Eng Phys 3BA3
Fall/Winter 2015/16
Course Outline
ENG PHYS 3BA3
Electronics I
Fall/Winter 2015/16
Course Outline
INSTRUCTOR OFFICE HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. M. Minnick
ABB A250A
minnick@mcmaster.ca
ext. 23132
Office Hours:
By appointment
K. Chin, lab technician
BSB/B156A
chin@mcmaster.ca
Ext. 24366
TEACHING ASSISTANT OFFICE HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Tara Majdi
majdit@mcmaster.ca
Wesley Ford
fordwj@mcmaster.ca
Ross Anthony
anthonre@mcmaster.ca
Office Hours:
By appointment
COURSE WEBSITE/ALTERNATE METHODS OF COMMUNICATION
Lab Information Website: http://www.physics.mcmaster.ca/phys3ba3/?page=
Avenue to Learn (ATL) http://avenue.mcmaster.ca/
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the course, a student will:
1. Be able to explain the basic properties of semi-conductors that are relevant for modern electronic devices.
2. Be able to analyze electronic circuits with active components, both theoretically and
experimentally.
3. Be able to create electronic circuits with analog and digital components according to high-level
requirements.
4. Have communicated his/her work in written form.
MATERIALS AND FEES
REQUIRED TEXTS:
 "Electronics: A Physical Approach", David W. Snoke, Person Education Inc., 2015, ISBN 978-0-321-55133-7
CALCULATOR:
 Only the McMaster Standard Calculator will be permitted in tests and examinations. This is available at the
Campus Store.
OTHER MATERIALS:
 Lab equipment and consumables (provided).
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LECTURES AND COURSE RESOURCES
Lectures for this course are in a non-traditional format.
1. Before each class:
a. Read the lecture notes & watch the lecture videos (available on ATL)
b. Do practice problems for that day (available on ATL, end of lecture notes for that section)
c. Try to learn the material as well as you can, because…
2. During each class:
a. 10 minutes: Ask last-minute questions to the instructor
b. 40 minutes:
i. Group assignments (10-0%): Work in groups of 3 to answer practice problems given in class
based on the topic
ii. Oral exams (10-0%): Answer individual oral exam questions on the topic which try to assess
"Do you get it?"
3. Before each lab:
a. Read over the lab manual and supporting documentation - try to understand the theory as well as
possible before you start the lab. Read and understand what data you're going to need for your lab
report.
4. During each lab:
a. Ask your group members and your TA questions, take notes of your observations, collect the
experimental data you need for the write up.
b. You can use your notes during labs.
5. After each lab:
a. Write up the lab (see ATL for instructions) and submit it in the ATL drop box 1 week after your lab
date. Only one write-up is necessary per group.
6. Practical Lab exam:
a. Individually complete a randomly assigned lab task based on the labs you did during the term (see the
lab exam sample tasks document on ATL).
b. Answer TA follow-up questions.
c. No notes or resources allowed other than writing material and the McMaster Standard Calculator
d. If you fail, you can retake the lab exam one week later. The maximum mark you can obtain in this
case is 50%
i. e.g., first attempt you score 85%, you only take the test once and your mark is 85%.
ii. e.g., first attempt you score 48%. You retake the test and score 98% on the second try. Your
mark is 50%.
iii. e.g., first attempt you score 0%. You retake the test and score 65% on the second try. Your
mark is 50%.
7. Midterm Test and Final Exam:
a. The test (10-0%) and exam (30-60%) are mostly based on the material from the lectures, assignments,
and oral exams, but may contain material from the labs as well.
b. The test is 50 minutes (in class), while the exam is 150 minutes (location, time, and date TBA by
scheduling & examinations office)
c. No resources are allowed other than writing material and the McMaster standard calculator.
d. The test covers material up to that point (lectures 1 to 12, labs 1-3) while the exam covers the entire
term.
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Eng Phys 3BA3
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COURSE SCHEDULE
LECTURES
Date
Wed Sep 9
Mon Sep 14
Wed Sep 16
Mon Sep 21
Wed Sep 23
Mon Sep 28
Wed Sep 30
Mon Oct 5
Wed Oct 7
Mon Oct 12
Wed Oct 14
Mon Oct 19
Wed Oct 21
Mon Oct 26
Wed Oct 28
Mon Nov 2
Wed Nov 4
Mon Nov 9
Wed Nov 11
Mon Nov 16
Wed Nov 18
Mon Nov 23
Wed Nov 25
Mon Nov 30
Wed Dec 2
Mon Dec 7
Lecture
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Video Lecture & Class Assignment Topic
Course Introduction & Admin
Linear DC Circuits
Semiconductors, Interfaces, & PN Junctions
Diodes & Rectifiers
Linear AC Circuits
More AC Circuits
Transmission Lines
BJTs
Follower & Negative Feedback, more BJT Circuits
Thanksgiving
Mid-term Break
Inverting Amplifiers
Biasing Inverting Amplifiers
Review
MIDTERM
Differential Amplifiers & JFETs
MOSFETs
Negative Feedback Op-Amp, Basic Op-Amp Circuits
Mixers & Comparators, Op-Amp Circuits
Oscillators & Artificial Inductors
Op-Amp Filters, Feedback & TTL
Logic, Bistable Circuits & Registers
Binary Math & Counters
Analogue vs Digital Information & PLL
Processors & Computers
Review
Readings
Ch. 1.1-1.8
Ch. 4.1-4.4
Ch. 4.5
Ch. 2.1-2.4
Ch. 2.5-2.6, 2.8, 2.9
Ch. 3
Ch. 5.1, 5.2
Ch. 5.3.1-5.3.2
Ch. 5.3.3
Ch. 5.3.3
MIDTERM
Ch. 5.3.4, 5.4.1
Ch. 5.4.2, 5.4.4
Ch. 6.1-6.2
Ch. 6.3-6.4
Ch. 6.5.1
Ch. 6.6.2, 6.7, 6.8
Ch. 7.1-7.4
Ch. 7.5-7.6
Ch. 7.7-7.9
Ch. 8
LABS
Date
Sep 16-18
Sep 23-Sep 25
Sep 30 – Oct 9
Oct 21-23
Nov 4-6
Nov 11-20
Nov 25-27
Dec 2-4
Topic
1. P-N Junctions I-V characteristics
2. Rectification, power supplies, Zener regulation
3. BJT common emitter amplifier
4. Operational amplifier
5. Introduction to digital electronics
6. Design exercise
Lab Exam
Lab Exam Redo
Readings
Lab manual
Lab manual
Lab manual
Lab manual
Lab manual
Lab manual
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Lab reports are due online (via the ATL dropbox) by midnight 6 days after your lab day. e.g., if your lab day is
Wednesday, your lab writeup is due at 23:59 the following Tuesday. If your lab day is Friday, your writeup is due at
23:59 the following Thursday. Late labs are highly penalized (see Additional Details Regarding Course Management
and Assessment).
ASSESSMENT
Component
Option 1
Weight (%)
Class Oral Quizzes
Class Group Assignments
Laboratories
(Group Reports - 3 people per group)
Midterm
Lab Exam
Final Exam
12
12
Total
100%
Component
Option 2
Weight (%)
24
Must have > 50% to pass course
12
10
30
Must have > 50% to pass course
Class Oral Quizzes
Class Group Assignments
Laboratories
(Group Reports - 3 people per group)
Midterm
Lab Exam
Final Exam
2
2
Total
100%
24
Must have > 50% to pass course
2
10
60
Must have > 50% to pass course
Note: Two attempts are allowed for the lab exam. For second attempt, the maximum mark possible is 50%.
Your final grade will be calculated as the better of the two options.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS REGARDING COURSE MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT
1.
2.
3.
Attendance:
a. Class attendance mandatory. There is a clear correlation between class attendance and performance
in the course;
b. Attendance at the weekly lab sessions is mandatory.
Group work:
a. Labs and in-class assignments are performed in groups of three: You can pick your own group at the
start of the term (for Monday September 14th), but must stick with it afterwards (you must pick
group members who are in the same lab slot as you).
b. You only need to submit one in-class assignment per group for each class.
c. You only need to submit one lab write-up per group for each lab.
Exam:
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4.
a. The final exam spans the knowledge of the whole term. Sample exams will be provided on ATL.
Lab reports:
a. Late submissions of lab reports incur a penalty of 20% for up to 24 hours late, and 100% thereafter.
b. Lab reports are to be submitted through ATL. All work must be prepared with a word processor;
scanned or photographed hand-written work is not accepted. However, diagrams and/or drawings
may be hand-drawn (neatly) and pasted into the report via pictures.
c. Lab reports are not just about technical information but also about clearly presenting that
information. Sections or parts which are unclear to the marker will be given a mark of 0. This both
enables faster marking and encourages your group to make the effort to present your results as
clearly as possible.
d. Lab reports will be handed back in class on the first class following the last lab report due date (i.e.,
the first Monday class after your lab is due). If no one is available from your lab to retrieve the report,
your lab report will be in the instructor's office until you retrieve it.
ACCREDITATION LEARNING OUTCOMES
The Learning Outcomes defined in this section are measured for Accreditation purposes only, and will not be taken
into consideration in determining a student’s actual grade in the course.
Outcomes
Apply the superposition principle and series expansion as it applies to linear networks, and
explain the concept of transformation from the time-domain to the frequency domain.
Summarize the concept of semiconductors in terms of doping, minority-and majority
carriers, potential distribution, depletion layer.
Explain the physics behind semiconductor devices such as diodes and transistors
Analyze circuits with several semi-conductor components, such as diodes, transistors, fieldeffect transistors, operational amplifiers and logic circuits.
Perform a proper analysis of errors and uncertainties.
Apply informed decisions regarding approximations and assumptions in the analysis and
design of circuits.
Design and optimize circuits including analog and digital components according to high-level
requirements.
Use the laboratory tools relevant for electronics, such as oscilloscopes, volt- and amp
meters and function generators.
Work in a small team in the design and prototyping of a circuit.
Compose proper reports on the experiments with electronic circuits.
Indicators
1.1
1.2
1.3
2.1,
2.2,2.3
2.3
2.1, 3.2
4.1, 4.4
5.2
6.1
7.3
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
You are expected to exhibit honesty and use ethical behaviour in all aspects of the learning process. Academic
credentials you earn are rooted in principles of honesty and academic integrity.
Academic dishonesty is to knowingly act or fail to act in a way that results or could result in unearned academic credit
or advantage. This behaviour can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of
credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: “Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty”), and/or
suspension or expulsion from the university.
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It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various types of
academic
dishonesty
please
refer
to
the
Academic
Integrity
Policy,
located
at
http://www.mcmaster.ca/academicintegrity.
The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:
1. Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one’s own or for which other credit has been obtained.
2. Improper collaboration in group work.
3. Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS
Students who require academic accommodation must contact Student accessibility Services (SAS) to make
arrangements with a Program Coordinator. Academic accommodations must be arranged for each term of study.
Student Accessibility Services can be contact by phone at 905.525.9140 ext. 28652 or e-mail at sas@mcmaster.ca.
For further information, consult McMaster University’s Policy for Academic Accommodation of Students with
Disabilities.
NOTIFICATION OF STUDENT ABSENCES AND SUBMISSION OF REQUEST FOR RELIEF FOR MISSED ACADEMIC WORK
1. If you are seeking relief for missed academic work because of an absence lasting less than three days in
duration, you must use the McMaster Student Absence Form.
2. Absences lasting more than five days must be reported to the Associate Dean’s Office (JHE-A214) and
3.
4.
5.
6.
appropriate documentation must be provided. For medical absences, the University reserves the right to
require students to obtain medical documentation from the Student Wellness Centre.
You should expect to have academic commitments Monday through Saturday but not on Sunday or statutory
holidays. If you require an accommodation to meet a religious obligation or to celebrate an important religious
holiday, you may use the McMaster Student Absence Form or contact the Associate Dean’s Office.
At the third request for relief of academic missed work, you will be asked to meet with the Assistant or
Associate Dean (or delegate). Relief for missed academic work is not guaranteed.
You are responsible to contact your instructor promptly to discuss the appropriate relief.
3BA3: Any non-lab MSAF'd work has its weight moved to the final exam. MSAFing the lab exam requires you to
do the lab exam redo at no penalty but with no opportunity for to redo it if it goes poorly.
NOTICE REGARDING POSSIBLE COURSE MODIFICATION
The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may
change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification
becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the
opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check their McMaster email and course
websites weekly during the term and to note any changes.
ON-LINE STATEMENT FOR COURSE REQUIRING ONLINE ACCESS OR WORK
In this course, we will be using Avenue to Learn. Students should be aware that, when they access the electronic
components of this course, private information such as first and last names, user names for the McMaster e-mail
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accounts, and program affiliation may become apparent to all other students in the same course. The available
information is dependent on the technology used. Continuation in this course will be deemed consent to this
disclosure. If you have any questions or concerns about such disclosure, please discuss this with the course
instructor.
REFERENCE TO RESEARCH ETHICS
The two principles underlying integrity in research in a university setting are these: a researcher must be honest in
proposing, seeking support for, conducting, and reporting research; a researcher must respect the rights of others in
these activities. Any departure from these principles will diminish the integrity of the research enterprise. This policy
applies to all those conducting research at or under the aegis of McMaster University. It is incumbent upon all
members of the university community to practice and to promote ethical behaviour. To see the Policy on Research
Ethics
at
McMaster
University,
please
go
to
http://www.mcmaster.ca/policy/faculty/Conduct/ResearchEthicsPolicy.pdf.
LAB SAFETY
INTRODUCTION
This document describes the application of McMaster’s Workplace Environmental Health and Safety Policy to the
particular situation of undergraduate labs in the Engineering Physics Department. The policy is written for students,
but applies to all people involved in the labs.
McMaster’s Workplace Environmental Health and Safety Policy is reviewed by the Central Joint Health and Safety
Committee each year as well as signed by our University President.
The policy applies to students, visitors and volunteers.
The policy is available at http://www.workingatmcmaster.ca/eohss/prevention/policy/
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CHAIN OF REPORTING FOR SAFETY TRAINING AND RESPONSIBILITY
You will be provided with a health and safety lecture at the beginning of the first lab. You are responsible for
ensuring that you understand this safety information. The lab technician is responsible for ensuring that all
equipment is in good working order. In the event of an emergency, notify your Teaching Assistant (TA) and the lab
technician. They are responsible for calling medical aid if needed.
You must report any hazardous situation of concern to one level up according to the chart below. In case this person
is not available, either contact the person delegated in their absence or the person positioned at the next level up.
You are expected to know this chain of reporting:
Department Chair
Ray LaPierre (Ext. 27764)

Instructor
Contact information as per course outline

Lab Technician
Glen Leinweber (X 22657) Barry Diacon (X 24986) Peter Jonasson (X 24935) Kenrick Chin (X 24088)

TA
Contact information as per course outline

Student (you)
PROPER LAB BEHAVIOUR
Everyone in the lab is responsible for their own safety as well as the safety of others.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
1.
Conduct yourself in a responsible manner at all times in the laboratory.
2.
Follow all written and verbal instructions carefully. If you do not understand a direction or part of a procedure,
ASK YOUR TA or LAB TECHNICIAN BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE ACTIVITY.
3.
Never work alone in the laboratory. No student may work alone without the presence of a TA or lab
technician.
4.
Perform only those experiments indicated by the lab manual or your TA/lab technician. Carefully follow all
instructions, both written and oral. Unauthorized experiments are not allowed.
5.
Do not eat food, drink beverages, or chew gum in the laboratory. Do not use laboratory glassware as
containers for food or beverages.
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6.
Be prepared for your work in the laboratory. Read all procedures thoroughly before entering the laboratory.
Never fool around in the laboratory. Horseplay, practical jokes, and pranks are dangerous and prohibited.
7.
Observe good housekeeping practices. Work areas should be kept clean and tidy at all times. Keep backpacks
and overcoats out of traffic areas.
8.
Be alert and proceed with caution at all times in the laboratory. Notify the TA or lab technician immediately of
any unsafe conditions you observe.
9.
Labels and equipment instructions must be read carefully. Set up and use the equipment as directed by your
lab manual.
10. Experiments must be personally monitored at all times. Do not wander around the room, distract other
students, startle other students or interfere with the laboratory experiments of others.
11. Dress properly during a laboratory activity. Long hair, dangling jewelry, and loose or baggy clothing are a
hazard in the laboratory. Long hair must be tied back, and dangling jewelry and baggy clothing must be
secured. Proper footwear must be worn, no flip flops, high heels, roller blades, etc..
12. Report any accident (spill, breakage, etc.) or injury (cut, burn, etc.) to the TA or lab technician immediately, no
matter how trivial it seems.
13. Cell phones and use of music headphones should be avoided while working in the lab. They can be distracting
and thereby increase the potential for an accident to occur.
14. Do not store food and drinks in laboratory refrigerators.
15. For specific safety guidelines (e.g., electrical, chemical, etc.), consult your lab manual and McMaster’s lab safety
handbook: http://www.workingatmcmaster.ca/med/document/Lab-Safety-Handbook-1-36.pdf
PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT
Know the locations and operating procedures of all safety equipment including: first aid kit(s), and fire extinguisher.
Know where the fire alarm and the exits are located.
Know what to do if there is a fire drill during a laboratory period; turn off any electrical equipment in the event of a
fire drill and leave the building.
In the case of an accident, notify your TA and the lab technician immediately. They will phone the emergency
extension 88 in the event of an accident. Remain until medical aid arrives.
If the TA or lab technician is unavailable, dial 88 yourself or 905-522-4135 (Security).
COURSE SPECIFIC HAZARDS
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Your course may have specific hazards (e.g., electrical), not listed above. Consult the remainder of your lab manual
for these specific hazards.
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