Module Details

Module Code: DSGN C1604
Module Title: Prototyping
Title: Prototyping
Module Level:: 6
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Cathal Nolan
Module Author:: Darren Kavanagh
Domains:  
Module Description: The aim of this module is to provide the student with circuit prototyping, design, and practical fabrication skills. The module focuses on electronics workshop/laboratory practices and procedures, and
environmental considerations when prototyping/fabricating, designing layouts from circuit schematics, construction of prototype boards and troubleshooting circuits using test and measurement equipment, ECAD tools, simulation, analysis and investigation of circuit operation, rapid prototyping of physical parts and scaled models, and finally, knowledge of user-centric design approaches.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Operate in an electronics workshop laboratory with due regard for health and safety (H&S) and environmental considerations.
LO2 Design of electronic circuit layouts from schematics, construct prototype boards and troubleshoot using test and measurement equipment.
LO3 Employ ECAD software to layout, simulate, analyse and investigate the operation of electronic circuits.
LO4 Practice methods and techniques for rapid prototyping of physical parts and scaled models.
LO5 Knowledge of user-centric design approaches such as ‘design thinking’ principles and ‘user experience’ (UX) design.
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
Safe working laboratory practices and environmental considerations:
(i) Demonstrate excellent laboratory practice, implement proper safety precautions, understand risk assessments and standard operating procedures (SOPs), eliminating electrical hazards, electrostatic discharge (ESD), burns, eye protection, and respiratory irritants. (ii) Implement excellent environmental practice measures to reduce waste, reuse components and recycle materials.
Design and circuit layout:
(i) Form factor and design constraints, (ii) Layout planning sheets, (iii) Software tools and packages for layout.
Prototype board assembly:
(i) Breadboard, (ii) Stripboard, (iii) PCB (through-hole), (iv) PCB (SMD 805, 603), (v) IPC Standards.
Test and measurement equipment:
(i) Power Supply, (ii) Signal Generator, (iii) Digital Multi-meter (DMM), (iv) Mixed signal oscilloscope, (v) Spectrum analyser.
Electronic CAD software:
(i) Application of ECAD software to design, analyse and model the operation of circuits, and systems (SPICE simulators). (ii) Printed Circuit Board design process (through-hole and surface mount devices SMD).
Rapid prototyping:
(i) 3D CAD design software, (ii) Additive manufacturing (3D printing), (iii) ISO Standards.
User-centric approaches to design:
(i) ‘Design thinking’ principles, (ii) ‘User experience’ (UX) design.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment20.00%
Project80.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Class assessment.
Assessment Type Examination % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Class assessment.
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 5 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Project deliverable and report
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Timing Week 9 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Project deliverable and report.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Project deliverable and report.
No Practical
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

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 Delivery will consist of lectures / practical demonstration sessions. Every Week 1.00 1
Laboratory Contact Delivery will consist of practical sessions using measurement and test equipment and computational environments (modelling and simulation). Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Learning Non Contact Reading and studying the materials, practicing the laboratory design exercises and project implementation. Every Week 2.00 2
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
This module does not have any book resources
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • IPC Standards.
  • ISO Standards.
Discussion Note: