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PC3014 Intermediate Applied Physics Laboratory

This course continues with the instrumentation and signal processing topics begun in PC2013. Included are: controllable oscillators and RF modulation/demodulation techniques, basic electrical noise sources, device damage and failure modes, elementary digital logic gates and Ics. Also included are an overview of relevant microcomputer topics, such as digital encoding schemes, analog and digital interfacing, and serial communications and networking. At the discretion of the instructor, hands-on projects incorporating the course material, may be assigned. Typical projects are: in-air sonar systems, radio receivers and transmitters, and opto-electronic communications links.

Lecture Hours

3

Lab Hours

4

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Analyze and design controllable oscillators and RF modulation/demodulation circuits.  Understand the principles of oscillation control and the methods for modulating and demodulating radio frequencies.
  • Identify and describe basic electrical noise sources.  Explain the different types of noise in electronic systems and their impact on signal integrity and device performance.
  • Evaluate device damage and failure modes in electronic systems.  Assess common failure modes in electronic devices and suggest preventive measures.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of elementary digital logic gates and integrated circuits (ICs).  Apply the principles of digital logic to design and analyze simple logic circuits.
  • Describe key microcomputer concepts, including digital encoding, analog and digital interfacing.  Understand the fundamentals of digital encoding schemes and how analog signals are interfaced with digital systems. 
  • Implement serial communication and networking protocols.  Demonstrate an understanding of serial communication techniques and network protocols used in embedded systems and microcomputers.
  • Apply course concepts in hands-on projects involving sonar systems, radio communication, or optoelectronic systems (if assigned).  Design and implement basic projects using sonar, RF communication, or optoelectronic devices, incorporating the principles learned in class.