Subject Information
Subject 6.071 Introduction to Electronics provides undergraduate students with both a basic and practical understanding of electricity and electronics. The emphasis is on applications rather than theory. Consequently there is a strong hands-on component to the subject to enable students to gain practical experience. Topics covered in the subject include:
- DC and AC circuits
- Diodes, transistors, operational amplifier
- Analog and digital electronics
- Detectors and transducers
- Electronic control
- Signal processing and noise
The focus of the subject is understanding the critical issues involved in assembling and using an array of electronic equipment to carry out various missions. Thus, there is more emphasis on the application as opposed to design.
The breadth of topics covered in 6.071 makes this a good choice for those intending to take only one subject in electronics.
Required Text
The text for the subject is Basic Engineering Circuit Analysis, 7th edition by J. David Irwin.
Prerequisites
18.03 Differential Equations, 8.02 Physics II (Revised Content and Units): In terms of mathematics, students should be familiar with the solution of first and second order ordinary differential equations and with complex arithmetic. With respect to physics, some familiarity with electromagnetism from a basic physics course would be helpful.
Lecture Notes
Lecture notes will be posted on the 6.071 website before each lecture. In the event that we fall behind schedule on the website preparations, hard copies of the lectures will be distributed at the beginning of each corresponding lecture.
Grading/Evaluation
Your final grade will be determined with the following weightings: each quiz = 15%, the final exam = 35%, homework = 10%, and laboratory = 10%. Students who consistently miss lectures, recitations, homework assignments, or laboratory sessions will most certainly not get the benefit of the doubt on any close cases.
Failure to complete the labs in this subject will result in a grade of "I" if your letter grade for the remainder of the subject is clearly a "C" or better. Otherwise, you will receive a grade of "F".
