Analog Circuits and Basic Analog Communications and Lab

Course Description

This course is a combined lecture and laboratory course in the Electronic Engineering Technology program that builds on foundational semiconductor device knowledge to explore advanced analog circuit design and basic analog communications systems. Students analyze, design, build, and troubleshoot circuits employing operational amplifiers (op-amps), active filters, oscillators, power amplifiers, and voltage regulators, then extend those skills into the fundamental building blocks of analog communications — including amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), tuned RF circuits, and demodulation techniques. The integrated laboratory component reinforces every lecture topic through hands-on construction, measurement, and troubleshooting using industry-standard bench equipment and circuit simulation software.

This course carries 4 credit hours and approximately 80 contact hours per semester (3 hours lecture + 3 hours lab per week). It is offered within the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) under the taxonomy Engineering Technologies > Electronic Engineering Technology, course ID EET2142C.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

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

• Analyze and design operational amplifier (op-amp) circuits, including inverting, non-inverting, summing, difference, integrator, and differentiator configurations.
• Design and analyze active filters (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-reject) using op-amps.
• Design and analyze oscillator circuits, including RC phase-shift, Wien bridge, Colpitts, Hartley, and crystal oscillators.
• Analyze and design linear regulated power supplies and basic switching power supplies using voltage regulator ICs.
• Explain the operation of amplitude modulation (AM) and demodulation, including double-sideband (DSB) and single-sideband (SSB) techniques.
• Explain the operation of frequency modulation (FM) and phase modulation (PM), and describe demodulation methods.
• Identify and describe the fundamental building blocks of communication circuits, including mixers, tuned circuits, RF amplifiers, and phase-locked loops (PLLs).
• Use electronic bench instruments — oscilloscopes, function generators, spectrum analyzers, and DC power supplies — to measure and verify circuit performance.
• Use circuit simulation software (e.g., Multisim or LTspice) to design and simulate analog circuits before physical construction.
• Troubleshoot malfunctioning analog circuits systematically using appropriate test equipment and diagnostic techniques.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also be able to:

• Analyze pulse modulation techniques including PAM, PWM, and PCM basics.
• Describe the principles of multiplexing and demultiplexing (FDM and TDM).
• Describe antenna types, characteristics, and basic RF propagation principles.
• Explain basic satellite communication system architecture.
• Apply Fourier analysis concepts to interpret frequency-domain representations of signals.
• Demonstrate safe soldering and PCB assembly practices in the laboratory.

Major Topics

Required Topics

1. Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amps)
   • Ideal op-amp characteristics and parameters
   • Inverting, non-inverting, voltage follower configurations
   • Summing amplifiers, difference amplifiers
   • Integrators and differentiators
   • Comparators and Schmitt triggers
   • Op-amp frequency response and gain-bandwidth product
2. Active Filters
   • First- and second-order active filter topologies (Sallen-Key)
   • Low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-reject (notch) filters
   • Filter frequency response and Bode plots
3. Oscillators and Waveform Generators
   • RC oscillators: Wien bridge, phase-shift
   • LC oscillators: Colpitts, Hartley
   • Crystal oscillators and frequency stability
   • 555 timer and function generator ICs
4. Power Amplifiers and Voltage Regulators
   • Class A, B, AB, and C power amplifier operation
   • Linear IC voltage regulators (78xx/79xx series, LM317)
   • Switching power supply fundamentals
5. Analog Communications Fundamentals
   • Communication system block diagram (transmitter, channel, receiver)
   • Time-domain and frequency-domain signal analysis
   • Bandwidth and signal spectrum concepts
6. Amplitude Modulation (AM)
   • AM modulation index and spectrum
   • Double-sideband full-carrier (DSB-FC) and suppressed-carrier (DSB-SC)
   • Single-sideband (SSB) modulation
   • AM envelope detectors and demodulation
7. Frequency and Phase Modulation (FM/PM)
   • FM modulation index, deviation, and bandwidth (Carson's rule)
   • FM demodulators: discriminators, PLL-based demodulators
   • Pre-emphasis and de-emphasis
8. RF Circuit Building Blocks
   • Tuned (LC) circuits and resonance
   • RF amplifiers and selectivity
   • Mixers and frequency conversion (superheterodyne receiver)
   • Phase-locked loops (PLL): operation and applications
9. Laboratory Skills
   • Oscilloscope operation: time-domain waveform analysis
   • Spectrum analyzer / FFT use for frequency-domain analysis
   • Function generator and RF signal source setup
   • Circuit construction on breadboards and PCBs
   • Systematic troubleshooting and fault isolation

Optional Topics

• Pulse modulation: PAM, PWM, PPM, and PCM introduction
• Frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) and time-division multiplexing (TDM)
• Antenna fundamentals: dipole, Yagi, and gain concepts
• Satellite and cellular communication system overviews
• Software-Defined Radio (SDR) demonstrations
• Programmable analog devices and communications ICs
• Introduction to digital modulation methods (ASK, FSK, PSK) as a bridge to future coursework

Resources & Tools

• Simulation Software: NI Multisim, LTspice, or equivalent SPICE-based circuit simulator
• Laboratory Instruments: Dual-channel oscilloscope, function/arbitrary waveform generator, DC regulated power supply, digital multimeter (DMM), spectrum analyzer or oscilloscope FFT function
• Communications Trainer Kits: Modulation/demodulation training boards (e.g., Lab-Volt / Festo Didactic or equivalent AM/FM trainer modules)
• Textbooks (typical): Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory (Boylestad & Nashelsky); Electronic Communications Systems (Tomasi or Frenzel)
• Datasheets: Manufacturer datasheets for LM741, LM324, LM358, LM317, NE555, NE567, and common RF ICs
• Reference Standards: Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS) — EET prefix course catalog; Florida Department of Education Electronic Engineering Technology program frameworks

Career Pathways

Successful completion of EET2142C prepares students for technical roles in electronics manufacturing, telecommunications, and systems integration. Representative career pathways include:

• Electronics Technician — manufacturing, test, and repair of analog and RF equipment
• Communications Technician — installation and maintenance of broadcast, two-way radio, and cellular infrastructure
• Field Service Technician — on-site installation, calibration, and troubleshooting of electronic systems
• RF/Analog Circuit Technician — support role in RF product development and testing environments
• Electronic Engineering Technology (A.S. or B.S. pathway) — articulates toward baccalaureate programs in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology at Florida SUS institutions

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course supports preparation for industry-recognized certifications relevant to analog and communications electronics:

• ISCET CET (Certified Electronics Technician) — Associate and Journeyman levels; analog circuits and communications are core exam domains.
• FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) — Course content in AM/FM modulation, RF circuits, and communications systems directly supports Element 1 and Element 3 examination topics.
• IPC-A-610 Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies — Lab soldering and PCB assembly work aligns with IPC certification offered at many Florida colleges as a companion course.

Program Context

EET2142C is typically the second or third course in the analog electronics sequence within the Florida Electronic Engineering Technology A.S. degree program, following introductory semiconductor devices coursework (e.g., EET1084C or EET1035C). It provides the analog foundation required for subsequent courses in digital systems, microcontrollers, and advanced communications.