Prerequisites:

CETT 1403 DC Circuits, CETT 1405 AC Circuits and CETT 1425 Digital Fundamentals or department approval.

Textbook:

L. E Frenzel Jr., Principles of Electronic Communication Systems, Fourth Edition, McGraw Hill Education, 2016.

ISBN 9780073373850

Suggested Textbooks:

The following list are suggested textbooks that you might find useful for reference:

• S. H. Hall, G.W. Hall and J. A. McCall, High-Speed Digital System Design, John Wiley & Sons, A Wiley Inter-science publication, 2000.
• H. W. Howard and M. Graham, High-speed Digital Design, PTR Prentice Hall, 1993.
• J.H. McClellan, R.W. Schafer and M.A. Yoder, Signal Processing First, Second edition, Pearson/Prentice-Hall, 2015
• Gordon Roberts, Friedrich Taenzler, Mark Burns, An Introduction to Mixed-Signal IC Test and Measurement, 2nd Edition, Oxford Press, 2011, ISBN-13: 978-0199796212.
• M. Burns and G. Roberts, An Introduction to Mixed-Signal IC Test and Measurement, 1st Edition, Oxford Press ISBN-13: 9780195140163, 2000.
• J.H. McClellan, R.W. Schafer and M.A. Yoder, Signal Processing First, Second edition, Pearson/Prentice-Hall, 2015

Laboratory Kit:

Standard AC & DC Electronics Lab kit, Semiconductor Kit; pplied by department

A good scientific calculator is absolutely essential 

USB flash drive

Student Knowledge and Experience Assumptions:

• Basic Math skills required: Add, subtract, multiple, divide, fractions, decimals, percentages, use of formulas, algebra, and word problems
• Complex numbers, basic trigonometric identities
• Knowledge of DC and AC circuits and solid-state devices and circuits
• Knowledge of digital systems
• Use of a scientific calculator
• Use of the internet and internet based tools
• Knowledge of MS Word and Excel or similar applications

The Discipline Assessment Cycle

The Discipline Assessment Cycle (DAC) is the process whereby Austin Community College documents the extent to which students have attained the learning outcomes and objectives set before them. It pulls together information at the course- and program-level, with data regarding general education and, where relevant the skills associated with the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS). The framework of the DAC is designed to promote meaningful assessment, while simultaneously providing a single repository for assessment information from across the institution. The data gathered serves to provide documentation to outside accrediting bodies, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) or discipline-specific accreditors.

This provides an assessment of the Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs), General Education Competencies, Snapshot data, and the Course-Level Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs); The DAC project is mandatory for all students and the data is gathered and submitted to the department chairperson for further consolidation and distribution. For futher information, please visit http://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/discipline-assessment-cycle.

Grading System

Exams/Tests                            50%

Lab Exercises/Reports            20%

Quizzes/Homework                20%

Course Project                        10%

A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: Below 60

Course Class Calendar

Classes Begin: Jan 20

MLK Jr. Day: Jan 19

Spring Break: Mar 16-20

Withdrawal Deadline: Apr 27

Classes End: May 17

Course Project Presentations: May 13

Tentative Exam Dates:

Exam #1 – Feb 11

Exam #2 – Mar 11

Exam #3 – Apr 15

Exam #4 – May 11

Course Tentative Schedule:

Week 1            Chapter 1 – Introduction, Lab 1, Lab 2

Week 2            Chapter 2 - Transmission Line Theory; Lab 3, Lab 4

Week 3            Chapter 2 - Continued; Lab 5

Week 4            Review and Exam 1 – Chapters 1 and 2

Week 5            Chapter 3 - Digital Signaling; Lab 6

Week 6            Chapter 4 - Signal and Power Integrity; Lab 7

Week 7            Chapter 5 - Analog RF Signaling; Lab 8

Week 8            Review and Exam 2 – Chapters 3, 4 and 5

Week 9            Chapter 6 - Mixed Signal Testing; Lab 9

Week 10          Chapter 7 – Testing and Characterization Methods and Tools; Lab 10

Week 11          Chapter 8 - Analog-Digital Conversion; Lab 11

Week 12          Review and Exam 3 – Chapters 6, 7 and 8

Week 13          Chapter 9 – Optical Signaling

Week 14          Chapter 10 – IoT Networks; Lab 12

Week 15          Review Exam 4

Week 16          Exam 4 – Chapters 9 and 10; Class Project Presentations

Tentative Laboratory Exercises:

Week 1            Lab #1 - Basic Digital Storage Oscilloscope Operation

Week 1            Lab #2 - Oscilloscope Passive Probe Compensation

Week 2            Lab #3 - Using Oscilloscope Waveform Math

Week 2            Lab #4 - Performing Time-base Gated Measurements

Week 3            Lab #5 - Generating Eye Diagrams for Digital Signals

Week 5            Lab #6 -Transmission Line Characterization: TDR Measurements

Week 6            Lab #7 - Digital System Measurements

Week 7            Lab #8 - Analog RF Measurements

Week 9            Lab #9 - VNA Basics and Calibration

Week 10          Lab #10 - S-parameters Measurements

Week 11          Lab #11 - ADC/DAC System Measurements

Week 13          Lab #12 - IoT RF Wireless Connected Devices

During the laboratory exercise itself, students may assist each other or work in groups of 2-3. Once the lab is completed and the data has been captured, it is expected that each student to write-up their own lab report. A laboratory report template posted on Blackboad describes the write up format that is to be followed. Make sure that each question listed in the lab hand out is addressed in the write-up. The instructor reserves the right to return incomplete work for resubmission... 

NOTES

If you find the need to withdraw from the class, please be sure to complete the required paperwork.  Otherwise, you will receive an F for the class. 

LAST DAY TO DROP: Apr 27, 2026.

Departmental Addendum

Degree Audit

Students in the electronics department, who are seeking a degree or certificate in any specialty, should visit with the electronics student advisor, Theodore Yurevitch:

Theodore Yurevitch

Riverside Campus - South

Austin Community College -Riverside

Advising Specialist

Phone 512-223-6173

Email: theodore.yurevitch@austincc.edu

Tutoring Services

In addition to the Academic Support listed under the College Student Support Services, the Engineering Technology department also provides face-to-face tutoring services. Click on the TUTORING SCHEDULE button at http://sites.austincc.edu/electronics/ to see a list of tutors and the times they are available.

GMail

All electronics students must check their ACC Gmail regularly throughout the semester. We will be sending pertinent information about scholarships, the course scheduling needs survey, job opportunities, MSDNA software program, career fairs, special events, and the like through the student Gmail system.

Declare Major

All degree and certificate seeking students should declare their major at the Admissions and Records Office if they have not done so already.

Classroom Policies

1. Cellular phone and pages should be turned off or made inaudible during lecture.
2. Food or drinks are not allowed in the classroom.
3. Please clean your desk and/or workbench area at the end of class.
4. Please do not move, remove, swap, or replace any equipment. If you suspect any equipment to be faulty, please bring it to your instructor’s attention.

Week 1            Chapter 1 – Introduction, Lab 1, Lab 2

Week 2            Chapter 2 - Transmission Line Theory; Lab 3, Lab 4

Week 3            Chapter 2 - Continued; Lab 5

Week 4            Review and Exam 1 – Chapters 1 and 2

Week 5            Chapter 3 - Digital Signaling; Lab 6

Week 6            Chapter 4 - Signal and Power Integrity; Lab 7

Week 7            Chapter 5 - Analog RF Signaling; Lab 8

Week 8            Review and Exam 2 – Chapters 3, 4 and 5

Week 9            Chapter 6 - Mixed Signal Testing; Lab 9

Week 10          Chapter 7 – Testing and Characterization Methods and Tools; Lab 10

Week 11          Chapter 8 - Analog-Digital Conversion; Lab 11

Week 12          Review and Exam 3 – Chapters 6, 7 and 8

Week 13          Chapter 9 – Optical Signaling

Week 14          Chapter 10 – IoT Networks; Lab 12

Week 15          Review Exam 4

Week 16          Exam 4 – Chapters 9 and 10; Class Project Presentations

Course Topics Overview:

• Introduction to mixed signal systems
• Transmission line theory and concepts
• Fundamentals of digital signaling
• Introduction to signal and power integrity
• Fundamentals of analog RF signaling
• Analog and digital signal techniques and protocols
• Fundamentals of mixed signal system testing
• Introduction to analog-digital conversion concepts
• Testing and characterization methods and tools
• Fundamentals of optical signaling
• IoT networks and testing challenges

The course topics schedule will be posted and updated on Blackboard.

Course Rationale

This course follows the requirements of the Texas Workforce Education Couse Manual (WECM) for consistency with other Texas institutions of higher education in the specific fields of Computer Engineering Technology. This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of mixed signal systems, modulation techniques, communication protocols and system level testing and measurements. Topics will include analog RF signaling, digital signaling, optical signaling, and an introduction to Internet of Things (IoT) devices and testing.

Course Objectives

The student will operate test equipment; identify various sources of electricity in electronic circuits and systems; analyze electronic circuits using applicable mathematical formulas; and troubleshoot various typical circuits using schematic diagrams. Analyze various solid-state circuits, subsystems and systems; construct circuits to test; and troubleshoot various mixed signal devices. Utilize mixed-signal instruments to test and diagnose both high-speed analog and digital signals at the system level. Describe the various analog and digital communication protocols. Demonstrate knowledge of test and measurement theory.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of DC and AC circuits – Analysis and troubleshooting
• Understanding transmission line theory and concepts
• Understanding analog, digital and RF signaling behavior and characterization
• Understanding analog and digital signaling techniques
• Familiarity with analog and digital communication protocols
• Utilizing testing and diagnostics tools and methods for analog and digital signaling
• Understanding test specifications, parametric testing, measurement accuracy, and test hardware.
• Learning the accuracies and limitations of differing measurements and test equipment.
• Learning the common definitions of different tests and how to interpret measured data.
• Apply safety techniques while working on and troubleshooting various   circuits and components.
• Operating computers and application software.
• Interpreting characteristics of voltage, current, impedance, and power in electronic circuits, both in time and frequency domain.
• Measuring mixed signal waveform using appropriate instruments to test and diagnose both high-speed analog and digital signals at the system level.
• Using basic test equipment including: Digital Storage Oscilloscopes, Vector Network Analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, Digital Multimeters, Function Generators and Variable Power Supplies.

Attendance/Participation

Attendance and punctuality are expected and is considered when determining the final grade for this course.  You cannot develop the proficiency required for this course just studying the textbook.  Lectures may include material not covered in the textbook.  Attendance is very crucial and may make the difference between successfully completing this class or not. All students are expected to attend every class and to be punctual. If more than three unexcused absences or unsatisfactory compliance with other course policies, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. At my discretion, I may withdraw students who have three or more unexcused absences.   If you cannot attend a class session, please discuss the conflict with me in advance (in person, via phone or email).  

Reference:  http://www2.austin.cc.tx.us./admrule/4.01.002.htm

Withdrawal

If circumstances arise such that you cannot complete this course, it is to your advantage to drop the class by the deadline to avoid getting an unsatisfactory grade on your permanent school record. Students or instructors may initiate withdrawals anytime during the semester before the official withdrawal deadline. Please note that the state of Texas limits students to a maximum lifetime count of six (6) withdrawals.

Students may be withdrawn from the course by the instructor for non-attendance.  However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student to initiate the withdrawal process if they are unable to attend or complete their coursework as required.  Failure to withdraw by the established deadline will result in a grade of A, B, C, D, or F, based on the students recorded performance in the course.

Withdrawal forms are available from campus Admissions and Records offices.

Courses from which you withdraw will appear on your record as a grade of W.

Reference:  http://www2.austin.cc.tx.us./admrule/1.06.003.htm

The last day to withdraw is April 28, 2025.
 

Class Interaction:

Dialogue is a plus. Questions are best asked when thought of. Do not wait till after class to ask a question.

Quizzes/Exams:

Quizzes and Exams may include material from any classroom activities.  There are no make-ups without a note from a doctor or other relevant documentation. The decision to allow a makeup is at the discretion of the instructor. Quizzes will be given and will count towards your grade with the weight of a homework assignment.  The final exam must be taken when scheduled and is comprehensive. 

Missed or Late Work:

If a student is absent all work due on the date of absence must be provided at the beginning of the next class session.  The student should contact the instructor to receive assignments due on the date they return and have them completed when they return.  Missed labs cannot be made up and will receive a grade of zero.  Late work, not due to absence, will not be accepted and will receive a grade of zero. 

Blackboard and Grade Center:

Blackboard has a facility called Grade Center. All the student’s information and aggregate grades for this course are stored there and are readily retrievable. Since Blackboard administers many of the homework and laboratory exercises assignments, the grades from those assignments will be immediately posted to Grade Center upon completion. Homework assignments are completed and submitted in Blackboard as Test assignments. Laboratory Reports are also submitted in Blackboard as a pdf file.

Housekeeping:

All tools and lab supplies must be returned to their appropriate location.

Please keep chairs and tables where they belong. Return all equipment, tools, etc. back where they belong.

Please do not move, remove, swap, or replace any equipment. If you suspect any equipment to be faulty, please bring it to your instructor’s attention.

Incompletes

A student may receive a temporary grade of I (incomplete) at the end of the semester only if the following conditions are satisfied:

1. The student is unable to complete the course during the semester due to circumstances beyond their control.
2. The student must have earned at least half of the grade points needed to earn at least a C by the end of the semester.
3. Arrangement for an incomplete must be made with the instructor.

A Report of Incomplete Grade form must be completed by the instructor and filed with the Program Coordinator.

To convert the incomplete I into a grade, the student must submit for grading all work required to complete the course to the instructor by a date specified by the instructor within the next immediately following semester, but absolutely no later than 2 weeks prior to the end of the semester.  Incompletes not completed by the date specified automatically become a letter grade of F for the course.

Scholastic Dishonesty

Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research or self-expression.  Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests or quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper, projects, either individual or group, classroom presentations, and homework. The penalty for any violation of this policy is withdrawal from the course.

Cases of suspected cheating or plagiarism will be reported directly to the Program Coordinators office.  College policies will be strictly followed regarding the investigation of suspected cases and punishments if warranted.  If you are unsure about the line between collaboration and cheating, feel free to talk to me before it is too late.

Academic Freedom

Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.

Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that faculty and students will respect the views of others when expressed in classroom discussions.

Student Discipline

ACC's policy on student discipline can be found under Policies and Procedures at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow/

Classroom behavior should support and enhance learning. Behavior that disrupts the learning process will be dealt with appropriately, which may include having the student leave class for the rest of that day. If there are any observed potential or actual academic or behavioral difficulties, the student may be referred to ACC Support Services or the Dean of Students

In serious cases, disruptive behavior may lead to a student being withdrawn from the class. ACC's policy on student discipline can be found in theStudent Handbook, 2002-2003, p. 32.

Classroom Conduct

Cellular phones and pagers are disruptive to the class and must be turned off or made inaudible during lecture. Any iPod / MP3 devices must be turned off during class. No texting is allowed during class.

Interpersonal skills are critical to both working with peers and leading others.  It is expected that you will be respectful of the opinions and property of others, be aware of and responsive to the effect of ones behavior on others; and, work with others to resolve problems.

You are encouraged to work together on lab exercises as collaboration and teamwork are important skills to learn.  Working on these exercises, as well as studying together for exams, are good opportunities to develop the ability to collaborate.  Ensuring that others within a group pull their weight is also a skill to be learned.  However, exams, quizzes, laboratory write-ups, and homework assignments are strictly the individual’s responsibility.

Food and Beverages

Other than seal-able bottles of water, food and beverage items are prohibited in the classroom and laboratory.

Dress Code

During lab, students are required to wear close‐toed shoes at all times. If you show up to lab in flip‐flops or any open‐toed footwear you will be asked to leave and you will be considered absent for that lab.

Student Accessibility Services & Assistive Technologies (SAS)

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities.  Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students Accessibility Services on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this three weeks before the start of the semester. There is a Student Accessibility Services (SAS) office at each campus.  If you have a disability, contact Accessibility Services at the campus that's most convenient for you.

Once you qualify for services, Accessibility Services staff meets with you to determine reasonable, appropriate, and effective accommodations based on the courses in which are enrolled and your disability. To request services, complete the Accessibility Services application steps the campus that is most convenient for you.

For more information, visit: http://www.austincc.edu/support-and-services/services-for-students/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

Safety Statement

Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found athttp://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/

You are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

Use of ACC Email Communications

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account.  Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php

Student and Instructional Services:

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these services and support systems is available at http://www.austincc.edu/s4/

Links to many student services and other information can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/current/

ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored.  The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at: http://www.autincc.edu/tutor/students/tutoring.php

For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab:http://www.austincc.edu/tutor/locations.php

Test Center Policy:

Under certain circumstances, an instructor may have students take an examination in a testing center.  Students using the Academic Testing Center must govern themselves according to the Student Guide for Use of ACC Testing Centers and should read the entire guide before going to take the exam.  To request an exam, one must have:

1. ACC Photo ID (info at http://www.austincc.edu/support/admissions/student_id.php)

2. Course Abbreviation (e.g., ENGL)

3. Course Number (e.g., 1301)                                 

4. Course Synonym (e.g., 10123)

5. Course Section (e.g., 005)

6. Instructor's Name 

Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center.  Having your cell phone in the testing room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the remainder of the semester.  ACC Testing Center policies can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/

Concealed Handgun Policy

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.

Refer to the concealed handgun policy online: http://www.austincc.edu/campus-carry

COLLEGE POLICIES and STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Beginning with the Spring Semester of 2023 the sections on College Policies and Student Support Services no longer needs to be included as part of the documented syllabus. Instead this information is found via a direct link in the Blackboard course or by accessing the information directly via the ACC web page at the following hyperlink or the listed QR code below: https://www.austincc.edu/offices/academic-outcomes-assessment/master-syllabi/college-policies

DEPARTMENTAL ADDENDUM

STUDENT ADVISING ADDENDUM

•    Engineering Technology & Advanced Manufacturing Students who are seeking a degree or certificate should visit with their assigned Area-Of-Study advisor. To find out who your assigned advisor is, go to Find My Advisor and follow the steps using MyACC. If you have not been assigned an advisor, then please visit the Advising Office on your campus or fill out the Contact ACC Advising form and someone will get back to you.

For online advising, please go to the following site:
https://students.austincc.edu/advising/online-advising/

High School students taking classes in dual enrollment or as part of an academy or institute will have different advisors and counselors assigned to them. For help finding advising support for High School students, contact the ACC Office of College & High School Relations.

•    All students are expected to check their ACC gmail regularly throughout the semester. We will be sending pertinent information about scholarships, the course schedule, job & internship opportunities, Microsoft Azure free student software program, career fairs, special events, and etc.  Your instructor will communicate with you through Blackboard Announcement and Email.

Degree Audit

Students in the electronics department, who are seeking a degree or certificate in any specialty, should visit with the electronics student advisor, Theodore Yurevitch:

Theodore Yurevitch

Riverside Campus - South

Austin Community College -Riverside

Advising Specialist

Phone 512-223-6173

Email: theodore.yurevitch@austincc.edu

Tutoring Services

In addition to the Academic Support listed under the College Student Support Services, the Engineering Technology department also provides face-to-face tutoring services. Click on the TUTORING SCHEDULE button at http://sites.austincc.edu/electronics/ to see a list of tutors and the times they are available.

GMail

All electronics students must check their ACC Gmail regularly throughout the semester. We will be sending pertinent information about scholarships, the course scheduling needs survey, job opportunities, MSDNA software program, career fairs, special events, and the like through the student Gmail system.

Declare Major

All degree and certificate seeking students should declare their major at the Admissions and Records Office if they have not done so already.

Artificial Intelligence Policy for the Departments of Engineering Technology and Advanced Manufacturing

1. Introduction: The use of generative AI (GAI) is permitted in this course under certain conditions and with instructor approval for the purposes of enhancing learning while maintaining academic integrity.
2. Rationale: GAI is permitted to foster technological fluency and to leverage advanced tools for research, projects and other relevant assignments, as long as it does not substitute for the students’ original work, critical thinking and learning.
3. Definition of GAI: Generative AI encompasses technologies that create content through learned patterns and data without direct human input.
4. Usage Permissions: Permitted: GAI can be used for initial research, idea generation, and learning coding practices. It is not to be used for final submissions unless explicitly cited and discussed. Students should check with their instructors for approval before using AI in their assignments.
5. Resources: The ACC Library provides guidance on the ethical and effective use of GAI . Additional resources may be provided by your instructor.
6. Assessment: Contributions of GAI must be clearly cited and will be assessed on the student’s ability to critically analyze and integrate the AI-generated content.
7. Penalties: Misuse of GAI, including a failure to cite, will be considered a breach of academic integrity, with consequences including a failing grade for the assignment and academic review.
8. Exceptions: Should the technology be required as an accommodation, exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.