July 2015

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Hong Kong Community College

Subject Description Form

Subject Code CCN2268

Subject Title Electronic Circuits

Level 2

Credit Value 3

Medium of English
Instruction

Pre-requisite / Pre-requisite
Co-requisite/ CCN2246 Basic Electricity and Electronics
Exclusion

Objectives This subject introduces the operating principles of electronic devices

and circuits to students. It develops students ability to solve problems
in electronic circuits and equips students with skills for experimentation
on electronic circuits. Several fundamental classes of electronic devices
and circuits will be covered, including diodes and diode circuits, bipolar
junction transistor (BJT) and its amplifiers, metal-oxide-semiconductor
field-effect transistor (MOSFET) and its amplifiers, and operational
amplifiers. An introduction to frequency domain analysis will also be
given.

Intended Learning Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to:
Outcomes
(a) acquire a basic understanding of fundamental circuit theory.

(b) comprehend the basic operating principles of several fundamental

classes of electronic devices.

(c) apply analytical techniques to solve simple problems in electronic

devices and circuits.

(d) acquire essential skills in performing laboratory experiments on

electronic circuits.

Subject Synopsis/ Diodes and Diode Circuits

Indicative Syllabus Semiconductor basics; P-N junction basics; Input, output and transfer
characteristics of practical diodes; Biasing through load line concept;
Practical diode circuits: rectifier circuits, clipping and clamping circuits.

Transistors and Biasing Circuits

Bipolar junction transistor (BJT); DC biasing and analysis of BJT
circuits; Metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET);
DC biasing and analysis of MOSFET circuits; Load line and graphical
large-signal analysis; Transistor amplification concept.

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Transistor Amplifiers and Small-signal Concepts

Basic BJT and MOSFET amplifier configurations: common emitter and
common source configurations; Small-signal models and parameters;
Concept of transconductance; Voltage gain; Input and output
impedances; Introduction to loading effect.

Operational Amplifiers
Ideal operational amplifier; Defining characteristics (i.e. infinite gain
and infinite input resistance); Basic op-amp circuits: inverting amplifier,
non-inverting amplifier, summing amplifier, difference amplifier,
integrating amplifier and differentiating amplifier; Specific op-amp
circuits: instrumentation amplifier; Current-to-voltage converter and
voltage-to-current converter; Design applications.

Introduction to Frequency Domain Analysis

Transfer functions from ac circuits in terms of j; Introduction to
frequency domain, from j to s; General s-domain transfer functions;
Simple first-order filter circuits; Concepts of pole, corner frequency and
bandwidth; Use of j axis for magnitude and phase plots for sinusoidal
driving sources; Extension to asymptotic plots and Bode plots.

Teaching/Learning This subject will include lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions.
Methodology Lectures will focus on the introduction and explanation of concepts and
theories supported by hypothetical and real examples wherever
appropriate. Tutorials will provide students with the opportunity to
deepen their understanding and to explore further applications of
theories taught. Laboratory sessions will help students acquire hands-on
experience in using electronic equipment and apply what they have
learnt in lectures/tutorials to experimentally validate the theoretical
investigations.

Assessment Methods A variety of assessment tools will be used to develop and assess
in Alignment with students achievement of the subject intended learning outcomes.
Intended Learning
Outcomes
Specific assessment % Intended subject learning
methods/tasks weighting outcomes to be assessed

a b c d

Continuous Assessment* 40

Test 16

Individual Assignment 16

Group Assignment 8

Final Examination 60

Total 100

*Continuous assessment items and/or weighting may be adjusted by the subject

team subject to the approval of the College Programme Committee.

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To pass this subject, students are required to obtain Grade D or above in

both the Continuous Assessment and Final Examination.

Student Study Class contact Hours

Effort Expected
Lecture 26

Tutorial 9

Laboratory 4

Other student study effort

Self-study 52

Continuous Assessment 39

Total student study effort 130

Reading List and Recommended Textbook

References
Alexander C. K. and Sadiku M. N. O. (2013). Fundamentals of Electric
Circuits. (5th ed.), McGraw-Hill.

Boylestad R. L. and Nashelsky L. (2014). Electronic Devices and

Circuit Theory. (11th ed.), Pearson.

References

Donald, A. N. (2010). Microelectronics: circuit analysis and design.

(4th ed.), McGraw-Hill.

Rizzoni, G. (2007). Principles and applications of electrical

engineering. (5th ed.), McGraw-Hill.

Hayt, W. H., Kemmerly, J. E. and Dubin, S. M. (2007). Engineering

circuit analysis. (7th ed.), McGraw-Hill.

Robbins, A. H. and Miller, W.C. (2007). Circuit analysis: theory and

practice. (4th ed.), Cengage Learning.

Goody, R. W. (2001). MicroSim PSpice for Windows Vol. 1: DC, AC,

and devices & circuits. (3rd ed.), Prentice Hall.