41276 Microelectronics
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Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 48520 Electronics and Circuits
Recommended studies:
basics of semiconductor physics; construction, testing, and troubleshooting of electronic circuits; analogue electronics
Description
Microelectronics introduces students to the principles, design, and applications of microelectronic devices and circuits. Through online materials, labs, and projects, students gain a solid understanding of semiconductor physics, device characteristics, and circuit design. The subject introduces key components like transistors and diodes and considers applications of microelectronics in fields such as communication systems and consumer electronics. On completion of the subject, students are equipped to analyse, design, and develop systems including microelectronic components, providing a foundation for further studies or careers in microelectronics and related fields.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Analyse passive and active circuits using circuit theories. (D.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Apply circuit theories to guide integrated circuit design. (D.1) |
| 3. | Design and simulate passive filters, including both narrowband and wideband designs. (C.1) |
| 4. | Design and simulate low-noise amplifiers using commercial semiconductor processes. (C.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to develop components, systems and processes to meet specified requirements. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply abstraction, mathematics and discipline fundamentals, software, tools and techniques to evaluate, implement and operate systems. (D.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies
This subject contributes to the development of the following Engineers Australia Stage 1 competencies:
- 1.3. In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
- 2.1. Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
- 2.2. Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
- 3.4. Professional use and management of information.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject is scheduled for 4 hours per week involving different types of activities to help students develop both their theoretical and practical knowledge through active and collaborative learning.
Students build their technical knowledge and capability through a series of lecture videos/recordings, which are viewed before class so that related in-class quizzes and lab work can be successfully completed. A weekly online workshop supports students in understanding the technical content.
Alongside the workshop, students attend weekly lab classes to engage with the practical development of microelectronics, and complete design project work.
Students are strongly encouraged to attend workshops and lab sessions which are designed to complement each other in helping students develop both their theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Tutors provide feedback and guidance in these interactive sessions to help students improve and learn throughout the session.
Assessment in this subject is very practical and hands-on, and is based around a series of circuit design projects of increasing difficulty that students complete throughout the subject. Formal assessments are predominantly based on lab activities, where students work according to detailed design specifications that are provided. Short quizzes are also conducted at stages throughout the subject to help students self-evaluate their own learning and identify areas where they can improve, which in turn will help improve their circuit design projects.
Content (topics)
- Introduction of microelectronics
- Passive component design: filters
- Passive component design: baluns
- Passive component design: couplers
- Phased-array system for wireless communication and sensing
- Introduction of transistor and amplifier design
- Active component design: low-noise amplifier
- Active component design: balanced amplifier
- Monolithic microwave integrated circuit design for 5G and beyond
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Quizzes
| Intent: | To receive feedback on understanding technical concepts introduced in the subject through videos, readings, and online workshops. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): D.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | 20 minutes per quiz |
Assessment task 2: Bandpass Filter Design
| Intent: | To analyse circuits and apply fundamental theories in designing a basic microelectronics circuit |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
| Length: | One design for the required component(s) |
Assessment task 3: Passive Component Design
| Intent: | To design and simulate passive components that are used in microelectronics applications. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | One design for the required component(s) |
Assessment task 4: Low-Noise Amplifier Design
| Intent: | To apply commercial semiconductor processes in the design and simulation of a typical microelectronics application found in industry. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | One design for the required component(s) |
Minimum requirements
To pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.