of
2. engineering principles and the ability to apply them to analyse key engineering processes and to investigate new and emerging technologies;
3. integrated design methods according to customer and user needs with the ability to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of other engineering disciplines to support the own specialisation engineering one;
4. fundamental, basic methods and theories to schematize and model problems or processes.
The Bachelor in Engineering Sciences can
6. monitor, interpret and apply the results of analysis and modelling in order to bring about continuous improvement;
7. apply quantitative methods and computer software relevant to the engineering discipline in order to solve engineering problems;
10. correctly report on design results in the form of a technical report or in the form of a paper;
12. reason in a logical, abstract and critical way;
The Bachelor in Engineering Sciences has
16. a creative, problem-solving, result-driven and evidence-based attitude, aiming at innovation;
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:
Oral examination (2/3 of the total score). Two questions about the course: a main question and a supplementary one - usually in another domain than the main question; 5 minutes for the consultation of the course notes; followed by 25 minutes preparation time without consultation of the course notes to structure the answers to the questions; approximately 20 minutes of discussion with the teacher.
Examination of the laboratory work (1/3 of the total score).
- exercises to be solved in preparation of the lab-sessions
- a simple electronic circuit should be designed and the functioning of a given circuit should be analysed.
- CMOS-project
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Engineering: Electronics and Information Technology (only offered in Dutch)
Preparatory Programme Master of Science in Photonics Engineering: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Preparatory Programme Master of Science in Photonics Engineering: Standaard traject