ELA1501-Practical

Tutorial letter 102/0/2023

Electronics I (Practical)
ELA1501
Assessment 3

Electrical Engineering

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This tutorial letter contains important information
about your module.

Open Rubric
Please find the practical experiments to be completed in the module ELA1501 for
ASSIGNMENT 2 ( Assessment 3).

1. If you have received a kit in previously, you can use that same kit to do your experiments this
year.

2. Do the Experiments and fill in your results on the applicable pages.

3. Detach these pages and submit as your minor test for this module.

4. Please note that an ECSA registered professional mentor is preferable but not required at

this level. If you cannot find an ECSA registered professional mentor, any professional person

maybe your mentor. This person must supervise your experiments in order to verify that you

have submitted your own work.

N.B.

Students have to provide their own multi-meters.

Please make copies of your results before submitting it.

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 ELA1501-Practical-2023
Laboratory Requirements
The aim of laboratories is to reinforce theory. Practical circuits can be built to confirm the
content of the prescribed text book.
In order to do the laboratories, the student will require the equipment and components listed
below:
1 AD2004 Analogue/Digital Trainer

2 A.C. Adaptor (Supplied with the trainer).

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Please note A.C. adaptor should be plugged into the trainer before the mains voltage is
switched on or off to prevent damage to the trainer.
3 Component kit containing various resistors, diodes, transistors and LEDs
4 Digital Trainer
Features of the AD2004 Analogue/Digital Trainer
+5 V, -5V, +12V and -12V
A separate 0-24V variable output
Sine wave and triangular wave with a frequency range of between 10Hz and 1KHz
D.C offset if required
A separate +12V to -12V square wave
A 5V square wave for TTL
8 logic switches (0V or 5V) and 8 LED’s
Logic Probe for 5V TTL
Audio Buzzer

Using the AD2004 Analogue/Digital Trainer

We first need to familiarize ourselves with the internal connections of the breadboard as this is
where we will insert components in order to build circuits.

The breadboard has two sets of power rails top and bottom and they are connected horizontally
internally. The middle section has vertical connections of five holes above the break and five
holes below the break. There is no internal connection between the top five and bottom five
holes. To apply power to the breadboard power rails we must use hook wire to connect from the
+5V, +12V or + Adj to the positive rail and 0V to the negative rail as shown on the next page.
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 ELA1501-Practical-2023
Though the AD2004 Analogue/Digital Trainer has many other features they will not be required
to be used in the experiments that follow.
The AD2004 Analogue/Digital Trainer
In order to familiarize yourself with the trainer take hook-up wire and connect switch outputs to
the LED’s. When the switch is on the corresponding LED’s should light indicating a 5V output. If
the switch is off then the corresponding LEDs should be off indicating 0V output. The trainer has
protective fuses so under normal conditions you should not do any damage to the trainer, so
explore its features!

5 Digital Multimeter
In order to carry out the experiments it is necessary to use a Digital Multimeter. Though there
are many different types of multimeters available they all have many common features.

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The multimeter consists of a Liquid Crystal Display which displays the value of the quantity
being measured. The selector dial is used to determine whether the meter will measure voltage
(A.C. or D.C.), current (A.C. or D.C.) or resistance in ohms. It is important to note that when
measuring voltage, the one probe must be inserted in the voltage socket and when measuring
current it must be moved to the current socket marked A or Amps. Never measure voltage when
the probe is in the current socket as you will blow the internal fuse and will no longer be able to
measure current until the fuse is replaced. Some meters also have auto range but must have
different scales, which requires the operator to calculate the expected measurement so that the
correct range can be selected.

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 ELA1501-Practical-2023
6 Reading Resistors
Resistors have coloured stripes which enable us to establish their value in ohm’s. Each colour
has a different value as shown in the table below.
Colour Value in Ohms
Black 0
Brown 1
Red 2
Orange 3
Yellow 4
Green 5
Blue 6
Violet 7
Grey 8
White 9

Tolerance
Colour Percentage
Gold 5%
Silver 10%

In order to calculate the value of a resistor we first need to establish where the tolerance band
is. The tolerance band is normally either gold or silver and once we have found this the band
furthest away is band 1 then band 2 and closest to the tolerance band is band 3.

Let’s assume for practice the colours as follows:

Band 1 Brown
Band 2 Grey
Band 3 Orange
Tolerance Gold
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We then insert the values in to the following formula:
Band 1 Band 2 X 10band 3

1(Brown) 8(Grey) X 10 3 (Orange)

18 X 10 3
18000Ω
or
18kΩ
Since resistors are mass produced the chances that the resistor will be exactly 18kΩ is very
remote so the manufacturer gives a tolerance band, in this case Gold, to indicate within what
values the resistor will be. Gold represents 5% therefore the value would be
± 5% of 18kΩ
5% of 18kΩ is 900Ω therefore the minimum value would be:
18000Ω - 900Ω = 17100Ω

And the maximum value would be:

18000Ω + 900Ω = 18900Ω
So, the resistor value would lie between 17100Ω and 18900Ω

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 ELA1501-Practical-2023

LABORATORY EXPERIMENT 1
Objective:
To demonstrate how to test resistors using a digital multimeter
Materials needed:
Material/ Components Values
Resistors 100 kΩ
12 kΩ
1,5 kΩ
Multimeter
Variable Power Supply

Procedure:
1 Measure three resistors with listed values of 100 Ω, 12 kΩ, 1,5 kΩ. Record the measured
values in Table 1.1.
2 Connect the circuit shown in Figure 1.1. The ammeter should be in series with the
resistor. The voltmeter should be connected directly across the resistor.
A
+ -
0.000 A
+

R V
0.000

Vs
V
-

Figure 1.1
Table 1.1
Component Listed Value Measured Value
R1 100 Ω
R2 12 kΩ
R3 1,5 kΩ

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3 Adjust the power supply for a voltage of 2.0 V. Read the current that is through the
resistor and record it in Table 1.2.
4 Adjust the power supply for 4.0 V. Read the current that is through the resistor and
record it in Table 1.2. Continue taking current readings for each of the voltages listed in
Table 1.2.

Table 1.2
Vs = 2.0 V 4.0 V 6.0 V 8.0 V 10.0 V
I=

5 Replace R1 with R2 and repeat steps 3 and 4. Record the data in Table 1.3.

Table 1.3
Vs = 2.0 V 4.0 V 6.0 V 8.0 V 10.0 V
I=

6 Replace R1 with R2 and repeat steps 3 and 4. Record the data in Table 1.4.

Table 1.4
Vs = 2.0 V 4.0 V 6.0 V 8.0 V 10.0 V
I=

7 On Plot 1.1, graph all three I-V curves using the data from Tables 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4. Plot
dependent variable (current) on the y-axis and the independent variable (voltage) on the
x-axis. Choose a scale for the graph that spreads the data over the entire grid.

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 ELA1501-Practical-2023

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
V

Plot 1.1

Conclusion:
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 LABORATORY EXPERIMENT 2
Objective:
The aim of this experiment is to develop in student basic electronics skills, electronic assembly,
measurements and troubleshooting skills. This practical will also allow the student to better
comprehend complex resistive networks and to analyse them.
Materials needed:
Material / Components Values
Resistors R1=8.2 kΩ, R2=5.6 kΩ and R3=12 kΩ
Multimeter
Breadboard
Wires

RAB RBC RAC

Calculated
Measured

Analyze the circuit above as seen from AB, BC and AC and calculate the resistance seen form
these terminals.
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[12]

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 ELA1501-Practical-2023

LABORATORY EXPERIMENT 3
Objective: To demonstrate the operation of a capacitor
Component List:
Components Values
Resistors 1 x 1 kΩ
Capacitors 1 × 56 µF Electrolytic capacitor
1 ×100 µF Electrolytic capacitor
Diodes 2 × LEDs
Switches 2 × SPST switch
Connecting wires As needed

Procedure:
1 Connect the circuit as shown in Figure 3.1. The switches can be made from jumper
wires. Leave both switches open. The light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and the capacitor
are both polarized components; they must be connected in the correct direction in
order to work properly.

Figure 3.1
2 Close S1 and observe the LEDs. Describe your observation.

3 Open S1 and close S2. What happens?

4 Now connect the 56 μF capacitor in series with C1. Make sure the capacitors are fully
discharged by shorting them with a piece of wire; then close S1. Measure the voltage
across each capacitor. Do this quickly to prevent the meter from causing the
capacitors to discharge. Record the voltages and describe your observations.

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 V1: ............................. V2: ........................

5 Using the measured voltage, compute the charge on each capacitor (Q = CV).

Q1: .......................... Q2: ..........................

6 Then open S1 and close S2. Observe the result.

7 Change the capacitors from series to parallel. Ensure that the capacitors are fully
discharged. Open S2 and close S1. Measure the voltage (quickly) across the
capacitors. Record the voltages and describe your observations.

V1: ........................ V2: ..................................

8 Use the measured voltage to calculate the charge across each capacitor.

Q1: .......................... Q2: ..........................

Conclusion :
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 ELA1501-Practical-2023
LABORATORY EXPERIMENT 4
Objective : To demonstrate the operation of a pn junction diode
Component List:
TABLE 4.0
Components Values
Resistors 1 × 820 Ω
1 × 1 MΩ
Diodes 1 × 1N4007
Connecting wires
Variable power supply

Procedure:
1 Measure and record the resistance of the resistors listed in Table 4.1. Then check
the resistance of the diode. Select a low ohm range and measure the forward and
reverse resistance by reversing the diode. The diode is good on this test if the
resistance is significantly different between the forward and reverse directions. If you
are using an auto ranging meter, the meter may not produce enough voltage to
overcome the barrier potential. You should select a low ohm range and hold the
range. Record the data in Table 4.1.

Table 4.1
Component Listed Value Measured Value
R1 820 Ω
R2 1.0 MΩ
D1 forward resistance
D1 reverse resistance

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2 Construct the forward-biased circuit shown in Figure 4.1. The line on the diode indicates
the cathode side of the diode. Set the power supply for zero volts.

R1

330Ω
820 Ω

Vs D1

Figure 4.1

3 Monitor the forward voltage drop, VF, across the diode. Slowly increase Vs to establish
0.45 V across the diode. Measure the voltage across the resistor, VR1, and record it in
Table 4.2.
Table 4.2
VF (measured) VR1 (measured) IF (computed)
0.45 V
0.50 V
0.55 V
0.60 V
0.65 V
0.70 V
0.75 V

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 ELA1501-Practical-2023
4 The diode forward current, IF, can be found by applying Ohm’s Law to R1. Compute IF
and enter the computed current in Table 4.2.

5 Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each voltage listed in Table 4.2.

6 With the power supply set to the voltage that causes 0.75 V to drop across the diode,
bring a hot soldering iron near the diode. Do not touch the diode with the iron. Observe
the effect of heat on the voltage and current in a forward-biased diode. If you have freeze
spray available, test the effect of spray on the diode’s operation. Describe your
observations.

Figure 4.2

7 The data in this step will be accurate only if your voltmeter has very high input
impedance. You can find out if your meter is high impedance by measuring the power
supply voltage through a series 1.0 MΩ resistor. If the meter reads the supply voltage
accurately, it has high input impedance. Connect the reverse-biased circuit shown in
Figure 4.2. Set the power supply to each reverse voltage listed in Table 4.3, (VR).
Measure and record the voltage across R2 (VR2). Use this voltage and Ohm’s Law to
compute the reverse current in each case. Enter the computed current in Table 4.3.
Table 4.3
VR (measured) VR2 (measured) IR (computed)
5.0 V
10.0 V
15.0 V

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Conclusion:
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 ELA1501-Practical-2023
LABORATORY EXPERIMENT 5
Objective:
The aim of this section is to allow student to familiarize him/herself with the basic BJT transistor
concepts. The student at the end of this experiment should be able to measure the voltage at
terminals of BJT transistor and interpret the datasheet of the BJT transistor.
Materials needed:
Material/ Components Values
Resistors R1=100k Ω,330k Ω,
R2= 820 Ω
Transistor 1 × BC337 PNP power transistor
Power Supply 12 V DC
Digital Multimeter (DMM)
Cables

Procedure:

Build the circuit as shown if Figure 5.1. Start with R1 as 100 kΩ, measure and record
the voltage of a transistor across its junctions as listed in Table 5.1. Answer questions
2 and 3 as well under this scenario. Now change R1 to 330 kΩ measure and record
the voltage of a transistor across its junctions as listed in Table 5.1. Also answer
question 6 under this scenario.

Figure 5.1 BJT transistor

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 Table 5.1

Parameters Measured (R1=100k Ω) Measured (R1=330k Ω)

VBE
VCE

Conclusion

1. What is the difference between PNP and NPN transistor?

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2. Close S1 and observe the LED. Describe your observation.

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3. Open S1 and observe the LED. Describe your observation

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4. Describe cut-off state of a transistor and when does it happen?

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5. Describe saturation state of a transistor and when does it happen?

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6. Change R1 to 330 k Ω and close S1, observe if there are any changes to LED?

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 ELA1501-Practical-2023
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[10]

TOTAL= [85]

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