Electronics: Principals, Components, and Applications Courses

Nature of Electricity

Course #: 086001
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Explain the operation of a simple circuit.

Define the terms: conductor, insulator, and resistor.

Demonstrate that unlike charges attract and like charges repel.

List the dangers and benefits of static electricity.

Define the terms: volt, ampere, and ohm.

Describe common notations and prefixes used to identify electrical and electronic values.

Identify carbon resistors, potentiometers, and rheostats, and explain how they work.

Identify the common electrical symbols used in schematic diagrams.

Explain the difference between a series and parallel circuit.

Circuit Analysis and Ohm's Law

Course #: 086002
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Find the total resistance in series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits.

Use Ohm's law to calculate the current, voltage, or resistance in circuits.

Calculate the amount of power supplied and dissipated in a DC circuit.

List the steps for finding current, voltage, and resistance with a digital or analog meter.

Conductors, Insulators, and Batteries

Course #: 086005
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Describe the various types of conductors and discuss their conductivity.

Explain the American Wire Gage System of sizing copper conductors.

Determine the size of conductor needed for an application.

Identify the various types of insulating materials and their temperature ratings.

Explain the difference between a dry cell and a storage battery.

How to connect cells together to obtain more voltage, more current, or more of both voltage and current.

Describe the proper safety precautions used when working with storage batteries.

Describe how to properly clean and care for storage batteries.

Discuss the instruments used for testing storage batteries.

Explain how NiCad, lithium, and other types of special batteries operate, and describe their ratings.

Alternating Current

Course #: 086007
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: DC Principles (Block A21); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Draw a graph of an AC voltage and describe how AC voltage is created.

Explain AC cycle terms: "alternation," "peak," "positive," and "negative."

Define the time period of an AC voltage as expressed in degrees.

List the characteristic values of an AC cycle and describe the relationship between the values.

Define phase angle and describe how it relates to reactive circuits.

Calculate power for single-phase and three-phase circuits.

Describe how a 220 VAC single-phase circuit operates.

Illustrate the phase relationship of three-phase wave forms.

Determine real power by reading a power factor meter.

Describe delta and wye three-phase circuit connections.

Alternating Current Circuits

Course #: 086008
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: DC Principles (Block A21); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Identify electric circuits in terms of their circuit characteristics.

List several circuit characteristics that are used to describe a circuit for a particular load application.

Connect electrical components in series and parallel circuits.

Control loads from one or two switch points.

Describe how delta- and wye-connected three phase circuits are different.

Explain how grounding a circuit increases its safety.

Recognize the difference between control circuits and power circuits.

Analog Circuit Measurement

Course #: Block A23
Duration: 15 hours
Course Prerequisites: AC Principles (Block A22); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn: In this three unit block, trainees learn how to use electrical test instruments and measuring techniques. The instruments covered are multimeters, volt-ohm-milliameters (VOMs) and oscilloscopes. Students will learn how to measure voltage, resistance, and current valves is a circuit. Troubleshooting tests on both AC and DC systems including PLC input and output problems are emphasized.
Components: Basic Test Equipment (086025); Troubleshooting with Volt-Ohm-Milliamp Meters (VOMs) (086026); Using Basic Oscilloscopes (086027);
Special Notes: This updated course replaces Electrical Measurements and Instruments, Block A03. Each study unit contains a progress examination.

Basic Test Equipment

Course #: 086025
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: AC Principles (Block A22); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

How to use the multimeter (also known as a volt-ohm-milliameter or VOM).

Define the terms voltage, current and resistance, and explain their relationship in a circuit.

Discuss how voltage, current and resistance is measured with a multimeter.

Identify the schematic symbols used to represent various reactive devices.

Describe the major features of analog and digital VOMs.

Explain how to use both analog and digital VOMs to measure voltage, resistance and current in a circuit.

Learn about the special probes used with a digital VOM.

Discuss the important safety precautions you must take when using a multimeter.

Troubleshooting with Volt-Ohm-Milliamp Meters (VOMs)

Course #: 086026
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: AC Principles (Block A22); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Review the functions of a multimeter.

Name the safe practices you should use when troubleshooting with a VOM.

How to measure circuit resistance.

Learn the purpose of, and how to perform, tests for continuity and short circuits.

Perform resistance tests on resistors, fuses, solenoids, relays, switches, transformers, motors and semiconductors.

How to take basic current measurements on power supplies, AC feeder lines and other such circuit areas.

Measure current by using a direct series connection or by using a clamp-type ammeter.

How to take basic voltage measurements on both AC and DC systems.

Measure the output voltage of a DC power supply and the voltage of an AC feeder line.

Measure voltage at disconnect switches, circuit breakers, contactors and transformers.

Perform voltage tests on circuit boards, PLC systems and motor circuits.

Using Basic Oscilloscopes

Course #: 086027
Duration: 5 hours
Course Prerequisites: AC Principles (Block A22); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

An introduction to the basic controls and functions of an oscilloscope.

Describe the component parts and features of a standard, dual-trace oscilloscope.

How to use the front panel controls.

How to connect an oscilloscope to a circuit.

Learn how to perform low-voltage measurements on circuit boards.

Measure the voltage output of a power supply and AC ripple.

Describe how to perform measurements in SCR and TRIAC circuits.

Test both DC and AC servo motor controller circuits and heater controller circuits.

Perform basic scope measurements on digital circuits.

Learn how to use an oscilloscope to troubleshoot industrial systems.

Electronics Workbench Lab Manual: Experiments in Electrical Measurements (Block A23)

Course #: 387014C
Duration: 10 hours
Course Prerequisites: Electronics Workbench. (086800); Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23);
What Students Learn: Students will complete lab exercises and troubleshooting problems using the Electronics Workbench software (Versions 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0). This lab manual will provide experience using the many simulated instruments that are part of the software package. Troubleshooting simulations using the digital multimeter, oscilloscope, function generator, and bode plotter are included in these exercises. The manual includes the basic operational instructions for the Workbench software and Windows.

Special Notes: The manual contains a file disk of practice circuits.

Electrical Safety for the Trades

Course #: 186005
Duration: 5 hours
What Students Learn: Preview
This study unit will introduce students to many workplace situations that require you to work safely with electricity. You will learn how and why electricity can be dangerous. Trainees will also learn about various methods used for protection. Safety begins with the careful installation of electrical components by means of approved wiring methods. You should use safety procedures and practices that insulate you from electricity's power anytime you work with, or near, electrical equipment and components.

Objectives
When a student completes this study unit, he and she will be able to:

Explain how electricity can harm you and your property.

Discuss the importance of properly using quality electrical components.

Follow the basic methods of protection when wiring electrical installations.

Tell why it is important to ground electrical equipment and systems.

Select the type of electrical equipment to use in a hazardous location.

List the safety practices required in an electrical work area.

Talk about the importance of a clear working space around electrical equipment.

Educate your own level of safety training to be sure it matches the electrical work you are performing.

Contents
Introduction to Electrical Safety; Using Proper Materials and Components; Equipment Grounding; Hazardous Locations; Safe Working Clearances; Safety Practices.

Analog Electronic Components

Course #: Block B23
Duration: 42 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn: This seven unit block provides a detailed theory into the workings of common electronic components and circuits. Different types of diodes, transistors, switching devices and tubes are covered. The trainee learns to perform circuit measurement tests and troubleshooting techniques for each component.
Components: Basic Semiconductor Components: Diodes (086019); Basic Semiconductor Components: Transistors (086020); Switching Devices (086021); Electronic Sensors (086022); Special Rectifiers: Electron Tubes (086023); Optoelectronic and Fiber Optic Components (086024); Electronics Hardware (086040);
Special Notes: This updated course replaces Electronic Components, Block B03. Each study unit contains a progress examination.

Basic Semiconductor Components: Diodes

Course #: 086019
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Describe how diodes work in a rectifier and how to determine if they are working properly.

Explain how different types of diodes function.

List a variety of diode uses in electronic systems.

List the characteristics that make a particular diode useful in a given situation.

Know how a diode works with other components in an electronic circuit.

Perform basic measurements in diode circuits, that will assist in troubleshooting tests.

Select a proper diode for replacement in a circuit.

Basic Semiconductor Components: Transistors

Course #: 086020
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Learn how transistors control the flow of electricity in a circuit.

Describe the construction of bipolar transistors.

Explain how the operation of bipolar transistors resembles that of the diode.

Discuss how biopolar transistors can control and amplify current in a circuit.

Describe the construction and operation of JFETs and MOSFETs.

How to use an ohmmeter to perform basic tests on bipolar transistors.

Perform basic troubleshooting measurements and calculations on circuits that contain amplifying devices.

Switching Devices

Course #: 086021
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Learn how a switch changes:
- voltage levels and current levels.
- the DC polarity of the delivered voltage.
- the direction of direct current.
- from one delivered frequency to another.

Describe how the above functions can be performed by mechanical switches or by electronic circuitry.

List the advantages and disadvantages of various switch types and how they function..

Analyze basic relay ladder diagrams.

Explain how a diode can be used as a switch.

Name some of the problems of diode switching.

Describe how very rapid electronic switching is accomplished.

Explain the circumstances in which a mechanical switch may be preferable to a rapid electronic switch.

Electronic Sensors

Course #: 086022
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Learn how certain electronic components are used as sensors and as parts in control mechanisms.

Explain what sensors and transducers do.

Describe important thermoelectric effects.

Learn how these types of transducers operate and the effects they cause; electromagnetic, electroacoustical. piezoelectric, photoelectric, and electromechanical.

Explain the importance of a bridge circuit in certain types of electronic instrumentation.

Describe how certain nonlinear resistors are used in circuits.

Explain how certain components can be used as protection devices for circuits.

Define the scientific terms stress and strain.

Special Rectifiers: Electron Tubes

Course #: 086023
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Learn how electron tubes work and how to troubleshoot tubes when necessary.

Identify the four different methods of obtaining electronic emission.

Explain how vacuum tubes and gas-filled tubes operate.

Learn how the following special purpose tubes work: Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs), Transmitter Tubes, Image Orthicon Tubes, Vidicon Tubes.

Describe how a triode uses a control grid to control electron flow.

Explain why a screen grid is used in a tetrode.

Describe the function of a suppressor grid in a pentode.

Describe how electron beams are controlled in a cathode ray tube (CRT).

Understand half-wave and full-wave rectification.

How to select a diode for replacement in a circuit.

Troubleshoot a half-wave rectifier power supply.

Optoelectronic and Fiber Optic Components

Course #: 086024
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

An introduction to the high technology field of optoelectronics.

Discuss the theory and applications of the components used in this field; compact discs, bar code readers, lasers, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and light activated diodes (LADs).

Explain why electronics and optics are natural partners.

Identify the modern theories of light and the relationship to optoelectronic applications.

Describe the basic theory of light communications.

Learn how a fiber optic communications system works.

Describe the operation of electron microscopes and their advantage over optical microscopes.

Explain how fluorescent light and other light sources operate.

Electronics Hardware

Course #: 086040
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Learn the uses and applications of these components that are critical to the repair and maintenance of an analog circuit or system: fasteners, connectors, jacks, component sockets, cables, strain gages, relays, wires, heat shrink tubing, batteries and UPSs.

How to construct a circuit board for a personal computer.

Learn correct and safe soldering techniques.

Understand surface mount technology.

Understanding Digital Electronics

Course #: VB22XX
Duration: 0.88 hours
What Students Learn: This updated version, fundamental level program features clear-cut video combined with hands-on examples and easy-to-read diagrams that will enable entry level trainees and first year students to grasp these important concepts. To make viewing and understanding the information in this program most effective, completion of the Basic Electricity (AC) and Analog Devices programs is recommended.
Components: AND Gates (VB2201); OR Gates / NOT Gates (VB2202); NAND Gates / NOR Gates (VB2203); XOR Gates / XNOR Gates (VB2204);

Basic Electronic Circuits

Course #: Block B24
Duration: 48 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Analog Electronic Components (Block B23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn: This block describes how components are grouped in industrial electronic circuits to perform particular functions or achieve certain circuit characteristics. The trainee will learn how power is supplied to and rectified for use in electronic equipment. The block also explains how signals are produced, transmitted, received, evaluated, and utilized in common industrial electronic applications. Biasing, circuit parameters, component selection (value and rating), and the respective advantages / disadvantages of each are covered.
Components: Rectifiers and Power Supplies (086041); Amplifiers (086042); Oscillators (086043); Modulation and Detection Circuits (086044); Switching Circuits (086054); Logic Circuits (086055); Gating and Counting Circuits (086056); Pulse and Digital Circuits (086057);
Special Notes: This updated course replaces Basic Electronic Circuits, Block B04. Each study unit contains a progress examination.

Rectifiers and Power Supplies

Course #: 086041
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Analog Electronic Components (Block B23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Identify the basic types of rectifiers.

Discuss the operation of various power supply filters.

Cite the advantages for different rectifier connection schemes.

Determine the values for a voltage divider.

Explain how voltage dividers are used in power supplies.

Determine the current through, and voltage across, nonlinear components, such as diodes.

Amplifiers

Course #: 086042
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Analog Electronic Components (Block B23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Indicate the advantages of various classes of transistor amplifier operation.

Calculate the dB gain of an amplifier circuit.

Identify the several types of transistor amplifier circuits.

Show the proper polarity for NPN and PNP transistor connections.

Explain the methods used for biasing a transistor.

Describe the types of distortion introduced by amplifiers.

Explain how to troubleshoot amplifiers.

Oscillators

Course #: 086043
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Analog Electronic Components (Block B23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Explain the differences between several types of oscillator circuits.

Identify the feedback components of an oscillator circuit, including LC and RC types.

Describe the flywheel effect and how it is produced.

Indicate the principle difference between various oscillator circuits.

Calculate the resonant frequency of an oscillator circuit.

Describe the effects of temperature on crystal oscillators.

Discuss various applications of oscillator circuits.

Describe how a frequency synthesizer works.

Modulation and Detection Circuits

Course #: 086044
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Analog Electronic Components (Block B23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Describe the various types of detector circuits.

Explain the various forms of modulation.

Calculate bandwidth of signals.

Determine the frequencies resulting from combining or mixing two signals.

Describe the advantages and disadvantages of pulse code modulation.

Explain the operation and applications of phase locked loops.

Indicate applications of detector and modulation circuits.

Switching Circuits

Course #: 086054
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Analog Electronic Components (Block B23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Match the output conditions for various gate circuits.

Show how transistors are used as logic gates.

Discuss the operation of flip flops.

Name the applications of registers and memories.

Indicate the proper output for a specific multivibrator circuit.

Logic Circuits

Course #: 086055
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Analog Electronic Components (Block B23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Work with number systems.

Indicate the use of encoders and decoders.

Convert decimal numbers to binary and hexadecimal numbers.

Develop truth tables.

Explain how adders, subtractors, and comparators are used.

Gating and Counting Circuits

Course #: 086056
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Analog Electronic Components (Block B23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Cite the use of arithmetic logic gates.

Work with half-adder and full-adder circuits.

Discuss the use of subtractor circuits.

Identify the applications for decade and binary counters.

Determine the modulus of a counter.

Pulse and Digital Circuits

Course #: 086057
Duration: 6 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Analog Electronic Components (Block B23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Indicate the basic parts of a pulse waveform.

Identify the difference between limiter and clamper circuits.

Calculate the time constants for integrating and differentiator circuits.

Describe the action of trigger circuits.

Work with binary numbers.

Operational Amplifiers Explained

Course #: VB19XX
Duration: 1.15 hours
What Students Learn: Understanding "Op Amps" was never so easy as with this program. Students will become familiar with the use, operations and various types of operational amplifiers. An understanding of Basic AC Principles to receive the optimum benefits from this very informative program is recommended.
Components: General Amplifier Concepts (VB1901); Architecture, Packaging, and Characteristics (VB1902); Negative Feedback and the Inverting Amplifier (VB1903); The Non-Inverting Amplifier (VB1904);

Introduction to Microprocessors

Course #: Block B11
Duration: 28 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn: This block provides an introduction to the fundamentals and uses of computers in business and industry. The trainee learns the basics of microprocessors, what they are comprised of, and how they are used in industry. Logic arithmetic, logic gates, and memory devices are described. This block describes the architecture or makeup of a microprocessor, how instruction or data enter a microprocessor, how such information is handled inside the microprocessor, and how it exists.
Components: Introduction to Computers (B1101); Introduction to Microprocessor Applications (B1102); Microprocessor Basics, Part 1: Underlying Principles and Concepts (B1103); Microprocessor Basics, Part 2: Overview of What's in a Microprocessor (B1104); Progress Examination Booklet (B1120); Progress Examination (B1121);

Introduction to Computers

Course #: B1101
Duration: 7 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Give an overview of how computers are used in industry and business.

List the main types of computers.

Name the important activities performed by people who work with computers.

Explain how computers are selected and what must be considered before they are selected and installed.

Introduction to Microprocessor Applications

Course #: B1102
Duration: 7 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Explain what microprocessors are and the kinds of work they do.

Tell what makes it possible for them to accomplish so much.

List some of the recent applications microprocessors are found in.

Microprocessor Basics, Part 1: Underlying Principles and Concepts

Course #: B1103
Duration: 7 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Explain the importance of binary arithmetic in microprocessor work.

Sketch the common logic circuits.

Identify the output conditions for the different possible input conditions for logic gates.

Microprocessor Basics, Part 2: Overview of What's in a Microprocessor

Course #: B1104
Duration: 7 hours
Course Prerequisites: Analog Circuit Measurement (Block A23); Basic Industrial Math (Block X21);
What Students Learn:

Draw a block diagram of a basic microprocessor unit (MPU).

Tell what bytes and bits are and how they enter and exit an MPU.

Explain how the MPU identifies, sorts, and holds bytes.

List some of the activities of the ALU work center.

Basic Microprocessor

Course #: VS33XX
Duration: 4.63 hours
What Students Learn: This series is designed for advanced electronics workers who have a thorough knowledge of electronics. It does not assume any previous knowledge of microprocessors. The series covers number systems and binary arithmetic, basic microprocessor architecture and operation, simple programming and interface techniques. Each course also contains a real world problem that involves higher level thinking skills. This series is intended to be used as an enhancement to your industrial electronics preparation program.
Components: Number Systems and Codes (VS3301); Microcomputer Basics (VS3302); Computer Math (VS3303); Introduction to Programming: Branching (VS3304); Introduction to Programming: Algorithms (VS3305); 6800 Microprocessor (VS3306); 6800 MPU Stack Operation / Subroutines (VS3307); 6800 MPU I/O Operations / Interrupts (VS3308); Interfacing Basics (VS3309); Interfacing RAMS / Displays (VS3310); Interfacing Switches (VS3311); Interfacing Peripheral Adapters (VS3312);

Digital Methods and Components

Course #: 2131A-B
Duration: 20 hours
Course Prerequisites: AC Principles (Block A22); Basic Electronic Circuits (Block B24); Introduction to Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry (Block X02);
What Students Learn: PART 1 (2131A). Digital Representations of Quantities, Binary Number System; Binary Logic; Boolean Algebra; Transistor Logic Gates and Circuitry.
PART 2 (2131B). Characteristics of Logic Gates; RTL, DTL, HTL, TTL, ECL, and MOS Logic Circuits; Digital Integrated-Circuit Packages; Flip-Flops, Shift Registers, Counters, Adders, Decoders, and Complement Gates; Memory Systems; Advanced Developments.

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