In this course, students look at the basic elements of electronics from an analysis and troubleshooting point of view. This includes developing an ability to predict circuit behaviour from theory concepts, an ability to use test equipment to observe and measure actual circuit behaviour, and an ability to draw meaningful conclusions by comparing predictions with actual results. Emphasis is placed on applying basic troubleshooting strategies and techniques to circuits that do not function as expected. Students perform practical laboratory assignments which demonstrate the principles of the various subsystems employed in modern digital electronics equipment. These include memory and bus systems, D to A and A to D conversion systems, serial communication systems.
Emphasis is placed on correct use of test equipment and circuit debugging techniques.
This course is a digital communications oriented introduction to the fundamental principles of telecommunication electronics. The course begins with a look at the behaviour of components and circuits at high frequencies. It then moves into the general structure of the OSI model for telecommunications and the concepts and terminology that support the lower OSI layers of digital wired and wireless communications. The lab portion of the course emphasizes the use of test equipment to verify correct operation, measure performance characteristics, and troubleshoot malfunctions in basic circuit and small system applications that convey digital information. Students will perform practical laboratory assignments, in which microcomputers are interfaced to the real world using digital and analog circuitry.