Course Description

Principles of electrical circuits and systems. Basic circuit elements (resistance, inductance, mutual inductance, capacitance, independent and dependent controlled voltage, and current sources). Topology of electrical networks; Kirchhoff's laws; node and mesh analysis; DC circuit analysis; operational amplifiers; transient and sinusoidal steady-state analysis; AC circuit analysis; first- and second-order circuits; Bode plots; and use of computer simulation software to solve circuit problems. Laboratory experiments supporting theoretical principles presented in lectures involving DC and AC circuit theory, network theorems, time, and frequency domain circuit analysis. Introduction to principles and operation of basic laboratory equipment; laboratory report preparation.

Course Rational/Objectives

This course is a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of electric circuits intended. This course is intended to develop student skills in analyzing and solving a variety of linear DC and AC circuits through calculations, computer simulations, and lab experiments.

Course Prerequisites

• MATH 2414 (Calculus II) and PHYS2426 (Engineering Physics II), or equivalents
• Corequisite: MATH2420 (Differential Equations) or previous completion

Required Texts/Materials

• Alexander, Charles, Sadiku, Matthew, Fundamentals of Electric Circuits, 7th edition
• Computer with SciLab and LTSpice circuit simulator (free software download)
• Scientific calculator (graphing not required)

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement.

Course-Level Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Explain basic electrical concepts, including electric charge, current, electrical potential, electrical power, and energy

• Apply concepts of electric network topology: nodes, branches, and loops to solve circuit problems, including the use of computer simulation.

• Analyze circuits with ideal, independent, and controlled voltage and current sources.

• Apply Kirchhoff’s voltage and current laws to the analysis of electric circuits.

• Explain the relationship of voltage and current in resistors, capacitors, and inductors.

• Derive and solve the governing differential equations for a time-domain first-order and second-order circuit, including singularity function source models.

• Determine the Thévenin or Norton equivalent of a given network that may include passive devices, dependent sources, and independent sources in combination.

• Analyze first and second order AC and DC circuits for steady-state and transient response in the time domain and frequency domain.

• Derive relations for and calculate the gain and input impedance of a given operational amplifier circuit for both DC and frequency domain AC circuits using an ideal operational amplifier model.

• Apply computer mathematical and simulation programs to solve circuit problems.

• Prepare laboratory reports that clearly communicate experimental information in a logical and scientific manner.

• Conduct basic laboratory experiments involving electrical circuits using laboratory test equipment such as multimeters, power supplies, signal generators, and oscilloscopes.

• Predict and measure the transient and sinusoidal steady-state responses of simple RC, RL, and RLC circuits.

• Predict the behavior and make measurements of simple operational-amplifier circuits.

• Relate physical observations and measurements involving electrical circuits to theoretical principles.

• Evaluate the accuracy of physical measurements and the potential sources of error in the measurements.

General Education Competencies

Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate competence in:

Communication Skills

Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

Critical Thinking Skills

Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.

Empirical and Quantitative Skills

Apply mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods through the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions.

Teamwork

Consider different points of view to work collaboratively and effectively in pursuit of a shared purpose or goal.