BTEC National Diploma in Engineering
Unit 6 & 53 Combined
Electrical and Electronic Principles + Electronic Measurement and Test
Qualification BTEC National Diploma in
Engineering
Unit
Number
Assessor
Name
Learner Name
Paul Lewis
Achievement at a glance, deadlines given in module weeks, for example P1 should be completed by the 3rd week of
the module
Unit 6 Outcomes
P1
P2
P3
P4
P5
P6
P7
P8
P9
P10
P11
M1
M2
M3
D1
Tutor sign and date for each outcome achieved
Learner sign and date for each outcome submitted
Unit 53 Outcomes
P1
P2
P3
P4
P5
P6
Tutor sign and date for each achieved outcome
Learner sign and date for each submitted outcome
P7
P8
M1
M2
M3
D1
D2
D2
Delivery Schedule and Deadlines
Session
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Unit 6
Unit 53
P1
P2 (part 1)
P2 (part 2)
P4
P6
P5
P5
P10 & P11
P3
Deadline
Hand in by
Session 3
“
Referred?
Completed
Resubmit by
Date
P2 & P3 (part1) Session 6
“
Session 9
“
P1
“
P7 & P8
Session 12
““
P4 & P5
P6
P7 & P8
P9
M1
M2
M3
D1
D2
M1
M2
M3
D1
D2
Session 15
“
“
“
Session 20
“
“
“
“
Session 25
“
“
“
“
Learner Declaration
I confirm that the work submitted to complete the given tasks is my own. I have indicated where research and other resources have been used to
confirm the conclusions reached within the submission and listed those resources in a bibliography.
Sign………………………………………………… Date………………………………………….
Session 1
Use DC circuit theory to calculate current, voltage and resistance in DC Networks
Unit 6 P1
For the circuit shown below:
Circuit 1
Choose 5 different value resistors from the following table for resistors R1 – R5
Calculate the total power dissipation of your circuit then choose a suitable voltage from the table below
based on this value
Resistor values for R1 – R5
Voltage values for V1
10 Ω
3 volts
22 Ω
5 volts
33 Ω
6 volts
47 Ω
9 volts
100 Ω
10 volts
220 Ω
12 volts
330 Ω
15 volts
470 Ω
24 volts
1k Ω
Calculate:
The total circuit resistance Rt
The total circuit current It
The current flowing through R3
The voltage dropped across R2
The power dissipated by R1
Confirm the results of your calculation using the laboratory simulator (Multisim)
Care should be taken by each student to ensure that the combination of components and supply voltage
are unique for each assessment.
Session 2
Unit 6 P2 (Part 1)
Use a multi-meter to carry out circuit measurements in a DC circuit
You are required to construct the circuit used for P1 above. You are to use test equipment to carry out
the following measurements as listed in the table below. You need to have the witness statement
signed by the lecturer or trainer demonstrator.
Parameter
Total circuit resistance
Total circuit current
Current flowing through R3
Voltage dropped across R2
Power dissipated in R1
Calculated values
Measured values
Simulated values
For this observation the learner:
Safely constructed a DC network comprising of 5 resistors
Connected the network to a DC source (5 volts)
Correctly demonstrated the safe use of a multimeter
Used a multimeter to measure voltage, current and resistance in accordance with the set tasks
Was able to contrast and compare the readings taken by a multimeter with calculated and
simulated results
Signed Observer ………………………………..
Date …………………………….
Session 4
Unit 53 P2 (Part 1)
Describe the function, features and characteristics of a power supply
Produce an information sheet describing the functions, features and characteristics of the HQ PS1503SB
Power supply.
Unit 53 P3 (Part 1) & Unit 6 (Part 2)
Use test equipment and measuring techniques to take measurements from a power supply (battery) and
determine its internal resistance





Measure the offload voltage of a given battery using a multimeter
Measure the onload voltage of the battery when connected to the virtual cat circuit using a
multimeter
Measure the current drawn by the virtual cat circuit using a multimeter
Use the data from the measurements to calculate the internal resistance of the battery
Include all of the above data in a technical report
Session 5
Describe the function and type of capacitors
Unit 6 P4
Describe the basic construction and function of a capacitor. This should include a labelled diagram of a
capacitor showing the plates and dielectric, a circuit symbol, the unit of capacitance and a brief
description of permittivity.
Describe the following list of capacitors in terms of their capacitance, typical range of working voltages,
dielectric, and energy storage. Give one example of a typical application for each type of capacitor.
Electrolytic
Mica
Plastic
Paper
Ceramic
Fixed and variable
Session 6
Calculate the charge, voltage and energy values in a DC network for both three capacitors in series and
three capacitors in parallel
Unit 6 P6
Choose 3 random capacitors from the following list and calculate the charge, voltage, capacitor and
energy values stored by each capacitor for the following networks.
Choose from
100 nF, 1 uF, 10 uF, 22 uF, 33 uF, 47 uF, 100 uF
Session 7
Carry out and experiment to determine the relationship between voltage and current for a charging and
discharging capacitor
Unit 6 P5
Choose a capacitor and resistor combination that will give a time constant between 1 – 5 seconds.
Tasks
Connect the circuit to the power supply as shown
Calculate the time constant of the circuit
Set up an oscilloscope to measure the voltage across the capacitor using suitable time and
amplitude settings
Switch on the circuit and measure the rise in capacitor voltage for 5 time constants. You can
take a photo of this process to use as documentary evidence
Switch off the circuit and measure the decay in capacitor voltage for 5 time constants. Once
again you can use a photo as documentary evidence
Show how the rise in capacitor voltage is related to v =Vmax (1 – e –t/cr)
Show how the decay in current is related to i = Imaxe-t/cr
Session 8
Unit 53 P1
Describe the function, features and characteristics of a measurement instrument
Task
1. Describe the function, features and characteristics of an oscilloscope.
Session 9
Unit 53 P2 (Part 2)
Describe the function, features and characteristics of a function generator
Unit 53 P7
Use a virtual measurement and test system to carry out a test on a piece of electronic equipment
For the following circuit
Set up the function generator to produce a sine wave with a frequency of 1 kHz
Set the function generator how have an amplitude of 10 volts peak to peak
Connect the function generator to the circuit
Set up and oscilloscope to measure the input and output signals
When the oscilloscope is successfully measuring the input and output signals connect it to a
computer via a USB cable and start up the virtual instrument software
Compare the input signal to the output signal in terms of amplitude using the software cursors
Adjust the frequency of the function generator until the output signal = 0.7 times the input
signal
Use the software cursors to measure the phase angle at this point
Describe the process used to test the low pass filter and take measurements from it using the
oscilloscope software controls on the computer. Photographs, illustrations, screen dumps and
calculations are all required to complete this section
Unit 53 P8
Describe the measurement techniques, instrument connection, hardware and software used
Measurement techniques is a description of what values were measured and how the data was
gathered. For example how the oscilloscope and function generator were set up to conduct the
test
Instrument connection deals with how the function generator was connected to your circuit,
how the oscilloscope was connected to take measurements and how the oscilloscope was
interfaced with the computer
You should give a brief description of the hardware and software used to carry out this test.
Hardware to include the physical oscilloscope and computer. Software to include the OWON
Virtual Oscilloscope
Session 10
Unit 6 P10
Use single phase AC circuit theory to determine the characteristics of a sinusoidal waveform
Sketch a sinuisoidal waveform then label and define the following parameters:
Amplitude
Frequency
Periodic time
RMS value
Phase shift
Find the instantaneous voltage after 10 mS have elapsed for the following sine wave:
Vinst = 240Sin(100πt +/- 0)
Unit 6 P11
Use an oscilloscope to measure and determine the inputs and outputs of a single phase AC circuit
In conjunction with the data gathered for Session 9
Find the bandwidth for a low pass filter with the following components:

R = 1000Ω

C = 10 nF (0.00000001 Farads)
Simulate the circuit using Multisim and prove that your calculations are correct. Compare your
calculated results with the simulation.
Session 11
Unit 6 P3
Compare the forward and reverse characteristics of two different semi-conductor diodes
You are required to use test equipment to measure the forward and reverse characteristics of two semiconductor diodes. You should use a 1N4001 diode and a zener diode to carry out this experiment.
Tasks
Use the following circuit as a basis for this test:
Draw and label a diagram of the 1N4001 general purpose diode connected in forward bias and
reverse bias mode
Measure the forward characteristic of the diode between 0.5 volts and 0.7 volts using steps of
0.01 of a volt by adjusting the resistance box R1
Measure and record the reverse characteristic of the diode using Multisim between 49.9 volts
and 50.01 volts using steps of 0.01 of a volt
Carry out a similar experiment on a zener diode (of your choice) using its data sheet as a guide
to the magnitude of voltages required to test its forward and reverse characteristics
Draw and label graphs of both data sets
Compare the two graphs showing the conduction characteristics of both diodes, consult the
data sheets and evaluate your findings in terms of forward and reverse voltages, power
dissipation and maximum operating current
Session 12
Explain the importance of test specifications as an aid to ensuring the validity and consistency of
measurements
Unit 53 P4
Scenario
Imagine you are an Electronics company manager; you have just designed and built a prototype circuit
that meets your client’s specifications. They request an order of 1,000 circuits to be made. To deal with
this demand you enlist a team of test engineers. You need some way of ensuring that the tests to be
carried out will get the results that meet the specification. How can you ensure they get valid and
consistent measurements every time?
Define Validity and consistency.
Explain why both are important parameters when taking measurements.
Explain what a test specification is
Why is a test specification important in measurement taking?
Use one of the Tasks in P3 as an example to showcase this
Unit 53 P5
Describe the principles and need for the calibration of an item of electronic test equipment
Produce a report highlighting the reasons why electronic test and measurement equipment needs to be
calibrated on a regular basis. Your report should include references to:
Primary, secondary, working standards and SI units
Metrology, calibration, accuracy, precision, sensitivity and resolution
A reasonable calibration interval for equipment in regular use (4+ hours per day)
3 reasons why an instrument might need to be calibrated within the calibration interval
3 reasons why calibration is normally carried out by specialist companies
The effect that temperature and relative humidity can have on measurements
The impact of calibration on quality, productivity and safety
Session13
Unit 53 P6
Describe the health, safety and configuration issues that need to be considered when connecting test
equipment to an item of electronic equipment that needs testing
Scenario
You have been employed as a junior electrical/electronic technician for a small local firm specializing in
the repair, installation and commissioning of direct online starting equipment for small to medium
power electrical motors.
One of your best customers has a motor starter which has developed a fault. You have been tasked with
finding the fault and testing the equipment before handing it back to the client. The motor will need to
be tested using a 440 volt 3 phase supply.
Describe the procedures you would take to ensure that this equipment can be tested safely. You
description could include illustrations, diagrams and examples from industry. Here are some of the areas
you should include:
Precautions to be taken when working with live electrical equipment
Procedures which ensure that electrical/electronic test equipment is suitable and safe for use
with live electrical equipment (use of manuals and manufacturer’s procedures)
The importance of checking that electrical equipment is properly bonded to earth
Safe isolation techniques for electrical/electronic equipment
Hidden dangers of working with electronic equipment which has been safely isolated
The importance of electrical safety cut-outs such as RCD’s
Removing and replacing inspection covers
Session 14
Unit 6 P7
Describe the characteristics of a magnetic field
Draw the magnetic field associated with a permanent bar magnet and use the diagram to carry out the
following tasks.
Give 5 general properties of a magnetic field.
Define flux, flux density and magnetic field strength
Describe the effects of reluctance and hysteresis with respect to magnetic circuits.
Define the term ferromagnetic and give three examples of a ferromagnetic material
Describe the process and advantages of magnetic screening
Unit 6 P8
Describe the relationship between flux density (B) and field strength (H)
Plot the B/H curve on a suitable graph for the materials shown on the table from the given data
and determine the relative permeability (µr) of the material for each stage. Given that µo = 4 x
10-7 H/m find the range of relative permeability for each material.
Use the data plotted on the graph to analyse and explain the relationship between the two
given materials in terms of flux density (B) and magnetizing force (H)
Remember relative permeability µr = B/(H x µo)
Plot the graph that shows relative permeability against the magnetizing force
Describe what happens to a material as the magnetizing force is increased in terms of flux
density and relative permeability
Magnetizing
Mild steel
Cast Iron
Force (H) At/m
Flux density (B) Tesla’s
Flux density (B)
Tesla’s
1000
0.7
0.3
2000
1.24
0.48
3000
1.45
0.6
4000
1.55
0.67
5000
1.6
0.72
Session 15
Describe the principles and applications of electromagnetic induction
Use the following tasks to describe the principles and applications of electromagnetic induction.
Define Faraday’ laws in your own words using diagrams where appropriate.
Define Lenz’s law in your own words using diagrams where appropriate.
Draw a diagram of a simple AC generator and use Fleming’s right hand rule to demonstrate the
direction of the current in the rotating conductor when it is perpendicular to the North Pole.
Explain the principle of operation of a simple transformer with reference to Faradays law of
electromagnetic induction
Explain the principle operation of a 3 phase AC induction motor with reference to Faradays law
of electromagnetic induction
Session 16
Unit 6 M1
Use Kirchoff’s laws to determine the current in various parts of a network having four nodes and the
power dissipated in a load resistor containing two voltages sources
For the circuit shown below:
Use the same table as for Unit 6 P1 in order to choose component values.
Circuit 2
From the attached table choose different values for R1 – R3
From the attached table choose different voltages for V1 –V2
Use Kirchoff’s laws to determine the current flowing through R1, R2 and R3
Determine the power dissipation in R1
Use Multisim to confirm the results of your calculations and attach to the assignment as a screen dump
Session 17
Unit 6 M2
Evaluate capacitance, charge, voltage and energy in a network containing a series-parallel combination
of three capacitors
Choose 3 random capacitors from the same table used for Unit 6 P6 and calculate the total capacitance,
total charge, the voltage dropped across each capacitor and the total energy stored for the following
network.
Session 18
Unit 6 M3
Compare the results of adding and subtracting two sinusiodal AC waveforms graphically and by phasor
diagram
V1 is a voltage of 15 V r.m.s at a phase angle of 25®, V2 is a voltage of 12 V r.m.s at a phase angle
of -30®.
Show the result of V1 + V2 and V1 - V2 graphically and by phasor diagram
Session 19
Unit 6 D1
Analyse the operation and the effects of varying component parameters of a power supply circuit that
includes a transformer, diodes and capacitors
Tasks
Use an oscilloscope to measure the output voltage of this circuit at the point shown
Compare the output voltage with the input voltage V1 (Screen dump)
From you initial measurements use the graphing function in Multisim to measure the ripple
voltage of this circuit
Adjust R1 until the ripple voltage of the circuit reads 200 mV
From your results calculate the time constant for this circuit
If R1 = 100Ω what value of capacitance would be required to produce a ripple voltage of 200
mV?
If the instantaneous current conducted by the capacitor on its charge phase is I = C x dv/dt, find
the repetitive forward current conducted by the circuit on each charge phase (use the grapher
function)
Explain the importance of the Vrrm rating when designing power supply circuits
Explain why the voltage rating of the capacitor and the diodes should be at least twice the Vrrm
rating given
Session 20
Task 14 (D2)
Evaluate the performance of a motor and a generator by reference to electronic theory
1) Draw and label the component parts of a basic DC machine.
2)
Describe the action of a two segment commutator using appropriate diagrams.
3)
Define:
a. Wave windings
b. Lap Windings
4) Briefly describe the operation of DC machines that are wound in:
a. Shunt
b. Series
c. Compound
5) Briefly describe armature reaction and show one way in which it can be overcome.
6)
A 4 pole generator has a lap-wound armature with 50 slots with 16 conductors per slot. The
useful flux per pole is 20 mWb. Determine the speed at which the machine must be driven to
generate an e.m.f. of 300V.
7) A d.c. shunt-wound generator running at constant speed generates a voltage of 120 V at a
certain value of field current. Determine the change in the generated voltage when the field
current is reduced by 25%, assuming the flux is proportional to the field current.
8) With reference to the basic construction of a d.c. machine state the principle difference
between a d.c. generator and a d.c. motor.
9) The armature of a d.c. machine has a resistance of 0.25 Ω and is connected to a 300 V supply.
Calculate the e.m.f. generated when it is running:
a. as a generator giving 100 A
b. as a motor taking 80 A
Session 21
Unit 53 M1
Explain the importance of resolution, accuracy, sensitivity bandwidth and input impedance on the
performance of a piece of test equipment
Explain the importance of resolution, accuracy, sensitivity bandwidth and input impedance on
the performance of an oscilloscope. You can use any of the tests in the pass section (which
required an oscilloscope) as a basis for your submission, especially the tasks carried out for P3
Session 22
Unit 53 M2
Use a manufacturer’s recommended procedure together with laboratory instruments and standards to
calibrate and configure an item of electronic test equipment
Use the manufacturer’s recommended procedure to calibrate and configure a laboratory
oscilloscope.
Use the calibrated scope to check the accuracy of a laboratory function generator with respect
to frequency and amplitude.
Check the accuracy of your measurements against that given by the manufacturer of the
function generator.
Based on your findings, would you recommend that the function generator needs to be sent
back to the manufacturer for calibration? You need to justify this recommendation.
Session 23
Task 10 (M3)
Use appropriate software to display and analyse voltage/time data captured from a virtual oscilloscope
This is a natural extension of the task given for P7. In this case you are required to analyse a
waveform. The best way to accomplish this is to use either task 1 or 2 for P3 as a basis for
comparing the captured data with the results predicted by theory
Session 24
Unit 53 D1
Evaluate the accuracy of your own test measurements and relate them to limitations of the test
equipment, test procedures or possible emergent fault conditions
You can use any of the tests carried out in the various exercises or practical projects as a basis
for this evaluation. The submission needs to be an ‘in-depth’ investigation of the effects of
connecting test/measurement equipment to a circuit under test and how the results are limited
by the characteristics of the test equipment and test procedures.
As an example, an oscilloscope is incapable of accurately displaying a transient pulse due to its
finite bandwidth. This could be the basis of an investigation carried out by you to explain why?
Session 25
Unit 53 D2
Devise and demonstrate a calibration procedure for an item of electronic test equipment
Devise and demonstrate a calibration procedure for a x10 oscilloscope probe to be used with
the laboratory oscilloscopes. Explain why the probe needs to be calibrated and under what
circumstances such a probe might be required in preference to a standard x1 probe.