ECE 320: Circuit Theory

Catalog Data: ECE 320 - Circuit Theory (4) I, II Electric circuits in the frequency domain, using sinusoidal steady-state, Laplace and Fourier methods, and including single-phase and three-phase power; time domain methods and convolution; transformed networks; natural frequencies; poles and zeros; two-port network parameters; and Fourier series analysis. 3.0 ES. 1.0 ED. P, 220.

Textbook: J.W. Nilsson and S.A. Riedel, Electric Circuits, 6th edition, Revised Printing, Prentice Hall, 2000.

References: L.P. Huelsman, Basic Circuit Theory, 3rd edition, Prentice Hall, 1991.

Instructor: Dr. François E. Cellier, Professor of ECE.

Prerequisites by topic:

  1. Mesh and Node Analysis for Resistive Networks
  2. Ideal Operational Amplifiers and Their Basic Circuits
  3. Inductors and Capacitors
  4. Natural and Step Responses of RL, RC, and RLC Circuits
  5. Sinusoidal Steady-State Analysis

Method of Assessing Student Knowledge of Prerequisite Topics:

Understanding of the prerequisite topics shall be verified during the first homework assignment by assigning a homework very early in the class on the material presented in ECE 220.

Goals:

Overall Educational Goals:

The course is built on the introductory circuit theory concepts developed in ECE 220. Its goals include the following:

  1. to generalize the concepts developed in ECE 220 to larger circuits,
  2. to train the students in the analysis and design of circuits in the time and frequency domains, and
  3. to provide the students with up-to-date skills in the use of computational tools for linear analog circuit analysis and design.

Specific Instructional Goals:

  1. Be able to analyze sinusoidal steady-state power problems.
  2. Be able to analyze three-phase circuits.
  3. Understand Laplace Transform and develop an ability to analyze circuits using Laplace techniques.
  4. Understand the concept of a transfer function and how it can be used.
  5. Be able to convolve two waveforms.
  6. Be able to sketch the Bode diagram associated with a transfer function and analyze circuits by means of Bode diagrams.
  7. Be able to design passive frequency selective filters.
  8. Be able to design active frequency selective filters.
  9. Understand two-port parameters and be able to use them in circuit design problems.
  10. Understand the Fourier Series concept and how it can be used to help with circuit analysis involving general periodic waveforms.

Course Topics:

  1. Sinusoidal steady-state power calculations (5 hours)
  2. Balanced three-phase circuits (6 hours)
  3. Introduction to the Laplace Transform (5 hours)
  4. Laplace Transform in circuit analysis (7 hours)
  5. Convolution (3 hours)
  6. Bode diagrams (4 hours)
  7. Introduction to frequency-selective circuits (2 hours)
  8. Active filter circuits (3 hours)
  9. Two-port circuits (4 hours)
  10. Fourier series (1 hour)

Class Requirements:

  1. Three lecture sessions per week.
  2. One recitation session per week.
  3. Weekly homework assignments.
  4. Three class examinations (midterms) and a final examination.

Computer Usage: Matlab, PSpice, and Dymola will be used in homework problems.

Laboratory Projects: none.

Assessment of Course Goals: Through examinations.

Contribution to Professional Component: 

    Mathematics or Basic Science:      0 credits
    Engineering Science or Design:     4 credits
    General Educational Requirements:  0 credits
    Major Design Experience:           0 credits
Contribution to Program Objectives:

Develop an appropriate level of mastery of basic principles of electrical circuits.

Midterms:

I shall offer 3 midterms, of which I shall count the best 2. Midterms are graded over the curve. No makeup midterms shall be offered, since I cannot grade exams taken by only one or two students over the curve. Midterms in ECE 320 are closed book exams. Students are allowed one sheet of notes (letter size, double-sided) during the 1st midterm, two sheets during the 2nd midterm, three sheets during the 3rd midterm, and four sheets during the final exam. The final exam must be taken by all students.

Homeworks:

I shall offer n homeworks out of which I expect n-2 to be handed in for full credit.

Withdrawals and Incompletes:

Students will be allowed to withdraw from ECE 320 with a grade of W until two days after the first midterm is returned. Thereafter, until the last day to drop classes as indicated in the Schedule of Classes, only students who are currently in the top 75% of the class will be allowed to drop. Incompletes will only be granted in emergency situations.

Grading Policy:

  Homework:          20%
  Midterms:          40% (20% each)
  Final Examination: 40%