Module Details

Module Code: COMM H2612
Module Title: Electronic Communications 1
Title: Electronic Communications 1
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Cathal Nolan
Module Author:: Keith Smyth
Domains:  
Module Description: To give the students the ability to describe, build and analyse circuits for electronic communications.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse the behaviour of resistor, capacitor and inductor circuits when excited by an AC source.
LO2 Understand how resistive, inductive, and capacitive circuits are used in communications systems.
LO3 Use computer-based engineering tools to analyse electronic circuits and calculate parameters associated with their operation and performance.
LO4 Design, assemble, test and debug electronic circuits associated with communication systems
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Capacitors in AC circuits:
Draw a phasor diagram showing the phase relationship between the current and the voltage. Define and calculate capacitive reactance. Sketch a graph of capacitive reactance versus frequency. Calculate true power and reactive power. Describe some applications of a capacitor (AC coupling, power line decoupling, bypassing
Inductors:
Describe the basic construction and characteristics of an inductor, Show how an inductor stores energy. Calculate the inductance of a coil. Use a lumped model to indicate the winding resistance. Measure the inductance of an inductor using an inductance meter. Draw the symbol for a fixed, variable, air core, iron core and ferrite core inductor. Calculate the total inductance when inductors are connected in series. Calculate the total inductance when inductors are connected in parallel.
Inductors in AC circuits:
Draw a phasor diagram showing the phase relationship between the current and the voltage. Define inductive reactance. Calculate inductive reactance. Sketch a graph of inductive reactance versus frequency. Calculate true power and reactive power. Calculate the Q factor. Describe the operation of an RF choke.
Series RC and RL circuits:
Express the voltages and current as phasor quantities. Define impedance. Express capacitive reactance in complex form. Express total impedance in complex form. Draw an impedance triangle. Calculate impedance magnitude and phase. Calculate the power factor.
Parallel RC and RL circuits:
Express the voltage and currents as phasor quantities. Express total impedance in complex form. Draw an impedance triangle. Define conductance and admittance.
RC and RL filters:
Explain the operation of a low pass filter. Explain the operation of a high pass filter. Calculate the cut off frequency. Define the –3dB point, roll-off rate, and the bandwidth. Use an oscilloscope to plot the phase difference between input and output. Use log-linear graph paper to plot the frequency response. State where such filters may be used.
Series and parallel RCL circuits:
Express the voltages and current as phasor quantities. Calculate the total reactance. Calculate the phase angle. Define resonance. Calculate the resonant frequency. Plot impedance versus frequency. Plot phase angle versus frequency. Define Q factor.
Filter response
Describe the operation of a bandpass filter. Explain the operation of a series resonant bandpass filter. Explain the operation of a parallel resonant bandpass filter. Describe the operation of a band stop filter. Explain the operation of a series resonant bandstop filter. Explain the operation of a parallel resonant bandstop filter. Calculate the bandwidth for each type of filter. Define selectivity. List applications where such filters may be used
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment20.00%
Practical20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will sit a number of class tests.
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will complete a number of practical tasks during the module. Students will write a report or produce a portfolio of their work. Students may also complete a practical test during the module.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
The final written examination will evaluate the extent of the student’s knowledge of the learning outcomes
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Tutorial Contact Tutorial Every Week 1.00 1
Practicals Contact Practical Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Learning Time Non Contact Independent Learning Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Thomas L. Floyd. (2009), Principles of electric circuits, 9th. Prentice Hall, [London], [ISBN: 10: 013507309].
  • D. C. Green. (2000), Radio Communication, 2. Pitman, London, [ISBN: 10: 058236908].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: