Electronics
Undergraduate · Physics
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Analog fundamentals
- Diodes, rectifiers, and Zener regulation
- Bipolar and FET transistor operation
- Small-signal models and gain
- Operational amplifiers and feedback
- Filters: RC, RL, and active low-pass/high-pass
Digital and mixed signal
- Boolean logic and combinational circuits
- Flip-flops, counters, and timing
- ADC/DAC principles and sampling
- Microcontrollers for data acquisition
- Noise, grounding, and PCB layout basics
Laboratory instrumentation
- Oscilloscopes, function generators, and DMMs
- Lock-in amplifiers and phase-sensitive detection
- Power supplies and circuit protection
- Soldering, breadboarding, and troubleshooting
- Schematic reading and SPICE simulation intro
STEM / applied
Detector and sensor electronics
- Photodiode and PMT front-end circuits
- Temperature and strain gauge conditioning
- Pulse shaping for nuclear detectors
- Low-noise preamplifier design principles
- Shielding and guard rings in high-impedance nodes
Embedded systems for experiments
- Arduino/Raspberry Pi data logging
- Serial protocols: I2C, SPI, and USB
- Real-time control loops for experiments
- FPGA basics for fast timing
- Firmware debugging with logic analyzers
Applied projects
- Building a regulated bench supply
- Audio amplifier or active filter project
- Event counter for radiation or optics labs
- EMI reduction in sensitive measurements
- Documentation and design review practices
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Analog fundamentals
Diodes, rectifiers, and Zener regulation
Coming soon - Digital and mixed signal
Boolean logic and combinational circuits
Coming soon - Laboratory instrumentation
Oscilloscopes, function generators, and DMMs
Coming soon
Notes
Topics reflect common upper-division physics syllabi at US colleges and universities. Prerequisites, lab pairing, and mathematical depth vary by department.