Introduction to Electronics

Course Description

EET1215C, Introduction to Electronics, is a combined lecture and laboratory course (indicated by the “C” suffix in the Florida SCNS) that provides students with a broad-based introduction to the fundamental principles, terminology, and applications used in the electronics industry. The course covers the foundational laws of electricity, DC and AC circuit theory, passive components, and an introduction to semiconductor devices. Laboratory exercises reinforce lecture concepts through hands-on use of standard electronic test equipment, circuit construction, and measurement techniques. This course is typically the first course in the Electronic Engineering Technology A.S. degree sequence and prepares students for advanced coursework in analog and digital electronics.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Apply Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws to analyze DC circuits.
• Calculate voltage, current, resistance, and power in series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits.
• Identify and describe the characteristics of fundamental passive electronic components including resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transformers.
• Describe basic atomic structure and explain how it relates to conductors, insulators, and semiconductor materials.
• Explain the operation of semiconductor diodes, including PN junction behavior, forward and reverse bias, and basic diode applications.
• Safely and correctly use basic electronic test equipment including the digital multimeter (DMM), DC power supply, and function generator.
• Read and interpret schematic diagrams using standard electronic symbols.
• Demonstrate proper laboratory safety practices and electrical safety procedures.

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be included depending on the institution and instructor:

• Use circuit simulation software (e.g., Multisim or equivalent) to model and verify circuit behavior.
• Apply network theorems (Thevenin’s, Norton’s, Superposition) to simplify and analyze complex circuits.
• Analyze basic AC circuit behavior, including frequency, period, amplitude, and phase relationships.
• Explain the operation of special-purpose diodes such as Zener diodes, LEDs, and photodiodes.
• Demonstrate introductory soldering and circuit assembly techniques on a printed circuit board (PCB).
• Use an oscilloscope to observe and measure AC waveforms.
• Describe the history and development of the electronics industry and its societal impact.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are covered across all standard Florida college offerings of this course:

• Electrical Fundamentals – Atomic structure, charge, voltage, current, resistance; conductors, insulators, and semiconductors; SI units and scientific notation.
• DC Circuit Theory – Ohm’s Law; series circuits; parallel circuits; series-parallel (combination) circuits; voltage dividers; current dividers; power calculations.
• Kirchhoff’s Laws – Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) and Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL); application to multi-loop circuits.
• Passive Components – Resistor identification (color codes, SMD markings); capacitance and capacitors; inductance and inductors; transformers.
• AC Circuit Fundamentals – Sinusoidal waveforms; frequency, period, and amplitude; peak, RMS, and average values; introduction to reactance and impedance.
• Semiconductor Diodes – Semiconductor materials; PN junction formation; diode characteristics; rectifier circuits (half-wave, full-wave, bridge); filtering and basic power supplies.
• Test Equipment and Measurement – Digital multimeter; DC power supply; use of measuring devices; safety practices in the laboratory.
• Schematic Reading – Standard electronic symbols; reading and interpreting circuit diagrams; component identification on schematics.

Optional Topics

The following topics may be covered depending on the institution’s curriculum emphasis:

• Network Theorems – Superposition theorem; Thevenin’s theorem; Norton’s theorem; Maximum Power Transfer.
• RC and RL Circuits – Time constants; transient response; introduction to filters.
• Oscilloscope Operation – Setup and calibration; measuring voltage, frequency, and phase; waveform analysis.
• Special-Purpose Diodes – Zener diodes and voltage regulation; LEDs; photodiodes; Schottky diodes.
• Circuit Simulation Software – Introduction to tools such as Multisim, LTspice, or Tinkercad Circuits; building and simulating DC/AC circuits.
• Introductory Soldering and PCB Assembly – Through-hole soldering basics; ESD awareness; PCB identification and component placement.
• History of Electronics – Development of electronic components and devices; key milestones in the industry.
• Mobile Robotics Introduction – Basic interaction of electronics in robotics platforms (offered at select institutions).

Resources & Tools

• Textbook (common adoptions): Electronics Fundamentals: Circuits, Devices & Applications by Floyd & Buchla; or Principles of Electronics by Malvino & Bates.
• Test Equipment: Digital Multimeter (DMM), DC bench power supply, function generator, oscilloscope.
• Circuit Simulation Software: NI Multisim, LTspice (free), Tinkercad Circuits (free/browser-based), or equivalent.
• Component Kits: Resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, breadboards, and hook-up wire (lab kit typically required; fees may apply).
• Soldering Station: Available in on-campus laboratory settings; ESD-safe workstation.
• Florida SCNS Reference: flscns.fldoe.org – Official statewide course numbering and profile information.
• FLATE (Florida Advanced Technological Education Center): Industry-aligned curriculum resources and MSSC certification alignment information.

Career Pathways

Successful completion of EET1215C prepares students to continue in the Electronic Engineering Technology A.S. degree or related College Credit Certificates. Graduates of the full program pursue careers such as:

• Electronics Technician – Assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of electronic equipment in manufacturing or field settings.
• Electronic Engineering Technologist – Supporting engineers in design, prototyping, and testing of electronic systems.
• Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) – Installation and maintenance of medical electronic devices.
• Industrial Maintenance Technician – Maintaining and repairing automated and electronically controlled industrial equipment.
• Avionics Technician – Testing and maintaining aircraft electronic systems (with additional FAA coursework).
• Field Service Technician – Installation and repair of consumer, commercial, or industrial electronic equipment.
• PCB Assembly / Quality Inspector – Circuit board assembly verification and IPC-standard inspection roles.

The A.S. in Engineering Technology (Electronics Specialization) articulates to Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) and B.S. Engineering Technology programs at multiple Florida state colleges and universities.

Special Information

Industry Certification Alignment

This course aligns with the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician (CPT) framework, which is embedded within Florida’s statewide Engineering Technology A.S. degree program. Students who go on to complete the full program may be eligible to earn the MSSC CPT credential, which articulates to up to 15 credit hours within the ET degree at participating Florida colleges.

Students completing the Electronics Specialization pathway may also pursue IPC certification (e.g., IPC J-STD-001 Certified IPC Specialist) through related soldering and assembly courses. The IPC standard is widely recognized in the electronics assembly manufacturing industry.

Lab Fee Notice

As a combined lecture/laboratory course (SCNS “C” designation), EET1215C typically carries a laboratory fee in addition to standard tuition. Students should verify current fee schedules with their institution. A component or materials kit may also be required for purchase.

Program Note

This course is generally taken in the first semester of the Electronic Engineering Technology program sequence. Students are advised to complete any required developmental mathematics coursework prior to enrollment, as basic algebra skills are essential for circuit calculations throughout the course.