Background
Success in this course requires a good working knowledge of algebra. This is an introductory course, and as such, it assumes that you know very little about electricity. No previous course work in electricity or electronics is required. Basic electrical concepts such as voltage, current, power, and resistance are introduced and examined for DC (direct current). Fundamental laws and relationships such as Ohm's Law and Power Law are developed. Analysis techniques include series-parallel simplification, Thevenin's, Norton's, and Superposition Theorem, and Mesh and Nodal Analysis. This is one of the most important courses you will take in the electrical sequence since it creates the foundation for all of the others. It is virtually impossible to be successful in this program without mastery of the material presented in this course. Treat it appropriately. For lab, you'll need the standard array of goodies as used throughout this program (breadboard, DMM, small handtools, hook-up leads, etc.) Unless otherwise specified, all lab exercises require a non-formal report due no later than one week after the exercise. Late penalty is one letter grade for the first half week, two letter grades for the second half week. Reports are not accepted beyond two weeks and receive a grade of 0. Remember, plagiarism is grounds for failure.
Link to the Boylestad website for more info, self-test materials, etc.
Week-by-week progress and assignments. If you have the 9th edition of the text, please note that these numbers are virtually identical to the 10th edition for these chapters.
| 1 |
An introduction to units, conversions, and measurement schemes. This is very important background material. Chapter 2 then introduces some basic electrical quantities and properties.
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| 2 |
This week we define conductors, insulators, and semi-conductors. We also look at DC power supplies and some basic interrelationships such as Ohm's Law and introduce the concept of resistance.
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| 3 |
We continue with the interrelationships and examine the concepts of energy and efficiency, as well as Power Law.
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| 4 |
We finish energy and power calculations by mid-week. Once chapter 4 is finished, we will have our first test. We then launch in on chapter 5, which covers series circuits. Make sure that you at least read over the first few chapter sections before reading the lab exercise.
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| 5 |
This week we start putting a few things together and form the simplest sort of circuits: series circuits. We also begin an examination of parallel circuits.
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| 6 |
We continue with parallel circuits and by week's end, we introduce the combination series-parallel circuit in it's most basic forms. There are an infinite variety of series-parallel circuits. Do not attempt to memorize pat solution forms. Doing so will only get you into trouble later.
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| 7 |
We finish our work with basic series-parallel circuits (although we are by no means done with the topic-there are numerous circuits that will require the more sophisticated techniques presented shortly). At this point, we will have our second test.
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| 8 |
The next four or so weeks will involve examination of various theorems and solution techniques. If you haven't already done so, make sure that you read through your calculator's manual and learn how to perform simultaneous equation solutions. We begin our work with current source conversions and lead directly into Mesh Analysis.
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| 9 |
We spend most of this week on Nodal Analysis. Some people prefer nodal over mesh. Some people prefer mesh over nodal. Either one can be used to solve a given circuit, however, you may find that the solution of a given circuit is easier or faster using one technique in favor of the other. Time and practice will bear this out.
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| 10 |
We begin the examination of several theorems, including Thevenin's Theorem and Superposition Theorem. Note that superposition requires that the circuit be linear, thus non-linear circuits (such as those that exhibit saturation or rectification) cannot be solved using superposition. This is commonly forgotten by the beginning student.
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| 11 |
Norton's Theorem, Maximum Power Transfer Theorem, and Millman's Theorem round out our discussion.
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| 12 |
We finish any remaining details on network analysis and theorems. Once we finish up, we will have a test. From there, we begin a discussion of magnetism and magnetic circuits.
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| 13 |
We continue with magnetic circuits and at week's end, introduce inductance.
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| 14 |
The discussion of inductance concludes this week, and time permitting, we introduce capacitors.
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Capacitor circuits concludes our discussion for the semester. Time permitting, we have our last in-class test.
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