The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Industrial Centre

Training Module IC1131 

Module Title：             Electronic Practice for Engineering Students

Module Code：            IC1131

Pre-requisites：          Nil

Duration:                    4 days

Mode of Study:            Project work + tutorial/guided learning

Assessment:                70% Coursework + 30% test

 

Objectives:

This module aims at developing students’ understanding on the principles and operations of common electronic prototyping tools and equipment; properties and applications of common materials; and selection and control of common electronic prototyping or manufacturing processes through hands-on practical work.

 

At the conclusion of this module, students will be:

·         Competent in applying engineering techniques, skills, tools and equipment in electronic prototyping

·         Good  appreciation of PCB fabrication process

·         Competent in applying CAD design tools for schematic capture and PCB layout

 

 

Indicative Contents:

Key concepts, appreciation and practice on electronics and PCB materials; characteristics and packaging; electronic tools and materials; soldering and de-soldering techniques; prototype making; PCB fabrication process; dry films; photochemical etching, photo-resists, NC drilling; Computer aided PCB design: design and drafting operations, pad sizes, library operations, design rules and interactive routing. 

 

 

Schedule of the Training Module:

 

Area / Topic

Duration (days)

Basic Electronics

  • Key concepts, components,  soldering techniques and materials
  • Prototyping and PCB wiring techniques
  • Use of tools and equipment
  • Reliability and maintainability of equipment

 

       1.5

PCB Fabrication

  • PCB material, NC drilling, dry film imaging, photo-chemical etching
  • Single-sided and double-sided PCB fabrication process
  • Environmental protection issues

 

       1.5

Schematic Capture and PCB Design

  • Introduction to Schematic capture and PCB layout CAD tools
  • Schematic capture and PCB layout techniques
  • Creation of component libraries and hierarchical design

 

         1

Total

         4

 

 

Teaching/Learning Approach:

The course will be conducted on project basis with theoretical supplement. The general principles, techniques and related technologies will be presented to students. Students learn the required skills through practical exercises and case studies. Their learning skills will be strengthened through individual or projects for developing their problem solving skills, integrating their learning and applying their learning techniques under real world environment.

 

Project Work:

Mini-projects for basic electronics and PCB fabrication will be assigned to the students in addition to training exercises. Typical mini-projects will be Electronic Organ and Decision Maker.

 

Indicative Reading List:

 

  1. Clyde F. Coombs, Coomb’s Printed Circuit Handbook, 6h Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2007
  2. Charles A. Harper, Electronic Assembly Fabrication: Chips, Circuit boards, packages, and components, 2002.
  3. Witte, Robert A., Electronic Test Instruments, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall, 2002
  4. Reading materials published by Industrial Centre on training topics