CE721-7-SP-CO:
Electronic System Design and Integration

The details
2024/25
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
15
24 July 2023

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MSC H612CH Computer Engineering,
MSC H61012 Electronic Engineering,
MSC H610CH Electronic Engineering,
MENGH613 Electronic Engineering,
MENGH614 Electronic Engineering (Integrated Masters, Including Placement Year)

Module description

This module provides first-hand experience of the design simulation and production of complex electronic circuits. A word specification is provided for a consumer electronics device for which a prototype is designed using reference and first principles.

The circuit is then simulated and tested in Multisim to verify operation. Once satisfactory, a hardware prototype is developed on a prototype medium e.g. breadboard and tested in real-world conditions. Then using PCB design software, a PCB is designed and populated to produce the final product.

Module aims

The aim of this module is to introduce the fundamentals behind PCB design, procurement and population. Boards will be designed and prototyped on simulators such as Multisim and students will experience the complete design cycle from description to testing.

Module learning outcomes

After completing this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Design a complex electronic circuit from reference and first principles

2. Perform complex analysis of electronic circuits in simulators exemplified by Multisim

3. Design construct, produce and critically evaluate PCB based system

4. Populate test and fault find a printed circuit board

5. Demonstrate basic hand skills

6. Demonstrate proficiency in testing electronic systems

Module information

Outline Syllabus

1. The use of reference and legacy circuits in the design of an electronic system
2. PCB production cycle
3. Transient, impulse, DC, AC, frequency and noise analysis using Multisim
4. Fourier analysis
5. Iterative design loop
6. Auto and manual placement and routing of electronic components
7. PCB layout considerations and constraints
8. PCB board inspection and validation
9. Soldering and basic hand skills
10. Prototyping of electronic circuits using breadboard, wirewrap and veroboard
11. Testing and validation
12. Analogue and digital modelling
13. The use of fast prototyping for housing and containers

Learning and teaching methods

Lectures and laboratories

Bibliography

The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.

Assessment items, weightings and deadlines

Coursework / exam Description Deadline Coursework weighting
Coursework   Assignment 1   27/02/2025  50.00% 
Coursework   Assignment 2   21/03/2025  50.00% 

Exam format definitions

  • Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
  • In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
  • In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary, for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.

Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.

Overall assessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr John Woods, email: woodjt@essex.ac.uk.
Dr John Woods
School Office, email: csee-schooloffice (non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create full e-mail address), Telephone 01206 872770

 

Availability
Yes
No
No

External examiner

Dr Dimitrios Kanoulas
UCL
Associate Professor
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 60 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
60 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).

 

Further information

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