Module Title:System Design and Test
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 10
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In No Programmes
Teaching & Learning Strategies: A series of lectures, using whiteboard, data projector and video, will initiate and broaden the students’ knowledge of the principles and practices of measurement and test of electronic circuits and systems. (b) A series of demonstrations and practical exercises using CAD software along with electronic/mechanical workshop sessions designed to teach the skills of electronic design, build, measurement and test.
Module Aim: To give the students the knowledge, competencies and skills necessary to: (a) Obtain accurate, reliable measurements in electronic circuits and systems (b) Design, build and test electronic components and circuits to determine if they are working within specification.(c)Generate PCB layout drawings(d)Develop an electronic and mechanical design to build & test a project.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 Design industry standard electronic schematics, layout drawings and assembly design drawings.
LO2 Generate PCB layout drawings.
LO3 Execute the assembly and testing of the electronic project.
LO4 Use appropriate instruments to take accurate graphical and numerical measurements in electronic systems.
LO5 Perform results analysis to enable reliable conclusions.
LO6 Test electronic circuits and perform results analysis to determine if they are working within specification.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.

No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
“Introduction to Electronics” or equivalent; “Principles of Electricity” or equivalent
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
1. Safety and safe working practices.
Recognise the risks associated with working with electrical equipment; soldering equipment; chemicals and hand tools. Follow/describe safe working practices when working with electrical equipment, soldering equipment, chemicals and hand tools.
2. ECAD design and testing of circuits / PCBs.
Build and take measurements using CAD simulation software. Create new components for electronic schematics. Carry out basic placement and routing techniques; Use block editing and route editing facilities; Route a PCB from the net-list; Use the various filing commands; Carry out auto-placement and auto-routing; Create new packages for PCB layout drawings; Use the design rule checker;
3.Development of electronic and mechanical design.
Generate all the documentation required to build and test the project. Build the PCB assembly using the fabricated PCB and selected components. Carry out PCB testing. Complete all mechanical assembly required (for e.g. panel mounting, enclosure customisation). Verify finished project conforms to specifications.
4. Technical report.
Written structured report documenting all work completed including CAD software, prototyping tests results and data sheets.
5. Measurement system.
Draw a block diagram of each stage of a measurement system. Describe the function of each stage. Define the measurement terms: sensitivity, linearity, resolution, hysteresis, accuracy, tolerance and repeatability. List the sources of error. Describe methods of error minimisation and explain the need for calibration and standards
6. Transducers.
Select a suitable transducer to measure typical physical parameters e.g. temperature. Summarise the signal conditioning necessary for the selected transducer output.
7. Experimental process.
Design a basic experiment. Identify and select variables – independent, dependant & control variables and develop a procedure to gather and record results. Perform basic analysis of results and create a report – including graphs, tables & conclusions.
8.Take measurements using DVMs, frequency counters and oscilloscopes.
Select and set up a suitable meter to measure a given signal and evaluate the accuracy of a displayed reading.
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment40.00%
Practical60.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Practical assignments with a brief report and practical tests. 4,5,6 10.00 n/a
Examination Formal written examination. 5 30.00 n/a
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation Design and build a project, generating all the documentation using CAD software. Write up a report with test results and conclusions. 1,2,3,6 60.00 n/a
No End of Module Formal Examination

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

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Practicals Every Week 3.00
Laboratories Every Week 1.00
Total Hours 4.00