Alabama
Department of
Postsecondary Education
Representing Alabama’s Public Two-Year College System
ETC 102, INT 223, EET 104, ILT 161, ELT 109
AC Fundamentals
Plan Of Instruction
Effective Date: 2005
Version Number: 2005-1
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides a study of the theory of alternating current (AC). Students are
prepared to analyze complex AC circuit configurations with resistor, capacitors, and
inductors in series and parallel combinations. Upon completion, students should be
able to describe AC circuits and explain the function of A.C. such as RLC, impedance,
phase relationships and power factor. This course also provides hands on laboratory
exercises to analyze alternating current using a variety of circuit configurations with
resistors, capacitors, and inductors in series and parallel combinations. Emphasis is
placed on the operation of common test equipment used to analyze and troubleshoot
AC circuits to prove the theories taught. This is a CORE course. Supports CIP Codes:
15.0303, 47.0105, 46.0302, and 47.0609
CREDIT HOURS
(applicable if entire course is taught in a career/technical education degree or non-
degree program)
Theory
Lab
Total
1 credit hour
2 credit hours
3 credit hours
NOTE: Theory credit hours are a 1:1 contact to credit ratio. Colleges may schedule lab hours as
manipulative (3:1 contact to credit hour ratio) or experimental (2:1 contact to credit hour ratio).
AC Fundamentals
ETC 102, INT 223, EET 104, ILT 161, ELT 109
PREREQUISITE COURSES
Determined by college unless stated otherwise.
CO-REQUISITE COURSES
Determined by college unless stated otherwise.
INSTRUCTIONAL NOTE: Foundational academic skills in General Math such as
integers, percents, ratio and proportions, metric system and linear equations and
Technical Writing such as research, organization, composition, documentation, and
report presentation are used throughout this discipline.
INDUSTRY COMPETENCIES
 Use tools properly and safely
 Use common test equipment
 Analyze AC Circuits
 Troubleshoot AC Circuits
 Interpret schematics
 Draw schematics
 Soldering
 Construct AC Circuits
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The cognitive objective of this course is for each student to comprehend foundational
knowledge needed to perform stated entry-level industry competencies.
The performance objective of this course is for each student to apply foundational
knowledge to AC electrical problems and exercises encountered in class.
INDUSTRY COMPETENCIES/STUDENT PERFORMANCE
Unless otherwise indicated, evaluation of student’s attainment of cognitive and
performance objectives is based on knowledge gained from this course. During
performance evaluations, students will be provided necessary tools, equipment,
materials, specifications, and any other resources necessary to accomplish the task.
Specifications may be in the form of, but not limited to, manufacturer’s specifications,
technical orders, regulations, national and state codes, certification agencies, locally
developed lab assignments, or any combination of specifications.
Alabama College System
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AC Fundamentals
AC FUNDAMENTALS
INDUSTRY
COMPETENCIES
Use tools properly and safely
Use common test equipment
ETC 102, INT 223, EET 104, ILT 161, ELT 109
STUDENT PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
Select the proper tools for use with the lab assignment.
Use tools safely.
Use common test equipment to analyze an AC series
circuit.
Analyze AC Circuits
Use common test equipment to analyze a parallel
circuit according to specifications.
Use common equipment to analyze a series-parallel
circuit according to specifications.
Troubleshoot AC Circuits
Use a function generator to set the required voltage
and frequency for a function generator.
Use a digital multimeter and an oscilloscope to perform
an operational checkout of an AC circuit.
Use a digital multimeter to troubleshoot an AC circuit
and identify the malfunction.
Use an oscilloscope to troubleshoot an AC circuit and
identify the malfunction.
Draw Schematics
Draw a schematic diagram of an AC series circuit
Draw a schematic diagram of an AC parallel circuit
Construct AC Circuits
Solder Connections
Interpret Schematics
Draw a schematic diagram of an AC Series Parallel
Circuit.
Construct an AC Parallel Circuit containing resistors,
capacitors, inductors, or combinations thereof, and test
for continuity.
Construct an AC Series-Parallel Circuit containing
resistors, capacitors, inductors or combinations thereof,
and test for continuity.
Alabama College System
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AC Fundamentals
ETC 102, INT 223, EET 104, ILT 161, ELT 109
ENABLING OBJECTIVES/KEY INDICATORS
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Define magnetism
Explain the function of magnetism in electricity
Define magnetic units
Identify magnetic units
Explain the function of magnetic units in electricity
Define electromagnetic induction
Identify electromagnetic units
Explain electromagnetic induction
Define alternating current
Explain the function of alternating current
Define alternating voltage
Explain the function of alternating voltage
Define inductance
Explain the function of inductance
Define inductive reactance
Explain the function of inductive reactance
Identify inductive circuits
Define capacitive reactance
Explain the function of capacitive reactance
Identify capacitive circuits
Identify open circuits in AC circuits
Identify short circuits in AC circuits
State the definition of an Oscilloscope
Explain the purpose of an Oscilloscope
Define RC time constants
Explain the function of RC time constants
Define LR time constants
Explain the function of LR time constants
Identify alternating current circuits
Explain the use of complex numbers for Alternating current circuits
State the purpose of transformers
Define transformers
Differentiate between transformers
Explain the characteristics of transformers
Define resonance
Explain the function of resonance
Define filters
Explain the function of filters
Alabama College System
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AC Fundamentals
ETC 102, INT 223, EET 104, ILT 161, ELT 109
ENABLING OBJECTIVES/KEY INDICATORS (continued)
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Analyze complex AC circuits using trigonometric functions and vector analysis
Summarize process of fabricating an AC circuit
Summarize the process of troubleshooting an AC circuit
Summarize the process of repairing an AC circuit
COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE
ALTERNATING CURRENT AND VOLTAGE CHARACTERISTICS
 Safety
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Magnetism characteristics
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Magnetic units
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Electromagnetic induction
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Alternating current
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Inductance
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Inductive reactance
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Inductive circuits
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Capacitance
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Capacitive reactance
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Capacitive circuits
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Oscilloscopes
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RC and LR time constants
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Alternating current circuits
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Complex numbers for ac circuits
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Resonance
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Filters
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Transformers
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Circuit Construction
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Troubleshooting
Alabama College System
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AC Fundamentals
ETC 102, INT 223, EET 104, ILT 161, ELT 109
RECOMMENDED METHODS OF EVALUATION: The table of specifications below
identifies the number of enabling objectives/key indicators per cognitive domain level of
learning (Knowledge, Comprehension, Application) per module. Instructors should
develop a minimum of 1-3 test questions per Knowledge Level of Learning, 2-4 test
questions per Comprehension Level of Learning, and 5-6 questions per Application
Level Learning. Instructors should use the following test item types for each level of
learning:
Knowledge: Multiple Choice, Alternative Response test items (true/false or yes/no)
Comprehension: Multiple Choice, Short answer
Application: Multiple Choice, Short Answer Exercises
The table of specifications below also identifies the number of criterion objectives per
module. The instructor should ensure each student meets the performance and
standards published in each objective.
TABLE OF SPECIFICATIONS
Cognitive Domain
Domain of
Learning/
Knowledge
Comprehension
Application
Content
AC
22
21
1
Fundamentals
Alabama College System
Cognitive
Total
Performance
Total
44
11
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AC Fundamentals
ETC 102, INT 223, EET 104, ILT 161, ELT 109
Northeast Alabama Community College
Form 1: Learning Outcomes Attachment for Career/Technical Courses
(Instructor Evaluation of Course)
Faculty regularly review the extent to which the course and program learning outcomes identified in a
course syllabus are being attained by students who complete the course. Each syllabus identifies the
assessment method that will be used to demonstrate student mastery of the desired learning outcomes
for that course. Before teaching a course, faculty should review the syllabus to understand how the
program learning outcomes will be evaluated. Once the course is complete, this form is used by the
instructor to report how well students demonstrated mastery of those course learning (and by extension,
program learning) outcomes.
Course Prefix & No.: ILT 161, INT 223
Instructor:
Semester:
Type of Delivery – Mark One*:
Course Title: AC Fundamentals
Date:
Section Number(s):
Dual Enrollment
Online
Traditional
*Double click on the appropriate box. When the form field menu appears, select “checked” under Default value.
Note: To insert or delete rows on the table, click on Table on the tool bar.
Learning Outcome
(Industry or Professional
Competency)
Use tools properly
and safely
Use common test
equipment
Troubleshoot AC
circuits
Analyze AC
circuits
Solder connection
Interpret
schematics
Draw schematics
Alabama College System
Evaluation Method
Evaluation Results
Explain how each learning outcome for this course is
assessed.
Of the students who earned a grade of C
or better for the course, what percentage
demonstrated attainment of the stated
outcomes?
Given a lab assignment, the student
will select the proper tools and
demonstrate their safe use.
Given a lab assignment, the student
will accurately measure voltage,
current, and resistance in a parallel
circuit.
Given a lab assignment, the student
will troubleshoot an AC circuit and
correctly identify the malfunction.
Given a lab assignment, the student
will accurately measure voltage,
current, and resistance in a series
circuit.
Given a lab assignment in which a
schematic is provided, the student will
construct an AC circuit.
Given a lab assignment in which a
schematic is provided, the student will
construct an AC circuit.
Given a lab assignment that requires
an AC circuit, the student will draw
schematics to industry specifications.
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AC Fundamentals
ETC 102, INT 223, EET 104, ILT 161, ELT 109
Construct AC
circuits
Given a lab assignment in which a
schematic is provided, the student will
construct an AC circuit.
Use of Evaluation Results
Explain specifically how evaluation results will be used to improve the course.
*Reviewed:
Division Chair or Program Supervisor
Date
*To be completed by Division Chair or Program Supervisor Only
Alabama College System
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