July 2015
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong Community College
Subject Description Form
Subject Code
CCN2268
Subject Title
Electronic Circuits
Level
2
Credit Value
3
Medium of
Instruction
English
Pre-requisite /
Co-requisite/
Exclusion
Pre-requisite
CCN2246 Basic Electricity and Electronics
Objectives
This subject introduces the operating principles of electronic devices
and circuits to students. It develops students’ ability to solve problems
in electronic circuits and equips students with skills for experimentation
on electronic circuits. Several fundamental classes of electronic devices
and circuits will be covered, including diodes and diode circuits, bipolar
junction transistor (BJT) and its amplifiers, metal-oxide-semiconductor
field-effect transistor (MOSFET) and its amplifiers, and operational
amplifiers. An introduction to frequency domain analysis will also be
given.
Intended Learning
Outcomes
Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to:
(a) acquire a basic understanding of fundamental circuit theory.
(b) comprehend the basic operating principles of several fundamental
classes of electronic devices.
(c) apply analytical techniques to solve simple problems in electronic
devices and circuits.
(d) acquire essential skills in performing laboratory experiments on
electronic circuits.
Subject Synopsis/
Indicative Syllabus
Diodes and Diode Circuits
Semiconductor basics; P-N junction basics; Input, output and transfer
characteristics of practical diodes; Biasing through load line concept;
Practical diode circuits: rectifier circuits, clipping and clamping circuits.
Transistors and Biasing Circuits
Bipolar junction transistor (BJT); DC biasing and analysis of BJT
circuits; Metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET);
DC biasing and analysis of MOSFET circuits; Load line and graphical
large-signal analysis; Transistor amplification concept.
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July 2015
Transistor Amplifiers and Small-signal Concepts
Basic BJT and MOSFET amplifier configurations: common emitter and
common source configurations; Small-signal models and parameters;
Concept of transconductance; Voltage gain; Input and output
impedances; Introduction to loading effect.
Operational Amplifiers
Ideal operational amplifier; Defining characteristics (i.e. infinite gain
and infinite input resistance); Basic op-amp circuits: inverting amplifier,
non-inverting amplifier, summing amplifier, difference amplifier,
integrating amplifier and differentiating amplifier; Specific op-amp
circuits: instrumentation amplifier; Current-to-voltage converter and
voltage-to-current converter; Design applications.
Introduction to Frequency Domain Analysis
Transfer functions from ac circuits in terms of jω; Introduction to
frequency domain, from jω to s; General s-domain transfer functions;
Simple first-order filter circuits; Concepts of pole, corner frequency and
bandwidth; Use of jω axis for magnitude and phase plots for sinusoidal
driving sources; Extension to asymptotic plots and Bode plots.
Teaching/Learning
Methodology
This subject will include lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions.
Lectures will focus on the introduction and explanation of concepts and
theories supported by hypothetical and real examples wherever
appropriate. Tutorials will provide students with the opportunity to
deepen their understanding and to explore further applications of
theories taught. Laboratory sessions will help students acquire hands-on
experience in using electronic equipment and apply what they have
learnt in lectures/tutorials to experimentally validate the theoretical
investigations.
Assessment Methods A variety of assessment tools will be used to develop and assess
students’ achievement of the subject intended learning outcomes.
in Alignment with
Intended Learning
Outcomes
Specific assessment
methods/tasks
%
Intended subject learning
weighting outcomes to be assessed
a
b
c
Continuous Assessment*
40
 Test
16



 Individual Assignment
16



 Group Assignment
8



Final Examination
60



Total
100
d

*Continuous assessment items and/or weighting may be adjusted by the subject
team subject to the approval of the College Programme Committee.
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July 2015
To pass this subject, students are required to obtain Grade D or above in
both the Continuous Assessment and Final Examination.
Student Study
Effort Expected
Class contact
Hours

Lecture
26

Tutorial
9

Laboratory
4
Other student study effort

Self-study
52

Continuous Assessment
39
Total student study effort
Reading List and
References
130
Recommended Textbook
Alexander C. K. and Sadiku M. N. O. (2013). Fundamentals of Electric
Circuits. (5th ed.), McGraw-Hill.
Boylestad R. L. and Nashelsky L. (2014). Electronic Devices and
Circuit Theory. (11th ed.), Pearson.
References
Donald, A. N. (2010). Microelectronics: circuit analysis and design.
(4th ed.), McGraw-Hill.
Rizzoni, G. (2007). Principles and applications of electrical
engineering. (5th ed.), McGraw-Hill.
Hayt, W. H., Kemmerly, J. E. and Dubin, S. M. (2007). Engineering
circuit analysis. (7th ed.), McGraw-Hill.
Robbins, A. H. and Miller, W.C. (2007). Circuit analysis: theory and
practice. (4th ed.), Cengage Learning.
Goody, R. W. (2001). MicroSim PSpice for Windows Vol. 1: DC, AC,
and devices & circuits. (3rd ed.), Prentice Hall.
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