Practical Electronics: Smart Circuits and Programming

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles of electronics and the basic operation of key electronic components.
• Identify and correctly use resistors, capacitors, transistors, diodes, sensors, and other essential elements in electronic circuits.
• Interpret simple electronic schematics and transfer them into practical assemblies using breadboards or prototyping boards.
• Build and test electronic circuits that respond to environmental stimuli, applying practical solutions to everyday situations.
• Apply basic diagnostic techniques to identify and resolve faults in electronic circuits.
• Develop small-scale electronics projects, individually or in groups, integrating sensors, actuators, and optionally, programmable elements.
• Gain autonomy and confidence to explore, modify, and create innovative electronic solutions tailored to different contexts and needs.

Schedule

Module 1 – Fundamentals of Electronics

• Basic electrical concepts: current, voltage, resistance, power
• Electronic components: resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors
• Circuit diagrams and symbols
• Laboratory safety
• Units of measurement and SI prefixes

Module 2 – Circuit Assembly and Prototyping

• Using breadboards and protoboards
• Series and parallel circuits
• Switches and basic circuit protection (fuses, circuit breakers)
• Soldering basics (optional)
• Reading and following circuit diagrams
• Practical exercise: LED circuit, buzzer circuit

Module 3 – Power Sources and Power Management

• Types of power supplies: batteries, AC-DC adapters, USB power
• Voltage regulators and power distribution
• Safety with power sources
• Building and testing simple power supply circuits

Module 4 – Digital Electronics Basics

• Introduction to digital vs. analogue signals
• Logic gates: AND, OR, NOT
• Simple combinational circuits
• Application: digital counters, timers, basic logic puzzles

Module 5 – Measurement and Troubleshooting Techniques

• Using multimeters: voltage, current, resistance, continuity
• Using oscilloscopes (optional/introductory)
• Troubleshooting common circuit issues
• Testing and verifying circuits
• Diagnosing and repairing faults

Module 6 – Sensors, Actuators, and Interactive Circuits

• Types of sensors: light, temperature, motion, humidity, etc.
• Actuators: buzzers, relays, motors, displays
• Signal conditioning (basic filtering, amplification)
• Designing and building responsive circuits
• Project: sensor-activated alarm, automatic fan, etc.

Module 7 – Smart Circuits with Programmable Elements (Optional)

• Introduction to microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino)
• Programming basics: digital input/output, analog input
• Integrating sensors and actuators with microcontrollers
• Project: microcontroller-controlled system

Module 8 – Standards, Best Practices, and Documentation

• International standards and symbols in electronics
• Good practices for assembly, cabling, and layout
• Documenting projects: schematics, parts lists, project logs
• Ethics and safety in electronics

Module 9 – Digital Tools and Simulation (Optional/Recommended)

• Introduction to circuit simulation software (e.g., Tinkercad Circuits, Proteus, Fritzing)
• Simulating and testing circuits virtually
• Using online resources and communities for learning and troubleshooting

Module 10 – Project Planning, Development, and Presentation

• Selecting and designing an electronics project
• Prototyping, testing, and optimization
• Project documentation and presentation skills
• Final demonstration and peer feedback