Electrical Troubleshooting & Control Systems

Syllabus

# SUT 105 - Electrical Troubleshooting & Control Systems

**Course Title:** Electrical Troubleshooting & Control Systems

**Course Number:** SUT 105

**Credits:** 3

**Term:** 2

**Program:** Surgical Table & Positioner Service Technician Certificate

## Course Description

This course provides comprehensive training in the electrical troubleshooting and control systems pertinent to surgical tables and positioners. Students will develop foundational knowledge in electrical principles, progress to analyzing complex control circuits, and master systematic diagnostic techniques. Key topics include the operation and troubleshooting of hand controls, control boards, battery systems, and limit switches. The curriculum emphasizes interpreting fault codes, utilizing multimeters and oscilloscopes for circuit analysis, and applying safety protocols during electrical service. Through a blend of lectures, hands-on labs, and practical assignments, students will gain the essential skills to efficiently identify, diagnose, and resolve electrical malfunctions, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of critical surgical equipment. This course is designed to equip future biomedical equipment service technicians with advanced electrical diagnostic capabilities.

## Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

*   Apply fundamental electrical principles, including Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Laws, to analyze DC and AC circuits commonly found in surgical equipment.
*   Systematically diagnose and troubleshoot common electrical faults in hand controls, control boards, battery systems, and limit switches using appropriate test equipment.
*   Interpret and utilize electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and service manuals to isolate and resolve circuit malfunctions.
*   Identify and articulate the function of various electrical components within surgical table control systems, including relays, transistors, and microcontrollers.
*   Perform safe and effective electrical measurements using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and other diagnostic tools to verify circuit integrity and component operation.
*   Implement systematic troubleshooting methodologies based on fault codes and observable symptoms to efficiently restore equipment functionality.

## Topics by Week

*   **Week 1:** Electrical Safety and Fundamentals of DC Circuits
*   **Week 2:** AC Circuits and Basic Electronic Components
*   **Week 3:** Understanding Electrical Schematics and Wiring Diagrams
*   **Week 4:** Diagnostic Tools: Multimeters, Oscilloscopes, and Power Supplies
*   **Week 5:** Surgical Table Power Systems: AC-DC Conversion and Battery Management
*   **Week 6:** Troubleshooting Battery Systems and Charging Circuits
*   **Week 7:** Hand Controls and User Interface Circuitry
*   **Week 8:** Limit Switches, Sensors, and Feedback Systems
*   **Week 9:** Control Boards: Microcontrollers, Inputs, and Outputs
*   **Week 10:** Interpreting Fault Codes and Advanced Diagnostic Strategies
*   **Week 11:** Systematic Electrical Troubleshooting Flowcharts
*   **Week 12:** Practical Application: Component-Level Fault Isolation
*   **Week 13:** Midterm review
*   **Week 14:** Final exam review

## Grading

*   **Knowledge Checks:** 15%
*   **Assignments and Labs:** 30%
*   **Quizzes:** 25%
*   **Final Exam:** 30%

## Policies

**Attendance:** Regular attendance and active participation in all lectures and labs are expected. Students are responsible for all material covered, regardless of attendance.

**Late Work:** Assignments submitted after the due date may incur a penalty, typically 10% per day, unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor due to extenuating circumstances.

**Academic Integrity:** All work submitted must be original. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade for the assignment and may lead to further disciplinary action as outlined in the Anode Technical Institute Student Handbook.

**Safety:** Safety is paramount. All laboratory activities must be conducted in strict adherence to established safety protocols and instructor directives. Failure to follow safety guidelines will result in immediate removal from the lab and potential disciplinary action.

**Disability Services:** Anode Technical Institute is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students requiring accommodations should contact the Disability Services office to arrange support.