| Inside Electronic Devices |
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ELEC S354
Inside Electronic Devices
| 1. Introduction |  |
The general aim of the course is to provide knowledge of various types of electronic materials that can be used to manufacture modern electronic devices, such as transducer, computer memory and liquid crystal display unit, etc. Their electronic properties, the processes which are used to develop those materials to fabricate electronic devices and their applications are described.
The following topics will be discussed in this course: materials for circuits; magnets; transducers; memory microtechnology; displays; warm superconductor; and optoelectronics.
This document outlines the various media you will be using while you learn about some of the hardware behind the IT revolution. It tells you how we expect you to use the different study materials and how you can use some of the fruits of the IT revolution to keep in touch with each other. I hope you will enjoy discovering some of the remarkable achievements of this century's engineers who have brought about the electronic age.
| 2. The Resources | |
2.1 The Study Guide
The Study Guide offers a more detailed programme for your day-to-day study. It provides three types of guidance:
The first role of the Study Guide is to schedule your work in periods of a fortnight. The schedule for each fortnight is summarized in a table, with a blank column for you to plan your progress. The schedule includes all aspects of your study from working through the course text to completing the tutor-marked assignments. I recommend that you refer to the appropriate study schedule at the start of every work session.
As well as helping you to pace your work, the Study Guide comments on the different components of the course. So for instance, you will find written introductions to video- and audio-material as well as explanatory notes on certain parts of the course text. It is best to read these commentaries before you begin each element. From time to time it may also help you recall where certain topics have been discussed. Consult the relevant commentary in the Study Guide before embarking on your study of any particular task.
The third role of the Study Guide is to cover some topics that the main course text will assume you are familiar with. Some of these topics, you may already know about. Others may be new to you, and if so, you should study these sections thoroughly. Although most of the assignment and examination questions will be based on the course text, you will be expected to have acquired knowledge and skills from all the course materials, including the Study Guide. So you should read all the background material which is incorporated in the Study Guides.
The message is clear: use the Study Guide to guide your studies.
2.2 The course texts: Electronic Materials
The main texts for the course are written in traditional OU self-study style. They are designed to engage you actively in the learning process. Traditional examples, exercises and self-assessment questions (SAQs) are used to do this. Solutions are always included at the end of each chapter and you should check these immediately after each challenge and before proceeding further.
A second strategy which is used to help you study is a division of the text into a main story and a series of self-contained asides, which I call 'inputs'. The inputs are flagged by titles between triangular symbols like this ▲Input▼ and the text of the inputs is printed in green. I have used these inputs in the same way that I would punctuate a lecture with short asides to provide a little background or to discuss a related issue. You should treat each input in the same way that you would treat hypertext on a computer-based document: either go and read it as soon as it is flagged or read it at your convenience when you find the need arises.
Remember, the Study Guide should set the pace and advise what you should read and when to read it. This is particularly important with regard to one or two SAQs which are beyond the scope of this course. Always check the Study Guide for its commentary and other advice before beginning a new section.
2.3 CD with audio files
On the CD with audio files is a set of documentary programmes, taken from an OU general interest radio series, which give a historical perspective to the electronic age. They provide a fascinating account of how various electronic devices, from the wireless to the microprocessor, have evolved in spite of technological and commercial obstacles. Each programme includes interviews with some of the key engineers. The Study Guide includes a short introduction to each programme and advise you when you should listen to each one.
The CD contains the following files which correspond to the audio programmes:
- AC2339_Tr1.mp3 (Wireless and thermionic valves)
- AC2339_Tr2.mp3 (Early television at Alexandra Palace)
- AC2400_Tr1.mp3 (The development of radar)
- AC2400_Tr2.mp3 (The first transistors)
- AC2401_Tr1.mp3 (Videotape)
- AC2401_Tr2.mp3 (Quartz crystals)
- AC2432_Tr1.mp3 (The integrated circuits)
- AC2432_Tr2.mp3 (The microprocessor)
- AC2488_SideA.mp3 (Optical fibre Pt1)
- AC2488_SideB.mp3 (Optical fibre Pt2)
You will need to play the files from Windows Explorer using Windows Media Player.
Due to copyright reasons (regarding background music), the original OU audio programmes have been edited for use by OUHK students. As a result, you may notice an occasional discontinuity in the sound and voice.
2.4 CD-ROM with other course materials
The CD-ROM by the same title as the course contains (i) a series of photographs about the devices mentioned in the course; (ii) self assessment questions CSAQ; and (iii) Spreadsheet Exercises. For the gallery, please see the accompanying explanatory notes for the details.
You will need to install the CD-ROM data by running <install.exe> from the root directory of the CD-ROM. It will copy all the files into your hard disk. It also prompts you for the spreadsheet tool that you will be using, e.g. if you are using MS Office, select "MS Excel version 4".
2.4.1 Computer-based self-assessment questions (CSAQs)
Some of the CSAQ questions are similar to conventional multiple-choice questions, but not only are you able to check your answers instantly; you are also furnished with immediate feedback on incorrect answers. The questions are considerably more imaginative than normal computer-marked assignments. They are designed both to identify weaknesses in your understanding and to offer either further explanations or else to advise where else you should look for help.
The Study Guide refers you to these formative computer exercises and due allowance has been made in the study schedule. I recommend that you take full advantage of the opportunity provided by this resource.
2.4.2 Spread-sheet exercises (SSEs)
A spread-sheet program enables you to perform calculations and to display graphical results with very little effort. This means you can investigate for yourself some of the mathematical relationships between materials properties and device design parameters. The Home Computing Guide gives a quick introduction to get you started. The Study Guide will direct you to some pre-programmed and partially programmed files on the disks supplied. You should undertake any suggested tasks as directed.
In the Home Computing guide in Section 4 reference is made to MS Works, a spread-sheet programme; you can use other spread sheet programmes such as Microsoft Excel. OUHK does not supply these programs. You will have to arrange to buy the program of your choice.
2.5 Video-tapes
There are two kinds of sequence on the video-cassettes. The first kind is a documentary programme lasting about 25 minutes. The second kind is a shorter section used to demonstrate an effect or to show things that are better suited to video-images than to print, such as what a semiconductor fabrication plant looks like or how to 'see' magnetism. The Study Guide suggests when you should view the video-cassettes and also provide introductory comments. These three video tapes are placed at OUHK library for your use and will not be provided to you for use at home.
2.6 Reference: Oxford English Dictionary OED Online
Like all professional groups, engineers tend to use jargon without realizing it. When preparing distance learning texts it is particularly difficult to know which bits of jargon or which concepts need to be explained or revised. We recommend you to use a dictionary. The OED Online, which is available from the OUHK E-Library, covers a wide range of topics relevant to the engineering of materials. You should refer to the OED Online whenever necessary.
2.7 Home computing guide
It is a guide to computer-based self-assessment questions (CSAQ) and spread-sheet exercises. You may also find a reference to First Class, computer conferencing software. This software will not be provided to you. You will not be using First Class in this course in Hong Kong. Instead, you can make use of the discussion group on the OUHK Online Learning Environment. (see Section 5 below).
| 3. Assessment | |
The overall course score is made up of two components:
3.1 Continuous assessment
Continuous assessment consists of four TMAs. Please note that the assignment files will be available for download from the OLE only (see section 5). They will not be sent to you by post.
TMA04 is compulsory. It contributes 34% towards the continuous assessment score. You must submit TMA04 and score at least 30 out of 100 marks. Otherwise, you will fail the course.
Each of TMA01 to 03 contributes 33% towards the continuous assessment score. The best two of TMA01 to 03 submissions will be counted.
You are encouraged to submit your assignments according to schedule. If you foresee difficulties in completing the assignment, please contact your tutor for help early on.
If you find you cannot meet the deadline, please apply for extension before the cut-off date. For the three assignments TMA01 to 03, your tutor has the authority to give you up to 7 days' extension, provided the application is made before the assignment cut-off date, and you application for extension was substantiated with a good reason. Please note that there will be no extensions to the cut-off date for the last assignment TMA04. This is so that the marked assignments with tutor's comments can be returned to you as a reference in time for preparation for the examination.
3.1.1 Project. TMA04 is a compulsory project. A booklet on the project entitled "Project 2001" is included in your first mailing. You are required to complete 9 tasks in the project.
3.2 Final examination
The final examination is a written paper of three hours. You will receive a Specimen Examination Paper, which resembles the actual paper in style and format. There are no trick questions on the examination paper.
The examination is three hours long.
| 4. Advisory Prerequisite | |
The course covers various aspects of electronics, physics and material science. No particular specialist knowledge is required to start the course but it would be a considerable advantage if students had previous knowledge of PHYS S271, ELEC S202/ELEC S222 and MATH S112/MATH S122.
| 5.Internet support | |
The course is supported by the OUHK Online Learning Environment. The use of the OLE is compulsory. That means that the OLE platform is the primary means of communication. Documents such as the assignment file and stop presses will be distributed via the OLE only.
Included in the first mailing is a guide to the OLE. It is a good to check the OLE regularly. You are also encouraged to participate in the discussion group of the course.
Tutors in this course will be designated as "online tutor", with the additional task of overseeing the discussion group: to stimulate your thoughts, and also to monitor the discussion.
| 6.Help | |
The above resources are all provided to support your independent learning. In the first instance, the Study Guide should be used to set the pace. If you are in difficulty over a particular concept and the Study Guide appears not to help then you should contact your tutor.
Now turn to the Study Guide.
