STUDENT AND ACADEMIC SERVICES

MODULE SPECIFICATION

Part 1: Basic Data

Module Title Signal Processing and Circuits

Module Code UFMFMA-15-2 Level 2 Version 2

Owning Faculty Faculty of Environment and Field Engineering, Design and

Technology Mathematics
Contributes towards BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic Engineering, MEng Electrical & Electronic
Engineering, BEng (Hons) Electronic Engineering, MEng Electronic Engineering,
FdSc Mechatronics, BEng(Hons) Electronics and Telecommunication
Engineering, BSc (Hons) Engineering
UWE Credit Rating 15 ECTS Credit 7.5 Module Standard
Rating Type
Pre-requisites UFMFP8-15-1 Electrical and Co- requisites None
Electronic Principles A
UFMFVA-15-1Electrical and
Electronic Principles B
Excluded None Module Entry None
Combinations requirements
Valid From October 2016 Valid to

Part 2: Learning and Teaching

Learning On successful completion of this module students will be able to demonstrate:

Outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding of the basic mathematical principles as applied
to the description and analysis of analogue systems (US2), A
2. An understanding of engineering principles as applied to analogue systems
and the ability to assess their performances (E1, E2), A, B1
3. Competence in using technical literature and the ability to obtain
documentation from various sources (P4), B1, B2
4. Demonstrate competence in combining theory and experience as well as
acquired engineering skills and the ability to apply these competencies to
practical engineering problems (P1), B2

In addition, the educational experience may explore, develop, and practise but not
formally discretely assess the following:

 Develop competence in problem identification, analysis, design and implementation

(D4, D6)
 Understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct (S5).

Syllabus Outline Signal Analysis

 Signals: Definition; deterministic (periodic and aperiodic) random; signal
sources; information; mathematical representation of basic deterministic
signals.
 Phasors: Graphical addition of sinusoids; definition of a phasor; phasor
impedance and transfer functions of RLC networks.
Power
 Dc and rms values; power factor; real, reactive and apparent power in RLC
networks.
Laplace transforms
  Definition; transforms of common signals; use of tables; solution of ordinary
differential equations; partial fractions; generalised impedance and transfer
functions of RLC networks; pole/zero diagrams; network time response;
forced and natural modes; time constant; stability; second order response;
use of standard second order response chart.
 Network analysis: RLC network analysis using Laplace transforms; step and
sinusoidal response.
Frequency response
 Frequency response from Laplace transfer function; bandwidth in relation to
time constant; definition of dB; Bode plots with straight line approximation;
Nyquist plots, resonance.
 Fourier series: Trigonometric and phasor form; power spectrum.
 Fourier transform: Derivation from Fourier series; Fourier transform of
common signals; inverse spreading principle; relation to Laplace transforms;
Parseval's theorem; energy spectral density.
 Convolution: The convolution integral; graphical convolution;
Filters
 Filter classification LP, HP, BP; 2nd and higher order; transfer functions;
Butterwoth and Chebychev approximations; normalised prototypes; scaling;
passive and active realisations
Systems Electronics
 Operational amplifiers: Non-ideal operational amplifiers; current sources;
current mirrors; offset; bias; drift; noise; gain-bandwidth; rise time.

Contact
Hours/Scheduled Activity Approximate time in hours
Hours
Contact 36
Assimilation and skill development 70
Undertaking coursework 20
Exam preparation 24
Total 150

Teaching and The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures and laboratory work.
Learning Tutorials will be incorporated into the lectures. Laboratory work will involve the design
Methods and build of analogue electronic circuits. The focus will be on filter design. Relevant
ethical issues will be highlighted and students will be encouraged to consider these
further through directed reading.

Reading The dissemination of the module material is organised via Blackboard. Lectures notes,
Strategy lecture slides, tutorials, lab worksheets and worked examples are regularly uploaded on
Blackboard. To deepen their knowledge, students are directed to additional material on
completion of every topic. Students are encouraged to explore a variety of related titles
held in the library. A current list of such titles is provided in both the module specifications
and the module handbook. The list is revised on a yearly basis.

Students will be encouraged to make full use of a variety of electronic resources

accessible via different University memberships and available through websites and
information gateways. The Library’s web pages provide access to subject relevant
resources and services, as well as to the library catalogue. Many resources can be
accessed remotely. Students will be encouraged to develop their search abilities,
information retrieval and evaluation skills in order to effectively identify such resources.
Guidance is provided via the module information link on Blackboard or through any other
vehicle deemed appropriate by the module leader.
Indicative  Thompson & Barraclough (1997) The Art of Control Engineering; Dutton.
Reading List Addison-Wesley.
 Lathi, B.P. (1998) Modern Digital and Analog Communication Systems. Oxford
U P.
 Lathi, B.P. (1998) Signal Processing and Linear Systems. Berkeley Cambridge
Press.
 Sedra & Smith (1997) Power Electronics; Mohan, Underland and Robboins;
Wiley. OUP.
 Fiore, J.M. (1992) Operational Amplifiers and Linear Integrated Circuits. West.
 Martin, M. & Schinzinger, R. (2004) Ethics in Engineering. McGraw Hill.

Part 3: Assessment

Assessment  A formal exam that contributes 50% towards the final mark of the module. The
Strategy examination is summative and assesses the students’ understanding of concepts
and techniques, and their ability to apply them in relatively straightforward
problems.

 A lab based coursework that contributes 50% towards the final mark of the
module.
 Formative assessment will be provided as oral feedback throughout the laboratory
sessions particularly with respect to the lab exercises and the logbook entries.

Identify final assessment component and element

Component A
A: B:
% weighting between components A and B (Standard modules only) 50% 50%

First Sit

Component A (controlled conditions) Element weighting

Description of each element (as % of component)

Exam (2 hours) 100%

Component B Element weighting
Description of each element (as % of component)

1. Logbook 50%

2. Small scale project 50%

Resit (further attendance at taught classes is not required)

Component A (controlled conditions) Element weighting

Description of each element (as % of component)

1. Exam (2 hours) 100%

Component B Element weighting
Description of each element (as % of component)

2. Coursework 100%
If a student is permitted an EXCEPTIONAL RETAKE of the module the assessment will be that indicated
by the Module Description at the time that retake commences.

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

First CAP Approval Date June 2012

Revision CAP Approval June 2015 Version 1.1

Date Oct 2016 2 Link to MIA ID 3944