COM4LAB: Electronic Components I

The COM4LAB course entitled “Electronic Components I” is the first course concerning the active electronic components that have an amplifying effect or permit control. The most important diode types are presented and their behaviour explored. The functions, circuits and characteristics of the npn and pnp transistors are explored. The students are instructed on how to use the function generator, oscilloscope and multimeters. The course comprises 19 chapters.

Total duration: Up to 8 hours

Target audience

Among others, the course can be used to support the training process for the following professions:

• information electronics technician
• system electronics technician

Learning objectives

The students should:

• be able to recognise the setup, function and use of diodes and transistors,
• be able to record characteristics of diodes and transistors using an oscilloscope and
• be familiar with standard circuits and their applications.

Topics

The course covers the following topics:

• diode characteristics
• characteristic of a Zener diode
• characteristic of a light-emitting diode
• diode branches in a transistor
• characteristics of a transistor

  input characteristic – output characteristic – control characteristic

• power dissipation in a transistor
• characteristic of a phototransistor
• Darlington configuration
• operating point of a transistor
• transistor in a common emitter circuit
• transistor in a common collector circuit
• transistor in a common base circuit
• transistor in timer circuits

Previous knowledge

The students need to have a basic knowledge of DC and AC technology and have to be familiar with the measurement of electrical quantities in order to be able to complete the course successfully. Additionally, dealing with simple formulas is required.