EE 2705 - Linear Circuits I: DC

• Possess a working knowledge of fundamental electrical concepts (charge, current, voltage, resistance, power, and energy) along with a functional and mathematical understanding of their interrelationships
• Recognize the configurations of and differences between series and parallel circuits
• Recognize the definitions of and the differences between both dependent and independent ideal and real voltage and current sources
• Be able to analyze the behavior of DC electrical circuits which include solving for circuit branch currents, node voltages, equivalent resistances, and delivered and absorbed power using established laws, theorems, and the following classical techniques:

• Mesh current analysis through the formulation and solving of loop equations
• Nodal analysis via the application and solution of voltage node equations
• Superposition principle and circuits with multiple voltage and/or current sources
• Circuit reduction and simplification techniques embodied in the concepts of source transformations, Thevenin, and Norton equivalent circuits

• Demonstrate the use and application of the maximum power transfer theorem
• Be proficient in the use, application, and interpretation of circuit simulation software, e.g., MultiSim, and its value in prototyping and circuit design
• Be proficient in the use of the scientific calculator for solving simultaneous equations
• Be able to recognize and apply the following safe and proper laboratory skills:
  • Basic safety principles when using AC line-powered instruments
  • Circuit breadboarding concepts and techniques
  • Calculation of resistor power dissipation and proper specification of resistor power ratings
  • Set-up and use of the digital multimeter for the measurement of continuity, electrical resistance, DC currents, and voltages
  • Capabilities and limitations of DC power supplies
  • Importance, use, and maintenance of the laboratory notebook for the management and recording of experimental results

• Physics of electricity and magnetism

• DC concepts, laws, and theorems [5 classes]
  • Ohm’s & Kirchhoff’s current & voltage laws; behavior of resistors in series and parallel circuits; ideal, real, and independent & dependent current and voltage sources
• DC circuit analysis techniques [13 classes]
  • Mesh current, nodal, source transformation, superposition, Thevenin & Norton equivalent circuits
• Exams [2 classes]

• Use of laboratory instruments (digital multimeter & power supply) with series and parallel DC circuits
• LED i-v characteristics and use and interpretation of component specification sheets
• Multisim circuit simulator software
• Linearity principle and superposition
• Thevenin equivalent circuits and maximum power transfer