Analog Circuits

Course Description

EET1142C – Analog Circuits is a combined lecture and laboratory course (4 credit hours) in the Electronic Engineering Technology program. This is the first course in a sequence in analog electronics. The course introduces the fundamental concepts of semiconductor devices and their electrical properties, with emphasis placed on circuit analysis and practical application. Students explore the operation, analysis, and troubleshooting of semiconductor diode circuits, bipolar junction transistor (BJT) amplifiers, field-effect transistor (FET) circuits, power amplifiers, and oscillators. Laboratory sessions complement lecture content through hands-on construction and measurement of circuits using standard electronic bench equipment and circuit simulation software.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and explain the operating characteristics of semiconductor diodes, including standard rectifier diodes, Zener diodes, LEDs, and varactor diodes.
• Analyze and construct diode rectifier circuits, including half-wave, full-wave, and bridge configurations, with associated filter networks.
• Analyze bipolar junction transistor (BJT) DC bias circuits and determine quiescent operating points (Q-point).
• Design and analyze small-signal BJT amplifier circuits using common-emitter, common-base, and common-collector configurations.
• Analyze and troubleshoot audio power amplifier circuits, including Class A, Class B, and Class AB topologies.
• Analyze the frequency response of transistor amplifier circuits, including identification of cutoff frequencies and bandwidth.
• Identify operating characteristics of power supply regulator circuits, including unregulated and regulated designs.
• Set up and operate standard electronic bench instruments including oscilloscopes, function generators, digital multimeters (DMM), and DC power supplies to measure analog circuit parameters.
• Use circuit simulation software (e.g., Multisim or equivalent) to simulate and verify analog circuit performance.
• Troubleshoot analog circuits by applying systematic diagnostic techniques and interpreting measurement data.

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be included at the discretion of the instructor or institution:

• Analyze and design circuits using field-effect transistors (FETs), including JFETs and MOSFETs.
• Analyze and design oscillator circuits, including RC phase-shift, Hartley, Colpitts, and Wien-bridge configurations.
• Identify and apply Darlington pair transistor configurations for high-current gain applications.
• Analyze limiter and clamper circuits using diodes.
• Demonstrate safe soldering and component handling practices, including electrostatic discharge (ESD) awareness.

Major Topics

Required Topics

1. Semiconductor Diode Fundamentals – P-N junction theory, diode characteristics, ideal vs. practical diode models; Zener, LED, varactor, and special-purpose diodes.
2. Diode Rectifier and Power Supply Circuits – Half-wave and full-wave rectifiers, bridge rectifiers, filter capacitors, ripple voltage, and unregulated DC power supply design.
3. Voltage Regulator Circuits – Zener regulator circuits, linear IC voltage regulators (e.g., 78xx/79xx series), load and line regulation.
4. Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) Operation and Biasing – NPN and PNP transistor structure; DC load line analysis; fixed-bias, voltage-divider bias, emitter-stabilized bias, and collector-feedback bias circuits.
5. Small-Signal BJT Amplifier Analysis – Common-emitter, common-collector (emitter-follower), and common-base configurations; small-signal equivalent circuit models; voltage gain, current gain, input and output impedance.
6. BJT Frequency Response – Low-frequency and high-frequency effects; coupling and bypass capacitors; Bode plot analysis; bandwidth and cutoff frequency determination.
7. Power Amplifiers – Class A, Class B, and Class AB amplifier operation; push-pull amplifier configurations; amplifier efficiency and distortion.
8. Laboratory Skills and Instrumentation – Use of oscilloscopes, function generators, DMMs, and bench power supplies; circuit construction on protoboards; computer-aided circuit simulation.

Optional Topics

1. Field-Effect Transistors (FETs) – JFET and MOSFET construction, biasing, and small-signal amplifier analysis; comparison with BJT circuits.
2. Oscillator Circuits – Feedback theory; RC phase-shift, Wien-bridge, Hartley, Colpitts, and crystal oscillator circuits.
3. Multistage and Cascaded Amplifiers – AC coupling between stages; Darlington pair configurations; differential amplifier introduction.
4. Diode Wave-Shaping Circuits – Clippers (limiters), clampers, and voltage multiplier circuits.
5. Introduction to Operational Amplifiers – Basic op-amp characteristics, inverting and non-inverting configurations; preview of EET second-course topics.

Resources & Tools

• Recommended Textbook: Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory by Robert Boylestad and Louis Nashelsky (Pearson) — the standard text widely adopted at Florida colleges for this course sequence.
• Circuit Simulation Software: NI Multisim, LTspice, or Falstad Circuit Simulator for pre-lab and in-lab circuit verification.
• Laboratory Equipment: Digital oscilloscope, function/signal generator, regulated DC bench power supply, digital multimeter (DMM), and component breadboards.
• Electronic Components: Rectifier diodes (1N4001 series), Zener diodes, BJT transistors (2N2222, 2N3904, 2N3906), LEDs, resistors, capacitors, and linear voltage regulators.
• Open Educational Resources: All About Circuits (allaboutcircuits.com), Analog Devices University Program (wiki.analog.com/university), and Khan Academy – Electrical Engineering.

Career Pathways

Successful completion of EET1142C supports preparation for the following careers and pathways:

• Electronics Technician – Installation, testing, and repair of electronic equipment across manufacturing, defense, and communications industries.
• Electronic Engineering Technology A.S. Degree – Gateway course for students pursuing the full Associate in Science degree in Electronic Engineering Technology at Florida state colleges.
• Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) – Analog circuit fundamentals underpin diagnostic and therapeutic medical device servicing.
• Avionics Technician – Analog circuit knowledge is required for FAA-regulated aircraft electronics maintenance.
• Industrial Maintenance Technician – Troubleshooting analog control circuits in manufacturing and automation environments.
• Telecommunications Technician – Amplifier and signal-conditioning knowledge supports work in RF and wireline communications systems.

Special Information

Certification Preparation: The skills developed in EET1142C align with competencies assessed in the following industry credentials:

• IPC J-STD-001 Certified IPC Specialist (CIS) – Soldering and circuit assembly standards covered in lab complement this widely recognized electronics manufacturing certification.
• CompTIA Electronics Technician – Analog circuit fundamentals, diode and transistor theory, and troubleshooting skills directly support this certification pathway.
• ISCET Certified Electronics Technician (CET) – Associate Level – EET1142C content maps to the analog electronics knowledge domains tested on the CET associate-level examination.

Lab Safety: Students are required to follow all laboratory safety protocols, including electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions when handling semiconductor devices. Proper use of test equipment and adherence to electrical safety standards are enforced throughout all laboratory sessions.

Program Sequencing Note: EET1142C is the first course in the analog electronics sequence. Students who successfully complete this course are prepared to advance to the second course in the sequence, which typically covers operational amplifiers, active filters, oscillators, and advanced analog circuit design (e.g., EET1142C → EET2142C or equivalent).