DC Circuits for Embedded Systems

Students will learn core electrical concepts, circuit analysis techniques, and practical skills in building and measuring DC circuits. Emphasis is placed on understanding power distribution, sensor interfacing, and component selection critical for embedded system design. Laboratory exercises and simulation tools reinforce theoretical knowledge.

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Introduction to Embedded Systems and DC Circuits Fundamentalslecture

02Voltage, Current, Resistance, and Ohm's Lawlecture

03Series Circuits and Kirchhoff's Voltage Lawlecture

04Lab 1: Measuring Voltage, Current, and Resistance; Verifying Ohm's Lawlab

05Parallel Circuits and Kirchhoff's Current Lawlecture

06Assignment 1: Series and Parallel Circuit Analysis Problemsassignment

07Series-Parallel Circuits and Voltage/Current Dividerslecture

08Lab 2: Analyzing Series-Parallel Circuits and Voltage Dividerslab

09Power, Energy, and Resistors in DC Circuitslecture

10Introduction to Capacitors and Inductors in DC Circuitslecture

11Circuit Analysis Theorems: Thevenin and Nortonlecture

12Lab 3: Thevenin Equivalent Circuits and Power Transferlab

13Comprehensive Midterm Reviewlecture

14Final Review and Preparationlecture

Syllabus

### Course Description
EMB 105 provides a foundational understanding of direct current (DC) electrical circuits, essential for students in embedded systems engineering technology. Topics include fundamental electrical quantities (voltage, current, resistance), Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Voltage and Current Laws, series and parallel circuit analysis, power and energy, and an introduction to passive components (resistors, capacitors, inductors) in DC circuits. Students will develop skills in circuit troubleshooting, using multimeters, breadboarding, and basic circuit simulation software. The course bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application through hands-on lab experiments and problem-solving exercises relevant to embedded system power supplies and sensor interfaces.

### Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
* Identify and define fundamental electrical quantities (voltage, current, resistance) and apply Ohm's Law to analyze simple DC circuits.
* Analyze complex series, parallel, and series-parallel DC circuits using Kirchhoff's Laws, voltage/current divider rules, and circuit theorems (e.g., Thevenin, Norton).
* Utilize common laboratory equipment (multimeter, power supply) and circuit simulation software to build, test, and troubleshoot DC circuits.
* Calculate power and energy in DC circuits and understand the characteristics of resistors, capacitors, and inductors under DC conditions.
* Design and evaluate basic DC power distribution and sensor interface circuits commonly found in embedded systems.

### Assessment Breakdown
* Homework Assignments: 20%
* Laboratory Reports: 30%
* Quizzes: 15%
* Midterm Exam: 15%
* Final Exam: 20%

### Policies
* **Attendance**: Regular attendance is mandatory. Active participation in lectures and labs is expected and contributes to overall success.
* **Late Work**: Assignments submitted after the due date will incur a penalty of 10% per day, up to a maximum of 50%. Lab reports must be submitted within one week of the lab session.
* **Academic Integrity**: All work submitted must be original. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action as per college policy.
* **Disability Services**: Students requiring accommodations due to a disability should contact the Disability Services office and inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester.