Rex N. Fisher                             Computer Science and Engineering Department, BYU-Idaho

ECE 150 Electric Circuit Analysis I

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[ECE 150 Assignments]     [ECE 150 Course Outline]

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IMPORTANT: More details regarding schedules, assignments, and policies are available to registered students on I-Learn.  These items are subject to change, but students will be given advance notification of any changes.

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Course Description:

 

Introduction to engineering.  Analysis and design of DC and AC circuits.  Resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, and batteries.  Ohms Law, power and network theorems.  Steady state and frequency domain analysis.  Students must create a printed circuit board for an electronic device, assemble it, and demonstrate that it operates correctly.  A student presentation is required.  Laboratory exercises are included. 

 

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Course Objectives:

 

At the conclusion of this course students will be able to:

1. Design, analyze, and troubleshoot DC and AC circuits with batteries, transformers, resistors,

    capacitors, and inductors.
2. Use CAE software to model DC and AC circuits.
3. Assemble electric circuits using proto-boards and observe their operation with basic

    laboratory instruments.
4. Assemble an electric/electronic project using proper construction and soldering techniques.
5. Work on a team to solve an engineering problem.

6. Make technical presentations.

7. Write technical reports.

 

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Course Prerequisites:

 

Proficiency in Algebra.

Exposure to Trigonometry.

 

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Concurrent Courses:

 

There are two other courses you should be taking this semester if you are an EE or CompE major.

 

Math 112

CS 124

 

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Required Texts:

 

Electric Circuits, 7th Edition, by Bell
(ISBN13: 9780195425246)

(ISBN10: 0195425243)

 

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Required/Recommended Software: 

 

A CD containing circuit simulation software is included with your text.  You also have the option, however, of using one of the packages listed below if you wish.

 

PSpice Student Version: This is the student version of the Cadence circuit simulation software available in our labs.  This program makes it easy to include schematic diagrams in your lab reports.  Be sure to also download the documentation from this web site.

 

CircuitMaker: This is similar to PSpice (above).  While it is a little less powerful, it is easier to use.  This program also makes it easy to include schematic diagrams in your lab reports.  Use this Screen Capture Software  to copy them from CircuitMaker to your document.

 

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Recommended Calculators: 

 

You will need a calculator that can solve simultaneous equations, operate with complex numbers (real part imaginary part), and perform polar <--> rectangular conversions.  Graphing capability is not required.

 

TI 8x calculators work nicely if you already have one and know how to use it.  Because I do not drive a TI, however, I cannot help you with using it.

 

I use an HP 35s.  The RPN ("enter" key) takes a few minutes to get use to, but you will never go back to algebraic calculators again once you try RPN.  Before students started using TI calculators in high school, nearly every engineer had an HP.  The engineers who have been around a while still do.  I will spend some time in class showing those of you with HP calculators how to use them. 

 

Another good calculator is the Casio FX-115.  It is cheaper than the HP 35s and Ti 8x, can do everything you need, and uses algebraic notation like the TI.  But, I cannot help you drive your Casio either.

 

Another nice thing about the HP 35s and Casio FX-115 is that you can use them on the engineering licensing exams.  None of the TI 8x models are permitted for that test.

 

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Class Score Calculation:

 

Exams & Quizzes:        40%
Homework:                    15%
Lab Experiments:         20%
Construction Project:   10%
Teach/Learn Projects: 15%

Total:                             100%

 

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Grading Scale:

 

93% - 100%  A
90% - 92%    A-
87% - 89%    B
83% - 86%    B
80% - 82%    B-
77% - 79%    C
73% - 76%    C
70% - 72%    C-
67%- 69%     D
63% - 66%    D
60% - 62%    D-