University of Technology Sydney

48521 Foundations of Electrical and Electronic Technology

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Electrical and Data Engineering
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 48510 Introduction to Electrical and Electronic Engineering AND 68037 Physical Modelling AND 33230c Mathematics 2
The lower case 'c' after the subject code indicates that the subject is a corequisite. See definitions for details.

Recommended studies:

basic physics and single-variable calculus are essential for this subject, as well as basic electric circuit theory

Description

This subject introduces the fundamentals of electrical and electronic engineering. It covers engineering electromagnetics and its applications to a number of electronic components and electromagnetic devices, such as capacitors, amplifiers, inductors, transformers, motors, transducers, sensors, antennas, and wireless power transfer systems. This subject aims to give students the necessary background and technologies for the design and analysis of both low-frequency electromagnetic devices and high-frequency electronic components, as required by engineers in energy systems, telecommunications, and electronics.

Laboratory work provides an opportunity to practice the theory. Laboratory skills, ranging from electrical safety, measurements, design validation, and experimental verification, are an important focus of this subject.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Explain the key conceptual underpinnings and principles of electromagnetic phenomena, electrical machines, electronic amplifiers and their applications. (D.1)
2. Illustrate basic construction of semiconductor and magnetic devices. (D.1)
3. Predict and measure basic quantities in electric and magnetic circuits; and analyse and design them. Apply first-principles to the analysis of complex problems and in the use of simplifications and valid engineering assumptions for system design. (D.1)
4. Mathematically model a wide variety of electromagnetic and electronic phenomena. (D.1)
5. Apply technical terms and notation in classroom discussions and assessment tasks. (D.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

  • 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:

  • 1.1. Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
  • 1.2. Conceptual understanding of the mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.

Teaching and learning strategies

Class time is used for tutorials and laboratories. At the beginning of tutorial, the tutor will discuss with the entire group the principles underlying the tutorial questions. The tutorial will then concentrate on reinforcing the fundamental concepts through drill problems and design exercises. Laboratories will start off as simple exercises in gaining familiarity with the available laboratory equipment, and then increase in complexity with a view to reinforcing fundamental electromagnetic and electronic concepts.

Student learning is supported in the following way:

  1. Prior to the tutorial, students have to watch the lecture videos and attempt tutorial questions for that week.
  2. Prior to each lab, students will be required to study the lab notes and associated readings, and solve pre-lab questions.
  3. In the lab, students will work in groups on their laboratory tasks. Academic staff are available to provide help.
  4. In the weekly consulting session, students are welcome to discuss any problems in their study.

Content (topics)

The subject includes the following topics.

  1. Electromagnetics: electrostatics, magnetostatics, conductors and insulators, magnetic materials, capacitance and (mutual) inductance, electric and magnetic forces, magnetic circuit, energy and loss, Faraday’s Law, Maxwell equations, and electromagnetic compatibility.
  2. Electronic components and devices: capacitors, diodes, transistors, rectifiers, regulators, amplifiers, sensors, and meters.
  3. Electromagnetic devices: inductors, permanent magnets, electromagnets, transformers, electrical machines, transducers, meters, antennas, and wireless power transfer systems

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Labs assignments

Intent:

To test skill and understanding of basic laboratory apparatus, electromagnetic phenomena, and electromagnetic devices and their applications.

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):

D.1

Type: Laboratory/practical
Groupwork: Group, group assessed
Weight: 30%
Length:

Varies according to lab task. Refer to Canvas.

Assessment task 2: Quizzes

Intent:

To test basic knowledge of a range of tutorial topics throughout the subject, and to provide timely feedback in class.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 3, 4 and 5

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1

Type: Quiz/test
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 40%
Length:

30 minutes each

Assessment task 3: Final Exam

Intent:

Test knowledge of the whole subject, including electromagnetic field, magnetic circuit and energy, and the working principles of electronic components and electromagnetic devices.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1

Type: Examination
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 30%
Length:

The final exam will be an open-book exam. More details will be provided on Canvas.

Minimum requirements

In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

Required texts

[1] Allan R. Hamblei, Electrical Engineering, Principles & Applications, 6th Ed., Pearson, 2014, ISBN 978-0-273-79325-0.

Recommended texts

[2] Rizzoni, G., Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering, McGraw-Hill, 2009, ISBN 978-0-07-338037-7.

[3] Sedra, A.S. and Smith, K.C., Microelectronic Circuits, 6th Ed. Oxford University Press, 2011. ISBN 978-0-19-973851-9.

References

[4] Paul, C.R., Electromagnetics for Engineers with Applications, Wiley, 2004. ISBN 978-0-471-27180-2

[5] Northrop, R. B., Introduction to Instrumentation and Measurements, 2nd Ed., CRC, 2005, ISBN 978-1-4200-5785-0

[6] Halliday D. and Resnick R., Fundamentals of Physics, Extended 10th Ed., Wiley, 2014, ISBN 978-0-470-46908-8.