KD5064 - Analogue Electronics and Instrumentation

You will learn on this module via a combination of lectures, workshops, and directed and independent learning materials. Your lectures will apply an integrated approach to learning, followed by your opportunity to practice the application of knowledge to a real world engineering problem, using a problem-based learning approach. Classes will be instructed to read ahead in the notes and to use the reading lists for background reading. Furthermore, this module uses a combination of ScreenCam videos integrated into the learning such that examples are rich in providing self-paced learning and the ability to repeat content as needed. Lectures may also provide a formative approach to assessment with integrated quizzes and problems to solve.
Workshops are in smaller groups and can provide a rich feedback framework based on problem based learning, where the learner can contextualise theory in practice in an appropriate lab session. This session also provides the appropriate learning tools, possibly electrical hardware (breadboards, oscilloscopes, signal generators etc.) or software based (LabVIEW, OrCAD, MATLAB). These enhance students skills for future employment.

You are supported on the module specifically in lectures, seminars and workshops. These provide the key academic support framework for you to learn.
Workshops, supported by lab tutors, effectively provide verbal feedback and comments throughout the session. Such comments may be generic and applicable to all students, typically noting procedures or some technical guideline or could be may be more directed to the individuals learning. Your key to workshop activities is to question the results, and attempt to link the work performed to your theoretical study.
The most appropriate use of blackboard (an online platform) is made in the module where your taught content is provided along with links to both the reading list support, relevant professional body related web sites showing relation of the theory to the industrial context.
Additional support is provided in this module in the form of integrated ScreenCam’s. These provide support for the development of key skills in using software tools (specifically OrCAD) and some support in tricky derivations or circuit theory examples such that you can observe not only the problem but the process and the thinking behind the examples.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate the application of knowledge in the design of instrumentation, and sensor systems with reference to real world problems. (AHEP 4, C1,)


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Mathematically model system-level and circuit solutions for instrumentation and analogue electronic systems AHEP 4, C3 )
3. Simulate, build and test circuitry using simulation and practical lab equipment (AHEP 4, C12, M12 )

4. Analyse the specification and performance requirements necessary for sensors, instrumentation and general circuit operation within a regulatory framework
(AHEP 4, C2, C13, M13)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

Summative assessment will include:
- A single Cousework (CW) report (100%). This will will cover all aspects of the theoretical material, together with application of knowlegde in a laboratory situation.

Formative assessment will take the form of: quizzes in the seminars and some use of case studies in the lecture to promote a more interactive learning environment; formative testing in the workshops to provide regular opportunities for the student to assess their own learning.
Verbal feedback will be provided during the workshop (laboratory) sessions. . Written feedback for the coursework report will be provided where appropriate, following the normal processes to show generically strong or weak results against the assessment criteria.

KC4010 Engineering Maths (or equivalent knowledge)
KD4010 Electrical and Electronic Principles (or equivalent knowledge)

N/A

Analogue electronics is a crucial part of almost all electronic products, and in some form analogue signals are used everywhere from audio reproduction through to sensors in industrial control environments. You will learn some depth in analogue electronics, to enable you to design transistor level circuitry, through to operational amplifier filter design. You will be using our specialist purpose laboratories along with industry standard CAD tools for example OrCAD in all aspects of analogue design. You will also be shown Instrumentation design, from sensors and their application, through to the linearization maths using CAD packages; for example, you may use MATLAB to model industrial systems.
You are taught in this module using a combination of lectures, additional electronic resources (typically Blackboard, YouTube), and workshops using our specialist purpose laboratories.
Your assessment on this module is through multiple monthly in-class tests (20%), an online lab test paper following completion of the workshops (30%) and a coursework report (50%)