ELA1501/101/3/2022

Tutorial Letter 101/3/2022

Electronics 1
ELA1501

Semester 1 and 2 module

Department of Electrical Engineering

This tutorial letter contains important information about your module.

BARCODE

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 CONTENTS
Page

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 3
2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES ........................................................................................................ 3
2.1 Purpose .......................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Outcomes ....................................................................................................................................... 3
3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION ............................................................................................ 7
4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS .................................................................................... 8
4.1 Lecturer(s) ...................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Department ..................................................................................................................................... 8
4.3 University ........................................................................................................................................ 8
5 RESOURCES ................................................................................................................................. 8
5.1 Prescribed book(s) .......................................................................................................................... 8
5.2 Recommended book(s) .................................................................................................................. 8
5.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves) ..................................................................................................... 8
6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................. 9
6.1 First-Year Experience Programme @ Unisa ................................................................................ 10
7 STUDY PLAN ............................................................................................................................... 10
8 PRACTICAL WORK ..................................................................................................................... 10
9 ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................. 10
9.1 Assessment criteria ...................................................................................................................... 10
9.2 Assessment plan .......................................................................................................................... 11
9.3 Assignment due dates .................................................................................................................. 12
9.4 Submission of assignments .......................................................................................................... 12
9.5 The assignment ............................................................................................................................ 12
9.6 Other assessment methods .......................................................................................................... 13
9.7 The examination ........................................................................................................................... 13
10 ACADEMIC DISHONESTY .......................................................................................................... 13
10.1 Plagiarism ..................................................................................................................................... 13
10.2 Cheating ....................................................................................................................................... 13
10.3 More information about plagiarism can be downloaded on the link below .................................... 13
11 STUDENT WITH DISABILITY ...................................................................................................... 13
12 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .......................................................................................... 14
13 SOURCES CONSULTED ............................................................................................................. 14
14 IN CLOSING ................................................................................................................................. 14
15 ADDENDUM ................................................................................................................................. 14

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 ELA1501/101/3/2022

1 INTRODUCTION
Dear student

Welcome to the module Electronics 1(ELA1501) at Unisa.

This tutorial letter serves as a guideline to this course. It provides you with general administrative
information as well specific information about the module. Read is carefully and keep it safe for
future reference.

I trust that you will find this course useful and informative.

2 PURPOSE AND OUTCOMES

2.1 Purpose

The purpose of this module is to enable students develop competencies and skills in solving
problems in DC and AC circuits. Students will be exposed to the operation of various electronic
components, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, diodes, etc. and learn how
to test them.
2.2 Outcomes

• Apply knowledge of mathematics, physical science and engineering fundamentals to identify

and solve problems through accurate calculations and measurements of basic SI units and
dimensions as used in engineering.
• Solve basic electronics engineering problems using Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Laws.
• Apply and explain the fundamentals of reactive components in reactive (RLC) circuits.
• Apply and explain the operation of transformers and their application in electronic circuits.
• Design both half-wave and full-wave rectifier circuits.

• Program of study

TOPIC CHAPTER

1. 1.1 Electrical components and measuring

instruments.
Demonstrate the fundamental knowledge of
common electrical components, quantities 1.2 Electrical and magnetic units.
and units.
1.3 Scientific notation.

1.4 Engineering notation and Metric prefixes.

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 1.5 Metric unit conversions.

2. 2.1 Atoms.

Describe the fundamentals of voltage, 2.2 Electrical charge.

current and resistance in electric circuits.
2.3 Voltage.

2.4 Current.

2.5 Resistance.

2.6 The Electric circuit.

2.7 Basic circuit measurements.

2.8 Electrical safety.

3.1 Ohm’s Law

3.2 Application of Ohm’s Law

3.3 Energy and Power

3.4 Power in an Electric Circuit

3.5 The Power Rating of resistors

3.6 Energy conversions and voltage drop in a

resistance.

3.7 Power supplies.

3.8 Introduction to troubleshooting

4.1 Resistors in series

4.2 Current in a series circuit

4.3 Total series resistance

4.4 Ohm’s Law in series circuits

4.5 Voltage sources in series

4.6 Kirchhoff’s voltage law

4.7 Voltage dividers

4.8 Power in a series circuit

4.9 Circuit ground

4.10 Troubleshooting

3. 5.1 Resistors in parallel

Demonstrate an understanding of application 5.2 Voltage in parallel circuits

of OHM’s Law to Series, Parallel and series
5.3 Kirchhoff’s current law
parallel circuits

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5.4 Total parallel resistance

5.5 Ohm’s Law in parallel circuits

5.6 Current dividers

5.7 Power in parallel circuits

5.8 Troubleshooting

6.1 Identifying series-parallel relationships

6.2 Analysis of series-parallel circuits

6.3 Voltage dividers with resistive loads

6.4 Loading effect of a voltmeter

6.5 The Wheatstone Bridge

6.9 Troubleshooting (based on 6.1 – 6.5)

4. 7.1 The magnetic field

Explain the fundamentals of 7.2 Electromagnetism

electromagnetism
7.3 Electromagnetic devices

7.4 Magnetic Hysteresis

7.5 Electromagnetic Induction

7.6 Applications of electromagnetic induction

5 8.1 The Sine wave

Understand principles and operation of ac, 8.2 Sinusoidal voltage sources

RC, rl and rlC circuits
8.3 Voltage and current values of a sine wave

8.4 Angular measurement of a sine wave

8.5 The sine wave formulae

8.6 Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Law in AC circuits

8.7 Superimposed DC and AC voltages

8.8 Nonsinusoidal waveforms

8.9 The oscilloscope

6. 9.1 The basic capacitor

Demonstrate a knowledge of capacitors 9.2 Types of capacitors

9.3 Series capacitors

9.4 Parallel capacitors

9.5 Capacitors in DC circuits

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 9.6 Capacitors in AC circuits

9.7 Capacitor applications

9.8 Testing capacitors

10.1 Sinusoidal response of RC circuits

10.2 Impedance and phase angle of series RC circuits

10.3 Analysis of series RC circuits

10.4 Impedance and phase angle of parallel RC circuits

10.5 Analysis of parallel RC circuits

10.6 Analysis of series-parallel RC circuits

10.7 Power in RC circuits

10.8 Basic applications

10.9 Troubleshooting

7. 11.1 The basic inductor

Demonstrate a knowledge of inductors 11.2 Types of inductors

11.3 Series inductors

11.4 Parallel inductors

11.5 Inductors in DC circuits

11.6 Inductors in AC circuits

11.7 Inductor applications

11.8 Testing inductors

12.1 Sinusoidal response of RL circuits

12.2 Impedance and phase angle of series RL circuits

12.3 Analysis of series RL circuits

12.4 Impedance and phase angle of parallel RL circuits

12.5 Analysis of parallel RL circuits

12.6 Analysis of series-parallel RL circuits

12.7 Power in RL circuits

12.8 Basic applications

12.9 Troubleshooting

13.1 Impedance and phase angle of series RLC circuits

13.2 Analysis of series RLC circuits

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13.3 Series resonance

13.4 Series resonant filters

13.5 Parallel RLC circuits

13.6 Parallel resonance

13.7 Parallel resonant filters

13.8 Applications

8. 14.1 Mutual inductance

Explain the fundamentals of transformers 14.2 The basic transformer

14.3 Step-up transformers

14.4 Step-down transformers

14.5 Loading the secondary

14.6 Reflected load

14.7 Impedance matching

14.8 The transformer as an isolation device

14.9 Practical transformers

14.10 Other types of transformers

14.11 Troubleshooting

9. 16.1 Introduction to semi-conductors

Demonstrate the fundamentals of semi- 16.2 The PN Junction diode

conductors
16.3 Diode characteristics

16.4 Diode rectifiers

16.4 Power supplies

16.5 Special purpose diodes

16.6 Troubleshooting

3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION

Unisa has implemented a transformation charter based on five pillars and eight dimensions. In response
to this charter, we have placed curriculum transformation high on the teaching and learning agenda.
Curriculum transformation includes the following pillars: student-centred scholarship, the pedagogical
renewal of teaching and assessment practices, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and the infusion
of African epistemologies and philosophies. These pillars and their principles will be integrated at both

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programme and module levels as a phased-in approach. You will notice a marked change in the teaching
and learning strategy implemented by Unisa, together with how the content is conceptualised in your
modules. We encourage you to embrace these changes during your studies at Unisa in a responsive way
within the framework of transformation.

4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

4.1 Lecturer(s)

The primary lecturer for this module is Mrs. Busisiwe Rabaza

Department: Electrical Engineering
E-mail: rabazlb@unisa.ac.za

4.2 Department

This module is offered by the Department of Electrical Engineering. The FULL address for our
department is:

Department of Electrical Engineering

University of South Africa – Science Campus
Corner of Christian de Wet Road & Pioneer Avenue
Florida 1709, GAUTENG
Telephone number: Mrs Louise Visser - 011 471 2854
Email: lvisser@unisa.ac.za (Administrative officer: Electrical Engineering, UNISA)
4.3 University

You will find general Unisa contact details in my Studies @ Unisa brochure. Remember to use
your student number when contacting the university.

5 RESOURCES

5.1 Prescribed book(s)

Electronic Fundamentals, FLOYD TL

ISBN.: 5 0130852368 (or Newest Edition)

5.2 Recommended book(s)

There are no recommended books for this module.

5.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)

There are no e-reserves for this module.

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5.4 Library services and resources information

The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources:

• For brief information, go to https://www.unisa.ac.za/library/libatglance

• For more detailed Library information, go to
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library
• For research support and services (eg Personal Librarians and literature search
services), go to http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-
services/Research-support

The Library has created numerous Library guides: http://libguides.unisa.ac.za

Recommended guides:

• Request and find library material/download recommended material:

http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/request
• Postgraduate information services: http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/postgrad
• Finding and using library resources and tools:
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/Research_skills
• Frequently asked questions about the library:
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask
• Services to students living with disabilities:
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/disability

Important contact information:

• Ask a Librarian: https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask
• Technical problems accessing library online services: Lib-help@unisa.ac.za
• General library related queries: Library-enquiries@unisa.ac.za
• For queries related to library fines and payments: Library-fines@unisa.ac.za

6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The Study @ Unisa website is available on myUnisa: www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies

The website has all the tips and information you need to succeed at Unisa.

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6.1 First-Year Experience Programme @ Unisa

For many students, the transition from school education to tertiary education is beset with anxiety.
This is also true for first-time students to Unisa. Unisa is a dedicated open distance and e-learning
institution. Unlike face-to-face/contact institutions, Unisa is somewhat different. It is a mega
university, and all our programmes are offered through a blended learning mode or fully online
learning mode. It is for this reason that we thought it necessary to offer first-time students
additional/extended support so that you can seamlessly navigate the Unisa teaching and learning
journey with little difficulty and few barriers. In this regard we offer a specialised student support
programme to students entering Unisa for the first time. We refer to this programme as Unisa’s
First-Year Experience (FYE) Programme. The FYE is designed to provide you with prompt and
helpful information about services that the institution offers and how you can access information.
The following FYE programmes are currently offered:

• FYE website: All the guides and resources you need to navigate through your first year at
Unisa can be accessed using the following link: www.unisa.ac.za/FYE

• FYE e-mails: You will receive regular e-mails to help you stay focused and motivated.

• FYE broadcasts: You will receive e-mails with links to broadcasts on various topics related to
your first-year studies (e.g. videos on how to submit assignments online).

• FYE mailbox: For assistance with queries related to your first year of study, send an e-mail to
fye@unisa.ac.za

7 STUDY PLAN

Use my Studies @ Unisa brochure for general time management and planning skills.

8 PRACTICAL WORK

The practical part for this module will be covered in this module and submitted as minor test 2 .

9 ASSESSMENT

9.1 Assessment criteria

Assignments are seen as part of the learning material for this module. As you do the assignments,
study the reading texts, consult other resources, discuss the work with fellow students or e-tutors
or do research, you are actively engaged in learning. Looking at the assessment criteria given for
each assignment will help you to understand what is required of you more clearly.

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9.2 Assessment plan

The School of Engineering at Unisa is following a continuous assessment system. So, you will be
able to accumulate marks throughout the semester/Year. Because this is a continuous
assessment (CA) and online module, the assessments on myUnisa.
• To complete this module, you will be required to submit 6 assessments.
• All information on when and where to submit your assignments will be made available to you
via the myUnisa site for your module.
• Due dates for assignments, as well as the actual assignments are available on the myUnisa
site for this module.
• Your assessments will include a combination of assignments and tests.
• The assessments weighting for the module is detailed in sub-section 9.2.1
We have given you a breakdown of the formal assessment activities, comprising only formative
assessments and tests as they become due during the semester/year.
9.2.1 Weighting of different continuous assessment options
In continuous assessment the principles of a year mark and examination mark is not used. With
CA the compilation of the module mark represents the allocation of various weightings to several
assessments on the module bringing the total to 100%. All assessments, which include the
assessment that replace the examination paper, adds to the continuous assessment. A weighting
is determined for each assignment/assessment which will determine the module mark. Your
continuous assessment mark allocation for this module is as follows:

(i) weighting of the course: combined formative assessment and tests weights as
detailed in the following table

Ass. Nr. Assessment Assessment type Normal weight

01 Assessment 01 Assignment 1 5%
02 Assessment 02 Test 1(Minor Test) 10%
03 Assessment 03 Test 2 (Major Test - Proctored) 35%
04 Assessment 04 Assignment 2 5%
05 Assessment 05 Test 3 (Minor Test) 10%
06 Assessment 06 Test 4 (Major Test – Proctored) 35%
07 Assessment 07 Repeat Major Test (Proctored) -
Total 100%

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9.3 Assignment due dates

• There are no assignment due dates included in this tutorial letter.

• Assignment due dates will be made available to you on the landing page of myUnisa for this
module. We envisage that the due dates will be available to you upon registration.

• Log on to the myUnisa site for this module to obtain more information on the due dates for the
submission of the assignments.

9.4 Submission of assignments

• Modules offered by Unisa are either blended (meaning that we use a combination of printed
and online material to engage with you) or online (all information is available via the internet).
In all cases of online engagement, we use myUnisa as our virtual campus.

• From 2022, the myUnisa virtual campus will be offered via a new learning management
system. This is an online system that is used to administer, document and deliver educational
material to you and support engagement with you.

• Look out for information from your lecturer as well as other Unisa platforms to determine how
to access the virtual myUnisa module site.

• Information on the tools that will be available to engage with the lecturer and fellow students
to support your learning will also be communicated via various platforms.

• The University undertakes to communicate as clearly and as frequently as is necessary to

ensure optimum advantage in the use of the new learning management system.

• Additional information on the use of the myUnisa site for the module, as well as features to
engage and communicate with your lecturer and other students will also be made available
via the online site for the module.

• Therefore, log on to the myUnisa site for your module to gain more information on where to
complete and/or upload your assignments and how to communicate with your lecturer.

9.5 The assignment

As indicated in section 9.2, you need to complete 6 assessments for this module. Assessments
will be provided on myUnisa as the semester progresses.

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9.6 Other assessment methods

Other assessment methods for this module may be communicated to you during the course of
your studies as dealing with contingency measures linked to the covid-19 pandemic

9.7 The examination

For this module, there will not be a venue nor non venue-based examination as you will be
assessed continuously throughout the semester. Your promotion will be based on the final mark
of your combined formative continuous assessment.

10 ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

10.1 Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of taking the words, ideas and thoughts of others and presenting them as
your own. It is a form of theft which involves several dishonest academic activities, such as the
following:

• Cutting and pasting from any source without acknowledging the source.
• Not including or using incorrect references.
• Paraphrasing without acknowledging the original source of the information.

10.2 Cheating

Cheating includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Completing assessments on behalf of another student, copying from another student

during an assessment or allowing a student to copy from you.
• Using social media (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram) or other platforms to disseminate
assessment information.
Submitting corrupt or irrelevant files.
• Buying completed answers from “tutors” or internet sites (contract cheating).

10.3 More information about plagiarism can be downloaded on the link below

https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/myunisa/default/Study-@-Unisa/Student-values-and-rules

11 STUDENT WITH DISABILITY

The Advocacy and Resource Centre for Student with Disability ARCSWiD) provides an
opportunity for staff to interact with new and returning students with disabilities.
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 • If you are a student with a disability and would like additional support or need additional time
for assessments, you are invited to contact Mrs. L.B. Rabaza – rabazlb@unisa.ac.za - so
that you can be assisted.

12 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Enquiries Responsibility Contact Relevant details

I do not understand the work. Lecturer Mrs. L.B. Rabaza rabazlb@unisa.ac.za

There is something wrong or missing in the Florida Campus
assignment. Who can help? Euclid Building- JM46
I cannot find the prescribed or myUnisa www.unisa.ac.za
recommended books.
I would like to know the marks of my
assignments.
I do not know whether Unisa received my
assignment.

13 SOURCES CONSULTED

Previous study materials and Unisa resources.

14 IN CLOSING

Do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail if you are experiencing problems with the content of this
tutorial letter or with any academic aspect of the module.

We wish you a fascinating and satisfying journey through the learning material, and trust that you
will complete the module successfully.

Enjoy the journey!

15 ADDENDUM

None.

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