ENGN2218 Electrical Systems & Design builds directly on ENGN1218 Introduction to Electrical Systems by developing the students' understanding of the principles and operation of advanced electronic circuits and devices (bipolar junction transistor, operational amplifier, filters, digital logic gates, ADC and DAC, 555 Timer and Instrumentation amplifiers). It also emphasizes the importance of modelling the behaviour of complex electronic circuits and devices using systematic mathematical techniques. PSPICE is used extensively in the analysis and design. Specific topics include:

• Bipolar Junction Transistors: Basic BJT concepts and circuit models, BJT Amplifiers (bias circuits, small-signal and large-signal equivalent circuits), BJT Common Emitter and Common Collector amplifiers, Cascaded BJT amplifiers.
• Op-amp: Op-amp characteristics, closed loop and open loop gains, Schmitt trigger.
• Steady State Sinusoidal Analysis: complex numbers, phasors, impedances, complex power.
• Op-amp Filters: Transfer functions, Bode Plots, First order active filters (low-pass and high pass).
• Digital Electronics: Number systems, Boolean algebra, Logic gates, Combinational logic circuits, Karnaugh maps, Combinational logic circuit design.
• Special topics: Analog to Digital Converters (ADC), Digital to Analog Converters (DAC), 555 Timer, Instrumentation Amplifiers.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Explain and use engineering abstractions and simple mathematical models to represent non-linear and active circuit elements (such as BJTs and op-amps).
2. Apply circuit analysis techniques in time and phasor domains (such as node-voltage method, mesh current method, Thevenin equivalent circuits, Phasors and complex impedances, Transfer functions, Bode plots) to solve electronic circuits.
3. Analyse and design analogue electronic circuits using BJT and op-amp amplifiers, opamp filters and op-amp comparator circuits.
4. Design combinational logic circuits using digital logic gates and timer circuits using the 555 Timer.
5. Explain in simple terms the working of electronic components and circuits and justify the practical significance of the real world analogue and digital electronic systems considered in the course.
6. Read data sheets and circuit diagrams and recognize building blocks such as power supply, amplifiers, comparators, filters, logic gates, timers and ADC/DAC. Assemble circuits and take measurement of circuit variables using appropriate lab tools (such as oscilloscope, function generator, digital multi-meter, power supply and MOKUs). Simulate circuits using a variety of simulation packages (such as PSPICE, LTSpice, Digitalworks and relevant smartphone app). Compare measurements with simulations.
7. Collaborate effectively with responsibility for personal and group laboratory outputs.

Research-Led Teaching

This course implements research-led teaching using the following three-pronged approach:

• The flipped classroom--course content is covered in short videos. Valuable face-to-face time is used for discussion in tutorials, developing problem-solving skills and teamwork.
• Industry-leading simulation tools and apps for smartphones and tablets to scaffold learning,
• The cognitive apprenticeship model of teaching systematically enables students to think like experts in the field of electronics engineering.

Field Trips

None.

Additional Course Costs

We recommend acquiring a scientific calculator with functions including matrix and complex number calculations.

Examination Material or equipment

Scientific calculator with functions including matrix and complex number calculations.

Required Resources

HLab Resources

• The detailed HLab parts list is in Wattle. All components required for the semester will be given out at the beginning of the first HLab in Week 4.
•  Each HLab Group need to collect a set of Lab kits for your Hlabs.
• Students must wear safety goggles and enclosed footwear.
• Each student needs to have a set of safety glasses, to bring to every HLab. Each student was given a free set of safety glasses in ENGN1218 so students can use the old ones. Otherwise, they will need to buy one. Harry Hartog books store in campus has some stock. Otherwise, Bunnings is another option.

Recommended Resources

Course Textbook

1. Allan R. Hambly, “Electrical Engineering Principles and Applications”, 7th edition, Pearson, 2018. http://library.anu.edu.au/record=b4927364

Recommended Textbooks

1. Thomas L. Floyd and David M. Buchla, Electronics Fundamentals: Circuits, Devices and applications, 8th Ed., Pearson, 2010. http://library.anu.edu.au/record=b2546959
2. Thomas L. Floyd, Digital Fundamentals, 10th edition, Pearson International Edition, 2009. http://library.anu.edu.au/record=b2546964

Library Reserve

1. R. Jaeger, and T. Blalock Microelectronic Circuit Design, 2nd Ed., McGraw-Hill, 2004. http://library.anu.edu.au/record=b2202651
2. Richard C. Dorf & James A. Svoboda, Introduction to electric circuits, 7th Ed., John Wiley & Sons, 2006. http://library.anu.edu.au/record=b2274718

Websites

1. http://wattle.anu.edu.au (official course website). It is your responsibility to check the wattle site regularly (at least twice a week) for course information and announcements.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

1. Written comments on marked HLab reports by the tutors.
2. Verbal feedback during the HLabs by the tutors and Lecturer.
3. Online feedback comments (automated) provided by Mastering Tutorials.
4. Verbal/email feedback to students who contact the Lecturer individually to discuss their work.
5. Online feedback to whole class via responses posted in Wattle discussion forum.
6. Midsemester Exam feedback provided if requested.
7. Final exam feedback provided if requested.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

HLab Attendance Policy

1. Any student absent from their HLab will receive a 0 mark.
2. To pass this course, students must attend and complete or submit reports for at least 5 out of 6 HLabs.
3. HLabs 1 has written lab reports that need to be submitted via Wattle.
4. HLabs 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are marked during lab time.
5. All HLabs are counted in the HLab attendance and completion requirement.
6. Students may be allowed to attend a different HLab group ONLY in very special circumstances AND if permission is sought in advance AND if space is available.
7. The late submission & attendance policies will be strictly enforced for fairness to all.

Student Feedback

Your constructive feedback is welcome throughout the course. This course uses anonymous feedback surveys via Wattle:

1. ENGN2218 Entry Survey (available Week 01)
2. ENGN2218 Exit Survey (available Week 11).

Generative AI

Generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Co-Pilot) are computer programs that use machine learning algorithms to generate new and original data or content. They can be used to generate text, images, music, or videos that are not explicitly programmed but are learned from a large dataset of examples.

 

This course assumes that work submitted by students in experimental labs will be generated by the students themselves, working individually as directed by lab instructions. This policy indicates the following constitute violations of academic honesty in experimental hardware labs:

• a student has another person/entity do the work for them, which includes purchasing work from a company, hiring a person or company to complete the report
• copying all/parts of the report from contract cheating websites (such as Chegg, Coursehero)
• posting all/parts of your report to contract cheating websites
• using generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT).

 

The mid-semester test and final exam are in-person assessments, and the use of generative AI tools will not be permitted.

 

This course recognises that understanding how and when to appropriately use generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT) may be emerging as an important skill for future professions. To that end, you are welcome to use generative AI tools in the class tutorials to further your understanding or to use generative AI tools as an advanced calculator in class tutorials or when solving Mastering questions. 

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Topic 1: BJT	Complete the entry survey, and sign up for your preferred HLab.
2	Topic 1: BJT	Pick up HLab Kits
3	Topic 02: Op-amp	Mastering M01 due
4	Topic 02: Op-amp	HLab 01
5	Topic 03: Steady-State Sinusoidal Analysis	Mastering M02 due; HLab01 Written Laboratory Report due; HLab02
6	Topic 03: Steady-State Sinusoidal Analysis	Mastering M03 due
7	Mid-Semester Test; Topic 04: Op-amp Filters	Written test
8	Topic 04: Op-amp Filters
9	Topic 05: Digital Electronics	Mastering M04 due; HLab03
10	Topic 05: Digital Electronics	HLab04
11	Topic 06: 555 Timer, ADC & DAC	HLab05
12	Topic 06: 555 Timer, ADC & DAC	Mastering M05 due; HLab06
13	Examination Period	Written Final Exam
14	Examination Period	Written Final Exam

Tutorial Registration

H-Lab Sign-Ups

Sign up on your MyTimetable.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Hardware Labs - HLabs1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6	25 %	1,2,3,5,6,7
Mastering Online Tutorial M01, M02, M03, M04, M05	15 %	1, 2, 3, 4, ,5,6,7
Mid-Semester Test (total 30%)	30 %	1,2,3,5,6
Final Examinations (total 30%)	30 %	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

1. Students perform Mastering individually, in their own time before the due date, on the Wattle site.
2. Students perform HLabs in a group of two students. Four HLabs are graded during the lab, and two are graded individual reports submitted online in Wattle. To pass this course, students must attend and receive grades for at least 5 out of 6 HLabs.
3. Students perform mid-sem test individually.
4. Students perform final exams individually.

Examination(s)

It is your responsibility not to book any travel that is conflicting with mid-sem test and final exam dates. It is the students’ responsibility to make sure you can sit the test/exams.

Assessment Task 1

Hardware Labs - HLabs1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

HLab1: Investigating the properties of the BJT amplifier. Report to be submitted.

HLab2: Op-Amplifier Schmitt Trigger, Marked in the lab

HLab3: Op-Amplifier Characteristics and Frequency Response, Marked in the lab.

HLab4: Active Filter Circuits, Marked in the lab.

HLab5: Digital Electronics and 555 Timers, Marked in the lab.

HLab6: ADC and a Digital Room Thermometer, Marked in the lab.

Assessment Task 2

Mastering Online Tutorial M01, M02, M03, M04, M05

M01: Detailed instructions regarding how to access the online Pearson’s system will be made available by Week 1. Bipolar Junction Transistors

M02: Operational Amplifiers

M03: Phasors

M04: Operational amplifier filters

M05: Digital Electronics

Assessment Task 3

Mid-Semester Test (total 30%)

These exams will cover Topics 1, 2 and 3.

Assessment Task 4

Final Examinations (total 30%)

These exams will cover Topics 4, 5 and 6.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

Laboratory report HLab01 must be submitted online (as a single PDF file; other file types are not accepted) using wattle.

Turnitin is not being used in ENGN2218 because:

• Submitted electronic material in PDFs is not compatible with Turnitin (Latex, OpenOffice, etc.).
• Material can be largely mathematical with equations, tables or graphs.

Hardcopy Submission

In accordance with the ANU policy on assessment task submission (https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_004603), hardcopy submissions will NOT BE accepted. 

Late Submission

HLab report, submitted late without an extension, will be penalised at the rate of 5% of your mark per day, for up to five days (excluding time periods that are not working days). This means that for reports due on a Wednesday at 10 am, no late reports will be accepted after the following Wednesday at 10 am.

Mastering assignment late submission, without an extension, is not accepted. All Mastering assignments are available from the beginning of the semester.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Marked HLab reports are electronically returned back to students via wattle.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students