1st degree and Bachelor-level of the Bologna process in Ingegneria Elettronica - Torino 1st degree and Bachelor-level of the Bologna process in Electronic And Communications Engineering (Ingegneria Elettronica E Delle Comunicazioni) - Torino 1st degree and Bachelor-level of the Bologna process in Ingegneria Fisica - Torino
This course is taught in English.
The aim of the module is to learn to analyze and design circuits that are the base of today's electronic analog and digital systems. Building on the foundations provided by previous courses of electrical engineering, electronic devices and circuits, the operational amplifiers are first introduced and used in linear and nonlinear applications. The second topic covers linear and switching power supplies. Then we study the basic modes of operation of switching transistors and use them to analyze the structure of logic gates. The analysis of data acquisition systems completes the module.
The course provides the methods, understanding, and skills necessary to analyze and design the circuits that form the basis of today's analog and digital electronic systems. The knowledge acquired will be useful for those entering the profession as well as for those continuing to study these topics.
The course builds on knowledge from previous studies, particularly in electrical engineering and electronic devices and circuits. It focuses on practical aspects of electronic design, including:
- Main functional blocks and the inner workings of operational amplifiers.
- Main limitations of operational amplifier operation (static, dynamic, frequency response, power dissipation).
- Main applications using operational amplifiers with linear and non-linear transfer functions.
- The basics of transistor switching.
- Design and operation of linear and switching power supplies.
- Structure, behavior, and performance of various logic gate implementations.
- Basic structure, design, and problems of data acquisition systems.
The theoretical study is complemented by:
- Exercises to deepen understanding of the theory.
- Design examples that introduce typical engineering approaches and the rationale for decisions made when implementing electronic circuits based on specifications.
- Hands-on laboratory experiments that teach how to use laboratory instruments to verify and troubleshoot the operation of electronic circuits used to experimentally verify the theory learned in class.
- A lab kit to experiment independently with lab tasks and system design.
Become familiar with analog electronics and electrical aspects of digital electronics.
Design small analog systems from specifications.
Design simple power supplies for electronic circuits.
Design a digital circuit and the interface between it and a load.
Understand the classic data acquisition systems and know how to design then from specifications.
By the end of the course, the students will be familiar with analog electronics and the electrical aspects of digital electronics, and will be able to:
- Analyze, understand, and troubleshoot basic analog circuits.
- Design and test small-scale analog systems to meet specified performance criteria.
- Design basic power supplies for electronic circuits using linear or switching regulators.
- Design simple digital circuits and their interface to a power load, considering requirements such as power and isolation.
- Select and configure data acquisition systems based on signal characteristics and application requirements.
- Use laboratory equipment to test and troubleshoot electronic circuits.
The student must know the theory of electrical networks, their time domain frequency domain analysis, the operation in the linear region of bipolar transistors and MOS, the concept of bias and small signal. He/she also needs to know the basic concepts of signal theory and feedback. As for the experimental exercises, the student should have gained some familiarity in using laboratory equipment (oscilloscope, power supply, signal generator).
Students must understand the theory of electrical networks, their analysis in the time and frequency domains, the linear operation of bipolar and MOS transistors, the concept of bias and small-signal operation, and have a basic understanding of signal theory and feedback.
Laboratory experiments require familiarity with the operation and use of laboratory instruments: oscilloscope, power supply, and signal generator.
Operational amplifiers (4 CFU)
- structure of operational amplifiers with BJT and MOS: current mirror, differential stage, power stage. Power amplifiers with discrete components
- Parasitic parameters of operational amplifiers, frequency response, stability
- Linear circuits: amplifier, adder, instrumentation amplifier
- Active filters: first order, second order, higher order; switched capacitor filter
- Non-linear circuits: logarithmic amplifier, ideal diode
- Threshold comparators, waveform generators, VCO
- Sinusoidal oscillators: the Wien bridge, phase shift oscillator, three-point
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Power supplies (1,5 CFU)
- Traditional structure with dissipative controller
- Switching regulator
Logic gates and switching circuits (2 CFU)
- Bipolar and MOS switching transistors, switches, transmission gates, CMOS gates
- Static and dynamic parameters of logic families, open drain and tri-state outputs, Schmitt trigger inputs
- Interfacing with loads and optical isolation
- And-Or-Invert ports, dynamic logic
- Basic sequential circuits (latches, flip-flops, counter); dynamic behavior
Data Acquisition Systems (1 CFU)
- Elements of sampling theory, quantization; D / A converter (potentiometric, weighted resistors, R-2R ladder); A / D converter (flash, successive approximation, tracking); Sample & Hold (integrating)
Operational amplifiers (4.2 CFU)
- Design of operational amplifiers with bipolar and MOS transistors: current mirror, differential stage, power stage.
- Operational amplifier parasitics, frequency response, stability.
- Linear circuits: amplifiers, adders, instrumentation amplifiers.
- Discrete component power amplifiers.
- Active filters: first-order, second-order, higher-order; switched capacitor filters.
- Non-linear circuits: logarithmic amplifiers, ideal diodes.
- Threshold comparators, waveform generators, voltage-controlled oscillators.
- Sine wave oscillators: Wien bridge, phase shift, three-point.
Switching circuits and logic gates (1.8 CFU)
- Bipolar and MOS switching transistors, switches, transmission gates, CMOS gates.
- Static and dynamic parameters, logic families, open-drain and three-state outputs, Schmitt trigger inputs.
- Power load interfaces and optical isolation.
- And-Or-Invert gates, dynamic logic.
- Basic sequential circuits: latches, flip-flops, counters; dynamic behavior.
Power supplies (0.9 CFU)
- Traditional structures with dissipative regulators.
- Switching regulator based structures.
Data acquisition systems (0.75 CFU)
- Review of sampling theory, quantization.
- Digital-to-analog converters: potentiometric, weighted resistors, ladder network.
- Analog-to-digital converter: flash, successive approximation, tracking.
- Sample-and-hold (integrator).
System design (0.15 CFU)
- Simple system design and practical demonstration using several of the circuits covered in the course.
All lectures are delivered in the classroom, but are also streamed in real time, recorded, and made available on the course portal (as much as the classroom equipment allows).
Lab scores from this year and previous years are valid indefinitely.
Interested lab groups can optionally borrow a lab kit (free of charge) from the LED staff for the duration of the course to experiment independently with lab tasks and system design.
The course includes 8 two hours (1,5 CFU) experimental laboratory exercises to be performed at the LED. The labs are organized in groups of three or four students. For each lab group must prepare reports that are evaluated by the instructor and constitute part of final examination mark.
1. Operational amplifier characteristics;
2. Active filter;
3. Instrumentation amplifier;
4. Triangular wave generator;
5. Dissipative voltage regulator;
6. Switching converter;
7. Characteristics of logic gates;
8. D / A converter
The course is delivered through classroom lectures and exercises (8.2 CFU) and experimental laboratory work (1.8 CFU).
All lectures are also streamed in real time, recorded, and made available on the course portal (as much as the classroom equipment allows).
Six mandatory experimental laboratory activities are planned throughout the course and will take place in the LED Labs https://led.polito.it/default_en.asp. The lab activity must be carried out in groups of no more than four students, who must work together at all stages to develop teamwork and collaboration skills. For this purpose, the lab groups will be defined by the professor.
Each lab project consists of two parts: design and experiment. Students are given general instructions on how to conduct lab experiments and write a lab report, as well as a detailed description of each lab session they will conduct to guide them:
- Design the necessary parts of the experiment.
- Perform the hands-on experiments.
- Write the final lab report.
Lab reports are graded to determine the lab grade for each lab group. Students in each lab group must work together to complete only one report per group and upload it to the Elaborati tab of the course portal at http://didattica.polito.it/ by the specified deadlines. Lab reports are graded based on:
- Completion of the assignment.
- Quality of preparatory and experimental work.
- Quality and thoroughness of the presentation of the design and experimental work.
- Quality and thoroughness of the discussion of the results.
The average of the lab grades will contribute 20 % to the final exam grade (see "Grading Criteria" section).
The topics of the lab assignments are:
1) Operational Amplifier Characteristics, which covers the operation of the main blocks of operational amplifiers, as well as their limitations.
2) Characterization of instrumentation amplifiers, covering linear operation applications of operational amplifiers as well as their limitations.
3) Active filter design, covering the frequency response of operational amplifier circuits and the effect of component tolerances.
4) Triangle and square wave generator, covering non-linear applications of operational amplifiers and limits.
5) Asynchronous counter, which covers the electrical behavior of logic gates and switching transistors.
6) Digital-to-analog converters, covering data acquisition systems and related topics.
Once achieved, lab scores are valid indefinitely.
Several lecture notes in Italian covering almost the entire contents of the module are available on the official Politecnico website, where it is also possible to download the specs of the experimental exercises. For further details and discussions the recommended text is: Sedra / Smith, "Microelectronic Circuits", 5th ed. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-514252-7
Lecture notes are available on the course portal, along with instructions and materials for labs and exercises (including solutions).
For in-depth information and discussion of course topics, the following textbooks are recommended:
- Adel S. Sedra and Kenneth C. Smith, "Microelectronic Circuits," 7th Edition, Oxford University Press, 2015. ISBN 978-0199339143.
- R.C. Jaeger, T.N. Blalock, & B.J. Blalock, "Microelectronic Circuit Design," 6th Edition, McGraw-Hill Education, 2018. ISBN 978-1264602711.
- Sergio Franco, "Design with Operational Amplifiers and Analog Integrated Circuits," 4th Edition, McGraw-Hill Education, 2015. ISBN 978-0078028167.
- Neil Storey, "Electronics: A Systems Approach," 4th Edition, Harlow, England; New York: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2009. ISBN 978-0273719182.
Slides; Dispense; Libro di testo; Esercizi; Esercizi risolti; Esercitazioni di laboratorio; Video lezioni dell’anno corrente; Video lezioni tratte da anni precedenti; Strumenti di simulazione; Strumenti di auto-valutazione;
Lecture slides; Lecture notes; Text book; Exercises; Exercise with solutions ; Lab exercises; Video lectures (current year); Video lectures (previous years); Simulation tools; Self-assessment tools;
Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Prova orale facoltativa; Elaborato progettuale in gruppo;
Exam: Written test; Optional oral exam; Group project;
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The examination consists in a written exercise (time available: 30') which followed by an oral test (two questions). The written exercise is corrected at the beginning of the oral test.
No textbooks or notes are allowed during the written exam. The mark obtained in the written exercise and oral test accounts for 80% of the final examination mark. The remaining 20% derives from the average of the evaluations of the reports of experimental exercises. This average is calculated on the best six reports of each student. If the student has made less than six reports, the missing reports are mediated by the value 0 / 30.
Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.
Exam: Written test; Optional oral exam; Group project;
The final exam tests the acquisition of the following skills:
- Knowledge and understanding of the listed course topics.
- The ability to apply theory and computation to problem solving.
- Practical laboratory skills and technical report writing.
The final exam is written and lasts two hours. It consists of four problems and eight quizzes from any of the listed course topics. The course site provides many exam-like exercises that can be attempted individually or combined into complete exam samples.
The problems test the student's knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in the course (in lectures, exercises, and laboratory activities). Specifically, they test the student's ability to select, combine, and apply the broader theoretical knowledge, including calculations and engineering decisions, to solve simple and often practical problems similar to those typically encountered in electronic circuit and system design. The 4 problems are worth a maximum of 22 points.
The quizzes test both knowledge and depth of understanding of all course topics. Each quiz consists of one question and four predefined answers. Although only one answer is correct, all are designed to appear plausibly correct unless the student has a thorough understanding of the course material. Quizzes with correct answers are worth 1 point each, while quizzes with incorrect answers are worth 0 points each.
No outside sources of information (slides, notes, books, phones, other people, headsets, PCs, programmable calculators, etc.) may be used during the exam. Only non-programmable calculators are permitted.
The maximum exam score is 30. The grade must be at least 60 % (18 points) to pass, regardless of the lab grade.
For each laboratory session, each participating group of students must submit a report on the actual experimental work. Grading will be based on the application of course material to the experimental work, the consistency of the experimental design with the design objectives, the use of appropriate methodology, instrumentation, and settings, and the thoroughness and quality of the measurements, presentation, and discussion (from assignment objectives to conclusions), as well as personal involvement. The final lab grade is the average of the top 5 out of 6 report grades for each student. If less than 5 reports are available, the missing reports receive 0 points. The maximum lab grade is 10 and is valid indefinitely.
The maximum final score is 30 points. It is made up of the exam grade up to 25 points and the lab grade up to 5 points, as follows: final = exam * 25/30 + lab * 5/10.
Only those students who score at least 60 % on the exam (18 points before scaling to include the lab score) may request to be admitted to an oral exam in an attempt to improve their exam grade. The oral exam consists of up to four theoretical questions or simple problems to be solved and discussions on related topics and is designed to test the acquisition of the same skills as the written exam. Each topic of the oral exam is scored separately, from –3 to +3 points, with positive marks for correct answers and negative marks for incorrect answers, including the discussion. The scores for all topics are averaged to produce an oral score, which is then algebraically added to the written score. If the total score is at least 60 % of the maximum 30 points (at least 18 points), the exam is passed with the resulting grade. Below 60 %, the exam is failed. A score above 30.5 adds "cum laude" honors to the maximum score of 30.
An additional oral exam may also be required by the professor, in case of doubt, to verify the knowledge demonstrated by the student in the written exam. The structure of this oral exam will be the same as when it is requested by the student, except that in this case the grade of the oral exam can only reduce the final exam grade by any number of points (or leave it unchanged).
In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.