Course Description
	Physics PHYS 2371/2372, Electronics for Scientists
	Don Heiman and Hari Kumarakuru Northeastern University, Fall 2020
	Also see 2371-Calendar and Syllabus

˝All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.˝ - Ralph Waldo Emerson

˝Even theorists have an advantage when they thoroughly understand experiments.˝ - Don Heiman

I. INTRODUCTION

The goals of this course are:

(1) Understand the physics of electrical components, including inductors, FETs and digital ICs

(2) Familiarize you with the basic electronics used in commercial electronic instruments

(3) Accurately measure the time dependence of voltages and currents in electrical circuits

(4) Apply mathematical techniques to analyze electrical circuits and circuit diagrams

(5) Be able to construct, troubleshoot and operate various electrical circuits

(6) Be able to design and build a prototype device that accomplishes a specific purpose

In the future, your work may involve sophisticated electronic instruments and it will be important to have some understanding of their principles and limitations. You may also encounter applications requiring you to design custom electronics.

The physics aspect of electronics is both interesting and useful. Semiconductor devices require quantum mechanics for a proper explanation of their behavior, but many things can be understood using some basic math and fundamental principles of electricity. We will concentrate on practical knowledge and applications of electronics, and also cover some of the microscopic theory where it is appropriate.  The course introduces the latest technology of semiconductors and optical electronics.

We will explore the physics underlying computers and our modern electronic world. The course focuses on: principles of semiconductor devices (diodes, transistors, integrated circuits, LEDs, photovoltaics); analog techniques (amplification, AC circuits, resonance); digital techniques (binary numbers, NANDs, logic gates, and circuits); electronic subsystems (operational amplifiers, magnetoelectronics, optoelectronics); and understanding commercial electronic equipment.

The lab experiments are designed to investigate the properties of discrete and integrated devices and use them to design and build circuits.  They provide experience in laboratory techniques: setting up equipment, making measurements, analyzing data, and describing the results. The laboratory instructions will be less detailed as the course progresses, as you become more confident in designing and carrying out the experiments. 

II. TOPICS

This course covers basic DC and AC circuit analysis, digital electronics, and analog applications, including op-amp amplifiers and optoelectronics. The following topics will be covered:

Basic Lab Tools (multimeter, oscilloscope, function generator, power supply, etc.)

Circuit Analysis and Design

Physics of Semiconductors, Diodes and Transistors

Transistor Circuits

Operational Amplifiers

Magnetoelectronics

Optoelectronics (optical electronics)

Digital Circuits and Logical networks

III. LAB NOTEBOOK

An electronic is required.  Students are requested to use Microsoft OneNote for their e-notebook.

All raw data is to be recorded in digital file as it is taken.  Set up tables with appropriate columns in Excel. You may find that after taking some data that you have made a mistake.  In that case, DO NOT DELETE THE TABLE, simply begin a new table and insert some of the previous data - never erase seemingly unwanted data, as in hindsight it may be useful.

It is very important to Plot appropriate data as it is taken.  These initial plots can be very crude. This allows you to see where additional data points are needed and which data points need to be retaken.

IV. LAB WORKSHEETS

Each student must submit an independent printed Lab Worksheet or Lab Report.

Lab Reports should include diagrams of the apparatus, tables and appropriate plots. The length of the report must not exceed 4-pages, thus allowing you focus on the more important aspects. The writing and general format of the reports are intended to provide a clear and straightforward description that contains the important information without extraneous (and often boring) minutiae.

The following ˝publication˝ format is highly recommended: Template 2372