Session 10 - Cancelled
Session 10 is cancelled as the CTC is closing early. This was scheduled for January 6, originally scheduled for December 16: Soldering and project assembly. I will send you kits for the project circuit and will be glad to answer any questions you may have in getting it up and running. I'll include a CD with the software we used in the class and instructions for assembly of the circuit. It will take me a few days to gather this material together.
Session 9
December 9: Chapter 15. Basic analog filter topologies. How these filters are used in Radio and TV systems.
Session 8
December 2: Chapter 14. Computers. Used the AppleII schematic to explain basic computer architecture. Demo of embedded processors using the MSP430 RF demo board.
You can get the Apple II Red Book here. The schematic is in an appendix. I would not recommend using the MSP430 board as an introduction to embedded systems, but you can get more information about it here. If you want to explore embedded micros further, I would recommend checking out the Arduino. My preference are the boards produced by Adafruit Industries.
Session 7
November 25: Chapter 13. Digital Electronics. We built a counter circuit. Used Multimedia Logic to demonstrate the other logic circuits in the text.
You can get the Multimedia Logic program I used here. The three books recommended on this page by Max Maxfield are very good if you want to learn more about digital after the course.
Session 6
November 18: Chapter 12. Integrated circuits. We built a timer circuit. Used SPICE to demonstrate amplifiers built using op-amps.
You can get the SPICE program I used here.
Homework
Keep an eye out for a USB connector. You are looking for an "A" plug at the end of a cable. A good source is from the end of a dead keyboard or mouse. I have a few, so do not go to a store and buy and extension cable! A regular size "B" jack will also work, but not a mini-B or micro-B.
Session 5
November 11: covered Chapters 9-11. Field effect transistors, batteries, and power control. We built a FET circuit, and I put on a fireworks display with my screwdriver and SCR dimmer circuit. It should be noted that, even though I started with the disclaimer that "I'm taking this shortcut because I am in a hurry" this was a good demonstration of why it is important to take your time when constructing a circuit -- especially when connected to mains power.
Session 4
Covered Chapter 8, Linear Electronic Circuits. We discussed amplifiers, impedance matching, and gain. Discussed the difference between small-signal and power amplifiers, and the three major classes of power amplifiers. We built a small signal amplifer (continuing on session 3) and a 2 transistor class A power amplifier.
Session 3
Chapter 6, Transistors. Build a transitor switching circuit and a transitor amplifier to demonstrate the two major operating modes of the device. We will turn on an LED with the transistor to demonstrate how LED's are driven and to reinforce Chapter 7, Special Diodes.
Data Sheets:
2N3906 - PNP transistor
2N2222 - NPN transistor
Session 2
Diodes, transformers, converting AC to DC, and capacitors. Chapters 3, 4, and 5. Transformer demo, and building various rectifier circuits with and without capacitors.
Data Sheets:
1N914 - Diode
Session 1
An introduction to the class, lab safety, ESD practices, and basic electrical theory - Chapters 1 and 2.
Supplemental materials: (all PDF files)
Chemical Safety excerpt from the ARRL handbook on safety
Suggested books
Course outline
Resistor Color Code Chart
Standard Values
