Students
ELEC3076 – Electronic Devices and Systems
2025 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Co-convenor, lecturer
Binesh Puthen Veettil
Contact via x9190
251, 3-Management Drive
Mon 11am-12pm
Co-convenor, lecturer
David Payne
Contact via x9177
230, 3-Management Drive
Mon 11am-12pm
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
ELEC2005 or admission to MEngElecEng
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit builds on linear and nonlinear circuit design, and further develops the topics of analogue circuit theory and practice with an emphasis on the circuit and system design. It covers semiconductor devices, circuit simulations, transistor amplifiers, operational-amplifiers, mixers and power amplifiers. It will also deal with advanced topics which may include noise and non-linear design issues. Students will get hands-on experience in designing and building small signal amplifiers, power amplifiers and mixers as well as working with professional software packages for circuit design and analysis. Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: explain basic semiconductor devices, their operation and non-linear behaviour
- ULO2: apply nonlinear device concepts to design and analyse transistor amplifiers
- ULO3: apply mathematical methods to analyse nonlinear electronic systems in the frequency domain
- ULO4: analyse the operation of power amplifiers in the time and frequency domains
- ULO5: design, simulate, implement, test and debug electronic circuits and systems
- ULO6: demonstrate active self-learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, technical writing and time-management skills, individually and in a team.
General Assessment Information
Requirements to pass the unit: To pass this unit a student must obtain a mark of 50 or more for the unit (i.e. obtain a passing grade P/ CR/ D/ HD). For further details about grading, please refer below in the policies and procedures section. There are no hurdles.
Attendance and participation: We strongly encourage all students to actively participate in all learning activities. Regular engagement is crucial for your success in this unit, as these activities provide opportunities to deepen your understanding of the material, collaborate with peers, and receive valuable feedback from instructors, to assist in completing the unit assessments. Your active participation not only enhances your own learning experience but also contributes to a vibrant and dynamic learning environment for everyone.
On-campus activities commence in week 1. But there will be NO PRACTICAL CLASSES in week 1. if you are unable to return to campus for the start of session, contact the unit convenor immediately.
Late Assessment Submission: Late assessments are not accepted in this unit unless a Special Consideration has been submitted and approved. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.
Special Consideration: The Special Consideration Policy aims to support students who have been impacted by short-term circumstances or events that are serious, unavoidable and significantly disruptive, and which may affect their performance in assessment. If you experience circumstances or events that affect your ability to complete the assessments in this unit on time, please inform the convenor and submit a Special Consideration request through https://connect.mq.edu.au.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take-home assignment | 20% | No | 12/10/2025 |
| Final examination | 50% | No | University exam period (TBA) |
| Lab task demonstration | 30% | No | 28/10/2025 |
Take-home assignment
Assessment Type 1: Problem set
Indicative Time on Task 2: 4 hours
Due: 12/10/2025
Weighting: 20%
The take-home assignment consists of design, analysis, and concept problems related to various electronic circuits and devices covered in the unit. The assignment will test students' ability to identify circuit functionalities, detect errors, debug circuits, use the correct components, and calculate circuit parameters.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain basic semiconductor devices, their operation and non-linear behaviour
- apply nonlinear device concepts to design and analyse transistor amplifiers
- apply mathematical methods to analyse nonlinear electronic systems in the frequency domain
- demonstrate active self-learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, technical writing and time-management skills, individually and in a team.
Final examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 2 hours
Due: University exam period (TBA)
Weighting: 50%
A final examination will be conducted during the formal examination period. This examination will assess all topics discussed in the unit unless otherwise specified.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- explain basic semiconductor devices, their operation and non-linear behaviour
- apply nonlinear device concepts to design and analyse transistor amplifiers
- apply mathematical methods to analyse nonlinear electronic systems in the frequency domain
- analyse the operation of power amplifiers in the time and frequency domains
- demonstrate active self-learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, technical writing and time-management skills, individually and in a team.
Lab task demonstration
Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 2 hours
Due: 28/10/2025
Weighting: 30%
The lab task demonstration is designed to assess students' learning and skills in practice-based activities developed throughout the unit. There will be one invigilated lab task demonstration in the final weeks of the semester. Students are expected to design and implement circuits and demonstrate their outputs. Marks are awarded for demonstrating skills in circuit design, implementation, wiring, debugging, testing, and the ability to use key professional instruments.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- design, simulate, implement, test and debug electronic circuits and systems
- demonstrate active self-learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, technical writing and time-management skills, individually and in a team.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Week1 classes: On-campus activities commence in week 1. if you are unable to return to campus for the start of session, contact the unit convenor immediately.There will be NO PRACTICAL CLASSES in week 1.
Method of Communication: We will communicate with you via your university email and through announcements on iLearn. Queries to convenors can either be placed on the iLearn discussion board or sent to the unit convenor via the contact email on iLearn.
Textbook: Sedra and Smith- Microelectronic Circuits 6th Edition. The material will also cover other books and journal articles. Reading recommendations will be provided through iLearn.
Technology and Software: All the learning and assessment resources will be made available on iLearn. Classroom recordings will be available via Echo360. Typical electronic and electrical instruments such as voltage and current sources, voltmeters, ammeters, oscilloscopes and spectrum analysers will be used in the lab. Analog Discovery 2 lab is also used. LTSPICE software will be used for circuit simulation.
You will need a logbook (either digital or a bound notebook only for this purpose and no loose sheets) for the lab.
You will need a calculator for various numerical exercises throughout the session. Note that only calculators with no text-recall function are permitted for the final exam.
Unit Schedule
Refer to iLearn and lecture notes for the unit schedule.
Also note, on-campus classes will start in week 1. There will be no laboratory classes in week 1.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Changes from Previous Offering
This offering incorporates several adjustments to the assessment structure in line with the new three-assessment principles. The pre-classroom online quizzes and the class test have been removed. In place of weekly lab activity marking, a lab task demonstration assessment has been introduced. The final exam weighting is increased from 40% to 50%. The lab marks weighting is increased from 25% to 30%.
Engineers Australia Competency Mapping
| EA Competency Standard | Unit Learning Outcomes | |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge and Skill Base | 1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| 1.2 Conceptual understanding of underpinning maths, analysis, statistics, computing | ||
| 1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knoweldge | 2,3,4 | |
| 1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions | 4, 6 | |
| 1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice | 5 | |
| 1.6 Understanding of scope, principles, norms, accountabilities of sustainable engineering practice | ||
| Engineering Application Ability | 2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving | 5,6 |
| 2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources | 5,6 | |
| 2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design process | ||
| 2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects | ||
| Professional and Personal Attributes | 3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability | 6 |
| 3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional lay domains | ||
| 3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour | 6 | |
| 3.4 Professional use and management of information | ||
| 3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct | ||
| 3.6 Effecetive team membership and team leadership | 6 |
Unit information based on version 2025.02 of the Handbook