Direct Current (DC)
By the end of this, you should be able to:
Understand the basic concepts of Direct Current (DC) and its applications.
Analyze and solve simple DC circuits using Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Laws.
Calculate voltages, currents, and resistances in series and parallel DC circuits.
Explain the behavior of passive components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors in DC circuits.
Design and build simple DC circuits using breadboards or prototyping boards.
Use test and measurement equipment to verify and troubleshoot DC circuits.
Demonstrate an understanding of safety precautions and proper handling of DC circuits.
Course Outline:
Lecture 1: Introduction to Direct Current (DC)
Definition of Direct Current (DC)
Comparison with Alternating Current (AC)
Importance and applications of DC in electronics
Lecture 2: Safety Precautions and Protocols
Importance of electrical safety in working with DC circuits
Safe handling of components and equipment
Protocols for avoiding electrical hazards
Lecture 3: Voltage, Current, Resistance, and Power
Definition and units of voltage, current, and resistance
Ohm’s Law: V = IR
Power Law: P = IV
Lecture No formulas No Lab Self-test
Lecture 4: Circuit Symbols and Diagrams
Standard circuit symbols for components (resistors, capacitors, etc.)
Circuit diagrams and their conventions
Importance of circuit diagrams in understanding and analyzing circuits
Lecture No formulas No Lab Self-test
Lecture 5: Series Circuits
Definition and characteristics of series circuits
Voltage Divider Rule: V₁ = (R₁ / (R₁ + R₂)) × V
Current Divider Rule: I₁ = (R₂ / (R₁ + R₂)) × I
Lecture No formulas No Lab Self-test
Lecture 6: Ohm’s Law in Series Circuits
Application of Ohm’s Law in series circuits
Calculation of voltages, currents, and resistances in series circuits
Lecture No formulas No Lab Self-test
Lecture 7: Parallel Circuits
Definition and characteristics of parallel circuits
Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL)
Calculation of total resistance in parallel circuits
Lecture No formulas No Lab Self-test
Lecture 8: Ohm’s Law in Parallel Circuits
Application of Ohm’s Law in parallel circuits
Calculation of voltages, currents, and resistances in parallel circuits
Lecture No formulas No Lab Self-test
Lecture 9: Series-Parallel Circuits
Analysis of circuits with both series and parallel components
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL)
Combination of series and parallel circuit rules
Lecture No formulas No Lab Self-test
Lecture 10: Resistors
Color coding for resistor values
Power ratings and tolerance
Calculation of power dissipation in resistors
Resistor Combinations and Voltage Dividers
Potentiometers and Rheostats
Lecture No formulas No Lab Self-test
Lecture 11: Capacitors
Types of capacitors and their characteristics
Capacitance and charge/discharge behavior
Capacitor Combinations and Time Constants
Calculation of time constants in RC circuits
Lecture No formulas No Lab Self-test
Lecture 12: Inductors
Types of inductors and their characteristics
Inductance and magnetic fields
Inductor Combinations and Energy Storage
Calculation of time constants in RL circuits
Lecture No formulas No Lab Self-test
Lecture 13: Introduction to Semiconductors
Basics of diodes and transistors
Diode characteristics, and applications
Transistor basics and configurations
Lecture No formulas No Lab Self-test
Lecture 14: Introduction to Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amps)
Op-Amp fundamentals and ideal characteristics
Inverting, non-inverting, and difference amplifier configurations
Op-Amp applications: comparators, integrators, differentiators
Lecture No formulas No Lab Self-test
Lecture 15: Design and Build a DC Circuit
Project: Design and Build a DC Circuit
Testing and Measurement Techniques
Circuit Optimization and Performance Analysis
Lecture No formulas No Lab Self-test
Lecture 16: Troubleshooting DC Circuits
Common issues and challenges in DC circuits
Troubleshooting techniques and methodologies
Use of test equipment for circuit diagnosis
Lecture No formulas No Lab Self-test
Lecture 17: Circuit Simulation using Software Tools
Overview of circuit simulation software (e.g., LTSpice & Schematic Editor )
Building and simulating DC circuits
Analysis and interpretation of simulation results
Lecture 18: Review of Course Topics
Recap of key concepts and principles
Practice problems and exercises for reinforcement
Lecture 19: Final Exam Preparation
Review of important topics and formulas
Sample questions and exam strategies
These lecture notes cover the fundamental topics in Direct Current (DC) electronics. You can expand upon each topic with detailed explanations, diagrams, examples, and interactive activities to engage you in the learning process.