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ENGI48515: Advanced Electronics Measurements

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 15
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Engineering

Prerequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Corequisites

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • As specified in programme regulations.

Aims

  • This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
  • To provide an overview and describe methods for measuring, characterising and assessing communication systems and semiconducting devices.
  • To explain the working principles of various metrology and characterisation procedures for semiconductor devices and communication systems.
  • To introduce and familiarise students with measurement techniques for radio channel characterisation, and wideband propagation models in various frequency bands.
  • To introduce and familiarise students with solid-state device reliability tests and application.

Content

  • Electronic and electro-optical characterisation techniques.
  • Physical characterisation techniques.
  • Instrumentation for measurements.
  • Narrowband and wideband channel models.
  • Estimation of channel parameters from measurements.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • In-depth knowledge of the common methods for communication systems and semiconductor devices metrology.
  • A knowledge of current characterisation instruments and metrology techniques.
  • Practical application of engineering methodologies to characterise devices and communication radio systems.
  • An appreciation of emerging characterisation and metrology techniques.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • An awareness of current characterisation practises in the electronics industry.
  • An ability to critically analyse complex engineering problems in the electronic industry and apply appropriate methodologies to solve them.
  • An ability to assess the quality of engineering data, based on the chosen characterisation methodology.

Key Skills:

  • Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
  • Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.
  • Problem solving skills.
  • The ability to merge data from several sources for the solution of an engineering problem.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by problem sheets and exercises, equipping students with the required problem solving capability.
  • Students are able to make use of staff 'Tutorial Hours' to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign up sessions available for up to one hour per week per lecture course.
  • Coursework is appropriate because it allows students to work on realistic engineering problems.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures17Typically 1 per week 1 hour17 
Tutorial HoursAs requiredWeekly sign up sessions Up to 1 hour12 
Workshops33 hours9Yes
Coursework preparation 50Yes
Preparation and reading62 
Total 150 

Summative Assessment

Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Coursework 100Yes

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is provided by means of formative problem sheets, benchmark test and mock examinations.

More information

If you have a question about Durham's modular degree programmes, please visit our Help page. If you have a question about modular programmes that is not covered by the Help page, or a query about the on-line Postgraduate Module Handbook, please contact us.

Prospective Students: If you have a query about a specific module or degree programme, please Ask Us.

Current Students: Please contact your department.