This module introduces the practical design of real working electronic systems with particular relevance to signals and noise frequently arising in experimental physics research.

Lecture Material

Lecture notes

Assignment Questions

Assignment 1

Major Assignment

Assignment 2

Assignment Solutions

Assignment 1

Major Assignment

Assignment 2

Course Outline

Review of DC circuits and properties; passive components, R, C, L; review of Ohm’s Law, Kirchoffs Law
Sources of electrical energy; Thevenin theorem, Nyquist theorem; examples of ideal and real sources; power matching; analysis of the "divider" circuit
Introduction to AC circuits; review of complex impedance; introduction to theoretical underpinning: the Fourier Transform
Investigation of the Fourier Transform; definitions; properties; physical interpretation of imaginary property of FT
Application of the FT to solution of DE; examples: mechanical, thermal, electronic systems
Complex impedance; generalisation of Ohm, Kirchoff, Thevenin and Norton to AC circuits; limitations of the model
The divider circuit at AC; examples with R and C: low and high pass filters; introduction to transfer function
Transfer functions; real & imaginary or magnitude & phase; Bode plot; causal systems: relationship between magnitude and phase
Circuits with R, C and L; the divider; resonance; 2-pole filters; the loaded divider; amplifiers
Operational amplifiers - ideal and real; feedback circuits; input impedance; output impedance
Op amps with feedback as frequency shaping systems ("filters"); filter designs; stability considerations
Sources of noise: quantum, thermal (Johnson noise); noise in amplifiers
Case study: Signal to noise ratio with a transducer and amplifier

Assessment

One major assignment project (35%), several minor assignments (15%).

One final examination of 1.5 hours duration (50%), based on assignments and lecture material. One double sided hand written A4 sheet of notes permitted.

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