Electronics and Data Engineering Modules

This module introduces basic ideas and techniques of linear algebra which will be useful for future technical modules in engineering. The major topics covered include (1) Fundamentals: real and complex numbers, supremum, induction, notion of functions, mathematic notation; (2) Linear algebra: vectors, matrices, linear equation systems, scalar and vector product, orthogonality, linear spaces, linear transformation, eigenvalues, factorise matrices and matrix norm; (3) Analyis: sequences, series, limit and steadiness.

This module focuses on C programming fundamentals including arithmetic algorithms, control structures, functions, arrays, pointers, characters, input/output, file processing, and data structures. Good programming practices, common programming errors and secure programming tips are discussed. To make this module more relevant to engineers and to make students “tinkering”, microcontroller design is introduced and students are required to complete a mini-project on microcontroller design using C language. This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the role programming can play in solving problems. It also aims to develop students’ competencies in writing C programs that can solve engineering problems.

This module introduces the basic principles of classical mechanics and waves. The major contents to cover are kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, oscillation and wave motion. The dynamics focuses on Newton’s three laws and other related concepts including friction and circular motion. Work and energy will be explained and the key is to understand the work-energy principle and conservation of energy. The linear momentum is up to three dimensions.

The fundamentals, design, and implementation of digital electronics are essential as digital electronics are the building blocks in various consumer electronics, computers, communication systems, embedded systems to large-scale aviation and military equipment. This module introduces the fundamentals of digital electronics including number systems, digital logic, digital circuits, and methods of designing, simulating, and implementing such logic in microprocessors and microcomputers. An overview of computer systems and its architecture will also be provided.

This module aims to develop advanced topics of differential and integral calculus. Emphasis is placed on infinite series, conic sections, parametric equations, polar coordinates and differential equations. Upon completion, students should be able to select and use appropriate models and techniques for finding solutions to integral-related problems with and without technology.

This module introduces techniques for circuit analysis and gives the crucial basis for electronics. The main topics are (1) Kirchhoff’s laws: basis for circuit analysis, (2) Two- and multi-ports: sub-circuits with particular properties, (3) Operational amplifier: integrated circuit for analogue processing, (4) Nodal analysis: tool for simplified circuit analysis, (5) First- and second-order circuits: dynamic circuits in temporal domain, (6) Complex phasor analysis: dynamic circuits in frequency domain.

This module introduces fundamentals of discrete mathematics which are the foundation for all digital engineering. Major topics covered include Propositional Logic (Boolean Algebra); Predicate Logic; Sets; Relations; Finite State Machines and Algebraic Structures.

This module introduces fundamental data structures and algorithms used in computer engineering, focussing on sorting, searching, storing and accessing data. Lecture and tutorial discuss theoretical aspects; the lab course provides the students a hands-on training and consolidates programming skills from the first trimester.

This module introduces physical fundamentals of electric and magnetic phenomena relevant for technical applications. It thus provides the crucial physical basis for understanding the operation of electronic devices and systems. The major topics covered are (1) : Electrostatics: electrical charge, electric field, potential and energy, capacitance (2) Stationary currents: electrical current density, Kirchhoff's laws, Ohm's law, linear circuit elements (3) Magnetostatics: magnetic fields and forces, forces on current-carrying conductors (4) Magnetic induction: motional and motionless induction, inductivity (5) Maxwell's equations.

This module introduces the fundamental building blocks and design principles for analogue integrated circuit design, in both CMOS and bipolar technologies. After attending this course, students will be able to understand, analyse and design fundamental analogue integrated circuits.