Introduction to Electronics

The course is an introduction to Electronics, a topic in Physics. Even though the course does not cover advanced electronics concepts, it does give learners a basic foundation in electronics. The course is ideal for individuals who have little or no knowledge in electronics and would want to advance their careers in the field. Since the learners will be reminded about circuits, circuit diagrams and electricity, the course is vital for those who are preparing for and want to excel in Physics examinations at high-school level. This course is not for those who would want to learn advanced electronics.

Course Package

• The course materials will be included but not limited to PPT, PDF and Doc files. The learners will be given assignments and tests at the end of each section

• The course has 2 Videos, one will be given in the middle of the course and the other at the end to aid the understanding of the project

• There are 9 PowerPoint presentations, each with a minimum of 12 slides and a maximum of 33 slides. PPT files are used in every chapter

• The number of handout PDF files is 25. However, each PDF file has a maximum of 5 pages. Even though, there is only 1 online test at the end of the course, there will be a provision of 7 assignments given at the end of chapters 1-7. These assignment will be in Doc file

Course reference material

• The learners will be provided with 3 different e-books for references. However, learners can also use online resources
• No software or material required for this course except for those willing to carry out simple project at the end of the course

Course topics

1. Chapter 1: Introduction
   • Introduction to electric circuits
   • Definition of electronics
   • Electronic devices and components
   • Circuit symbols for electronic components
   • Assignment 1
2. Chapter 2: Energy Band Theory
   • Concept of energy band theory
   • Electronic bands
   • Conductors, semiconductors and insulators
   • Assignment 2
3. Chapter 3: Types of Semiconductors
   • Intrinsic semiconductors
   • Extrinsic semiconductors
   • n-type semiconductors
   • p-type semiconductors
   • Summary
   • Assignment 3
4. Chapter 4: p-n junction
   • Formation of p-n junction
   • Semiconductor diode
   • Biasing a p-n junction
   • Numerical examples involving semiconductor diode
   • Assignment 4
5. Chapter 6: Applications of semiconductor diode
   • Concept of rectification
   • Half wave rectification
   • Full wave rectification
   • Assignment 5
6. Chapter 7: Other Types of Diodes and their Applications in real-life situation
7. Chapter 8: Bipolar Transistors
   • n-p-n transistors
   • p-n-p transistors
   • Biasing bipolar transistors
   • Current amplification
   • Numerical examples of bipolar transistors
   • Assignment 6
8. Chapter 9: Radio Communication
   • Radio Transmitter
   • Radio Receiver
   • Simple project on construction of radio receiver and transmitter
   • Assignment 7

Course objectives

• Define the term 'electronics' and state its applications in the real-life situation
• Describe the concept of energy band theory and use it to differentiate the three electronic bands
• Define and differentiate insulators, conductors and semiconductors using energy band theory
• Describe the types of semi-conductors using the concept of fixed ions, minority and majority charge carriers, doping and donor and acceptor atoms
• Describe the formation and biasing of the p-n junction
• Mention at least two types of diodes and sketch current-voltage characteristics for a diode
• Explain the applications of diodes in rectification and voltage control
• Describe the formation of bipolar transistors
• Solve numerical problems involving diodes
• Construct a simple radio receiver and transmitter (optional)