PHY 335: Junior (Electronics) Laboratory - Fall 2006

 

Time and place:          Sec. 01: Tue and Thu, 12:50  - 3:40 pm in A-127, Physics Bldg.

                                    

           

Instructors:                 Sec. 01: Prof. V. J. Goldman, office B-137, tel.632-9001, e-mail: vladimir.goldman@sunysb.edu

                                    Office hours: Tue 4:00-5:00, Thu 4:00-5:00  

           

 

Teaching Assistants:

David Sproles, A-108
tel. 632-4088, e-mail: dsproles@grad.physics.sunysb.edu

           

Textbooks:

 

1. Horowitz and Hill, “The Art of Electronics”, 2-nd edition, (Cambridge University Press, 1989)
2. Hayes and Horowitz, “Student manual  for the Art of Electronics” (Cambridge University Press, 1989)

 

 

Topics (Units) to be covered (some more in-depth than others):

 
(click on Unit link to download as a PDF file)

1. Lab instruments, signals, resistors (Unit 1 Part a, Part b)
2. Capacitors, inductors, RC filters  (Unit 2 )
3. Diodes and diode circuits  (Unit 3 )
4. BJT transistors and transistor circuits  ( Unit 4)
5. FET transistors  (Unit 5)
6. Operational amplifiers  (Unit 6)
7. Elements of digital electronics  (Unit 7)

Organization and grading:

 

All material is divided into Units, each Unit covering internally related topics (see above). Each Unit may occupy from 2 to 6 lab periods.  Lab assignments for each Unit will be provided in advance by the instructor.  You must read the material covering the upcoming lab in the textbooks, design needed curcuits, do calculations beforehand to be prepared for the lab work, where time is limited.  Extensions of lab time may be arranged with the TA by prior mutual agreement, but should be done only under exceptional circumstances.  No substitution of regularly scheduled lab periods is possible.

 

There will be a short (about 15-30 min) mini-lecture at the beginning of most labs; please come on time.  The mini-lecture may cover the main points of the upcoming lab, or may concern some other, related subject in electronics and physics.

 

You must have two lab books with lined and graph paper.  These books will contain your notes and data taken in the lab. After finishing a Unit you will submit your lab book to TA for grading, and use the second book for the next Unit.

You will be doing the lab work either individually or in groups of 2 per setup. All students should make the best effort to participate equally in the experimental part.  You will write separate lab reports after completion of each Unit and submit them for grading along with your lab book.  Although you may work in the lab with a partner, you will write your reports individually.  Except for the raw data, the reports are expected to be different and reflect individual work.  Copying of any part of the report is unacceptable and will automatically lead to zero grade, as a first warning.

 

There will be two Midterm practical exams during the semester, one after Unit 4, another after Unit 7. Exams include doing the assigned experimental tasks in the Lab, explaining the relevant theory (for example, derivation of essential formulas), and data analysis. Take notes at mini-lectures to prepare for this. Each exam will resemble the lab period and the writing of the report, all combined in the interval of 2 hours. The exams are given in two shifts, so that each student will have to work on the exam problems on his or her own. Active and equal participation in experimental work and study of the material covered in mini-lectures during the course will prepare you for the exams.  Sign-up sheets for each shift of the midterm (12:30-2:30 pm and 3:00-5:00 pm) will be posted in the lab 2-3 weeks in advance.

 

Course Grade composition:

 

At least 6 Units and both exams must be completed in order to pass this course. The course grade will be calculated as follows:

 

    60% Units  + 20% 1-st exam + 20% 2-nd exam

 

NOTE:  If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may impact on your ability to carry out assigned course work, we urge you to contact the staff in the Disabled Student Services office (DSS), Room 133 Humanities, 632-6748 or TDD 632-6749. DSS will review your concerns and determine, with you, what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation of disability is confidential.