Almost every aspect of our lives relies on electrical powered, electronically controlled machines and devices, many of them digital in format. To properly understand how to make the most efficient use of these devices in a safe and economical way, it is vital to have a thorough knowledge of the underlying principles on which they rely.

This unit builds on the preliminary techniques and skills introduced in Unit 19: Electrical, Electronic and Unit 20: Digital Principles.

The emphasis in this unit will be in developing a structured approach to the analysis of AC single-phase and three-phase powered circuitry. This will help students to arrive at the solution in the most efficient way, with the greatest probability of it being correct. In addition, students will be introduced to the expanding use of computers, using specialised software to solve electrical, electronic and digital circuits. This will allow students to develop the necessary confidence and competence in the four key areas of mathematical techniques, circuit analysis, circuit simulation and laboratory practice.

Successful completion of this unit will enable students to cope with increasingly complex problems and prepare them for the challenge of Level 6 academic programmes.

Formal steady state circuit analysis:
Determinants, mesh analysis and nodal analysis (and their comparison)
Analysis using ideal sources, superposition theorem

AC circuit analysis:
Complex notation, polar and Cartesian coordinates, RLC circuits
Advanced use of phasor diagrams
Power: instantaneous power, power factor, apparent power, the power triangle

Three-phase theory:
Application of trigonometric methods to solution of phasor diagrams
Application of complex numbers to represent quantities in AC circuits
Single-phase representation
Solution of balanced three-phase circuits
Complex notation applied to three-phase, unbalanced loads, unconnected neutral point
Power, reactive power and power factor correction for three-phase systems

ECAD:
Use of computer modelling and simulation techniques to analyse and solve electronic, electrical and digital circuits, such as filters and amplifiers using operational amplifiers and discrete devices; digital logic circuit elements; and simple combination and sequential circuits

Non-linear circuits:
Characteristics of linear and non-linear circuits, mathematical modelling of a number of semiconductor devices, including diodes, bipolar and Field Effect Transistors and how this can be used to predict their ‘real’ behaviour in practice
Mathematically modelling the behaviour of semiconductor diodes, bipolar transistors and Field Effect Transistors.

A simulation and lab based assignment of 1500 words assessing learning outcomes 3 and 4 weighted at 50%.

A 1 hour examination assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2, weighted at 50%

Whole group lectures will be used to deliver new material and to consolidate previous material. Small-group tutorials, with activities designed to enhance the understanding of the material delivered in the lectures, will be used to apply the skills and knowledge learned. A mixture of classroom based and practical activities will take place supported by staff.

Use appropriate mathematical techniques to solve a range of electrical and electronic problems.

Apply appropriate circuit theorems to solve problems in electrical networks.

Use appropriate laboratory and computer simulation techniques to investigate both analogue and digital circuits and interpret the results.

Explain the characteristics of non-linear circuits to predict their behaviour under a variety of conditions.

Electrical and Electronic Laborataory, with standard electrical equipment
PCs with standard engineering software

BIRD, J. (2013) Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology. Routledge.
HUGHES, E. et al. (2012) Electrical and Electronic Technology. Pearson.
REHG, J.A. and SARTORI, G.J. (2005) Industrial Electronics. Prentice-Hall.
WILAMOWSKI, B.M. and IRWIN, J.D. (2011) The Industrial Electronic Handbook: Fundamentals of Industrial Electronics.
CRC Press.

http://www.bsigroup.com British Standards Institution Standards (General Reference)
https://www.ieee.org Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards (General Reference)
https://app.knovel.com/ Knovel (Research)
https://www.esdu.com Engineering Science Data Unit (General Reference)
http://www.theiet.org/ Institute of Engineering and Technology (General Reference)
http://www.theiet.org/ Institute of Engineering and Technology (Journal)
http://www.newelectronics.co.uk/ New Electronics Digital Magazine (Journal)
http://www.electronicsworld.co.uk/ Electronics World Magazine (Journal)
http://tie.ieee-ies.org/ Industrial Economics Society (Journal)
http://www.epemag.com/ Everyday Practical Electronics Magazine (Journal)

Must be registered on HNC/D Electrical and Electronic Engineering provision at South Staffordshire College.

Almost every aspect of our lives relies on electrical powered, electronically controlled machines and devices, many of them digital in format. To properly understand how to make the most efficient use of these devices in a safe and economical way, it is vital to have a thorough knowledge of the underlying principles on which they rely.

This unit builds on the preliminary techniques and skills introduced in Unit 19: Electrical, Electronic and Unit 20: Digital Principles.

The emphasis in this unit will be in developing a structured approach to the analysis of AC single-phase and three-phase powered circuitry. This will help you to arrive at the solution in the most efficient way, with the greatest probability of it being correct. In addition, you will be introduced to the expanding use of computers, using specialised software to solve electrical, electronic and digital circuits. This will allow you to develop the necessary confidence and competence in the four key areas of mathematical techniques, circuit analysis, circuit simulation and laboratory practice.

Successful completion of this unit will enable you to cope with increasingly complex problems and prepare you for the challenge of Level 6 academic programmes.