Electronic Devices & Integrated Circuits I

Course Description

EET2141C – Electronic Devices & Integrated Circuits I is a combined theory-and-laboratory course in the Electronic Engineering Technology program. Students examine the fundamental principles of electronic semiconductor devices and their basic circuit applications. Topics include the construction, theory of operation, and application of diodes, rectifiers, bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), field-effect transistors (FETs), and introductory integrated circuits (ICs). Laboratory sessions reinforce theoretical concepts through hands-on circuit construction, measurement, simulation, and troubleshooting using standard test equipment. This course is part of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) under the taxonomy of Engineering Technologies > Electronic Engineering Technology.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Explain the physics of semiconductor materials, including P-type and N-type doping, the PN junction, depletion region, and barrier potential.
• Analyze and apply diode circuit models (ideal, constant-voltage-drop, and complete models) to predict circuit behavior.
• Design and analyze half-wave and full-wave rectifier circuits, including bridge rectifiers, filter capacitors, and ripple voltage calculations.
• Apply Zener diode characteristics to design and analyze voltage-regulator circuits.
• Explain the construction and operation of NPN and PNP bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), including common-base, common-emitter, and common-collector configurations.
• Design and analyze BJT DC bias circuits, including fixed bias, voltage-divider bias, collector-feedback bias, and emitter-feedback bias for Q-point stability.
• Perform AC small-signal analysis of BJT amplifiers using h-parameter and r_e models to determine voltage gain, current gain, input impedance, and output impedance.
• Use load-line analysis (DC and AC load lines) to determine the operating point and swing limits of transistor amplifier circuits.
• Identify and apply special-purpose diodes including LEDs, optocouplers, Schottky diodes, and varactor diodes in appropriate circuit applications.
• Safely use laboratory instruments — oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, function generators, and DC power supplies — to measure, test, and troubleshoot semiconductor circuits.
• Construct and troubleshoot semiconductor device circuits on a breadboard and verify performance against calculated values.
• Interpret and apply data from semiconductor device datasheets and manufacturer specifications.

Optional Outcomes

The following outcomes may be covered depending on institutional emphasis and available lab time:

• Explain the construction and operation of Junction Field-Effect Transistors (JFETs) and MOSFETs, including enhancement-mode and depletion-mode types.
• Design and analyze basic FET bias circuits and small-signal FET amplifiers.
• Describe the internal structure and basic operation of an operational amplifier (op-amp), including the differential amplifier input stage.
• Analyze inverting and non-inverting op-amp amplifier configurations and calculate closed-loop gain.
• Use SPICE-based simulation software (e.g., Multisim or LTspice) to model and verify semiconductor circuit designs.
• Analyze the operation of Darlington pair and multistage amplifier configurations.
• Explain the operating principles of unijunction transistors (UJTs) and basic thyristor devices (SCR, TRIAC).

Major Topics

Required Topics

1. Semiconductor Fundamentals

   • Atomic structure, covalent bonding, and energy bands
   • Intrinsic and extrinsic semiconductors; N-type and P-type materials
   • Majority and minority carriers; electron and hole current
   • PN junction formation, depletion region, and barrier potential

2. Diodes: Theory and Applications

   • Diode I-V characteristics; forward and reverse bias
   • Diode models: ideal, constant-voltage-drop, and Shockley equation
   • Half-wave rectifiers; full-wave center-tap rectifiers; bridge rectifiers
   • Filter capacitors and ripple voltage; voltage regulation with Zener diodes
   • Clipper (limiter) and clamper (DC restorer) circuits

3. Special-Purpose Diodes

   • Zener diode characteristics and voltage-regulator design
   • Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and optocouplers
   • Schottky, tunnel, and varactor diodes — characteristics and applications

4. Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJTs): Construction and Characteristics

   • NPN and PNP transistor structure; three operating regions (active, saturation, cutoff)
   • Common-base, common-emitter, and common-collector configurations
   • BJT parameters: α, β (h_FE), I_B, I_C, I_E, V_CE, and relationships
   • Transistor as a switch; transistor datasheets and ratings

5. BJT Biasing and DC Analysis

   • Q-point selection and DC load-line analysis
   • Fixed bias, emitter bias, voltage-divider bias, and collector-feedback bias
   • Bias stability and thermal runaway; stability factor S

6. BJT Small-Signal Amplifiers

   • AC load-line analysis; small-signal equivalent circuits
   • h-parameter model and r_e transistor model
   • Common-emitter, common-collector (emitter-follower), and common-base amplifiers
   • Voltage gain, current gain, input and output impedance calculations
   • Effect of bypass capacitors and coupling capacitors

7. Laboratory Skills and Test Equipment

   • Safe use of DC power supplies, digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and function generators
   • Breadboard circuit construction and wiring techniques
   • Measurement of DC bias levels, AC waveforms, gain, and frequency response
   • Datasheet interpretation and component identification

Optional Topics

1. Field-Effect Transistors (FETs)

   • JFET construction, characteristics, and pinch-off voltage
   • MOSFET types: enhancement-mode and depletion-mode (N-channel and P-channel)
   • FET bias circuits: self-bias, voltage-divider bias, and drain-feedback bias
   • FET small-signal amplifiers: common-source, common-drain, and common-gate

2. Introductory Operational Amplifiers

   • Ideal op-amp characteristics; differential amplifier input stage
   • Inverting and non-inverting amplifier configurations; closed-loop gain
   • Basic op-amp applications: voltage follower, summing amplifier

3. Multistage and Differential Amplifiers

   • Cascaded BJT stages; overall gain and impedance calculations
   • Darlington pair configuration
   • Discrete differential amplifier analysis

4. Special Devices

   • Unijunction transistor (UJT) operation and relaxation oscillator
   • Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) basics and triggering

5. Circuit Simulation

   • Introduction to SPICE-based tools (Multisim, LTspice, or equivalent)
   • DC operating point and transient analysis of diode and transistor circuits
   • Comparison of simulated vs. measured circuit performance

Resources & Tools

• Primary Textbook: Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory by Boylestad & Nashelsky (Pearson) — the most widely adopted text for this course level across Florida EET programs.
• Alternate Textbook: Electronic Devices by Thomas L. Floyd (Pearson)
• Laboratory Equipment: DC power supply, digital multimeter (DMM), dual-channel oscilloscope, function/signal generator, breadboard, and component kits (resistors, capacitors, diodes, BJTs)
• Simulation Software: National Instruments Multisim, LTspice (free), or Falstad Circuit Simulator (browser-based)
• Datasheet Resources: Texas Instruments (ti.com), ON Semiconductor (onsemi.com), Vishay, and Digi-Key component library
• Florida Resources: FloridaShines open course sharing; FLVC library databases for technical references

Career Pathways

Completion of EET2141C supports entry into the following career areas within Florida's growing technology and defense sectors:

• Electronics Technician — assembling, testing, and troubleshooting electronic equipment in manufacturing, aerospace, or defense industries (Central Florida aerospace corridor, Pensacola naval installations)
• Semiconductor and Component Technician — testing and quality control in semiconductor fabrication and distribution
• Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologist — supporting engineering teams in circuit design, prototyping, and field service
• Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) — maintaining and troubleshooting medical devices containing solid-state electronics
• Field Service Technician — installation, maintenance, and repair of industrial electronic control systems
• Transfer Pathway: Students completing the A.S. in Electronic Engineering Technology may transfer into baccalaureate programs (e.g., B.S. in Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology at Valencia College or Florida Polytechnic University)

Special Information

Laboratory Component: The "C" suffix in EET2141C designates a combined lecture-and-laboratory course per the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System. Laboratory attendance is typically mandatory, and students must complete all lab reports to pass the course.

Certification Preparation: The skills developed in this course provide foundational knowledge relevant to the following industry credentials:

• IPC-A-610 Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies — soldering and assembly quality standards commonly required in Florida electronics manufacturing
• Electronics Technician Association (ETA) International — Associate Level CET (Certified Electronics Technician) exam preparation; semiconductor devices are a core knowledge domain
• CompTIA Electronics Technician pathway foundation coursework

ABET/ETAC Alignment: This course supports program outcomes for Electronic Engineering Technology programs seeking ABET Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) accreditation, specifically outcomes related to applying current knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to solve technical problems.