Course content

The course gives an introduction to electrical concepts and analog circuit theory as a base for understanding both electrical and computer engineering. It also provides a foundation for understanding and designing simple circuits and systems built with digital electronic circuit elements.

Examples and exercises provide skills learning for using basic laboratory equipment and training laboratory work and report writing.

Themes are: Conventions, circuit elements, Ohm´s law, Kirchhoff´s laws, simple resistive circuits, techniques of circuit analysis, capacitance, inductance, and first order RC-circuits (natural and step response). Simplified properties, function and use of diodes and MOSFET transistors. Number systems, binary arithmetic. Boolean algebra, logic gates, simplification methods, combinational logic and simple memory components, flip flops, counters, shiftregisters, and simple arithmetic circuits. Time delay, performance, area, and power consumption for simple digital circuits.

Learning outcome

A. Knowledge objectives: Students should
1. Understand the basic theory and mathematical relationships in circuit analysis.
2. Understand basic terms and results from the theory about circuits with resistances, capacitive components, as well as semiconductor components.
3. Understand the principles for ideal semiconductor components.
4. Have knowledge about typical uses for resistive circuits, simple capacitive and inductive circuits, and for semiconductor components.
5. Understand different number systems and understand the workings of binary arithmetic.
6. Have knowledge about digital circuit elements such as gates and flip-flops, and understand how to build combinatorial, arithmetic and simple memory circuits with such elements.
7. Understand Boolean algebra and methods of simplification for use in digital circuit and system design.
8. Understand how different circuit alternatives affect time delay, area use, and power consumption in simple digital circuits.

B. Skills objectives: Students should
1. Be able to combine acquired knowledge and skills in mathematics and circuit analysis to analyse electrical circuits.
2. Be able to use basic circuit theory to solve problems in electronics and analyse/design simple circuits.
3. Be able to use simplified linear models for the analysis of semiconductor components.
4. Be able to use Boolean algebra and methods of simplification for the analysis and design of digital circuits and systems with circuit elements such as logic gates and flip-flops.
5. Be able to use laboratory equipment such as volt meter, ampere meter, oscilloscope and signal generator.
6. Be able to use acquired laboratory knowledge for the practical analysis of circuit systems.
7. Be able to use state of the art tools and development circuit boards.

C. General competence: Students should
1. Be able to plan and carry out experimental studies.
2. Be able to write clear and structured reports.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures. Mandatory exercises and laboratory assignments. One of the mandatory exercises will take place at a given date and a given location announced at the start of the term. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Course materials

To be announced at the start of the term.

Credit reductions