Overview

In this Electric Circuit Analysis sequence, students learn the fundamental tools of circuit analysis and design.

ECE 221 introduces students to DC electric circuit analysis. We begin with basic analysis of resistive circuits using Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s laws. Subsequently, simplifying techniques such as series and parallel resistance are introduced. Next, important circuit analysis concepts of nodal and mesh analysis, superposition and equivalent circuits are treated. Finally, we introduce inductors, capacitors, and ideal operational amplifiers.

In ECE 222, students build on the knowledge of circuit analysis gained in ECE 221 to analyze the temporal response of first- and second-order circuits. Secondly, we introduce phasor notation and the concept of complex impedance to analyze the steady-state behavior of circuits driven by sinusoidal sources. Finally, we extend the phasor concept to the more general treatment using the Laplace transform.

ECE 223 builds on the knowledge of circuit analysis gained in ECE 221 and 222. In the first part of the course we continue using Laplace analysis, especially transfer functions applied to AC steady-state circuits. The main emphasis of the course is the frequency response of circuits through the analysis and design of filters. In the second part of the course, we examine AC power concepts and three-phase power. Finally, we treat two-port network concepts.

Course structure:

• Lectures, 3 hours per week

• Homework, weekly, may be graded or ungraded

• Labs, one 3-hour lab per week, run by TA, graded lab reports

• Weekly quizzes, one midterm, and a final

• Grading criteria may vary with instructor

More information can be found in the individual Course Descriptions here:

https://www.pdx.edu/electrical-computer-engineering/ece-221-electric-circuit-analysis-i

https://www.pdx.edu/electrical-computer-engineering/ece-222-electric-circuit-analysis-ii

https://www.pdx.edu/electrical-computer-engineering/ece-223-electric-circuit-analysis-iii

Required TA Skills

You need a solid background in the material covered in each course:

1. For all courses, a solid background in linear algebra, differential and integral calculus, differential equations, and and physics

2. For ECE 221, various circuit analysis concepts (nodal and mesh analysis, Norton and Thévenin equivalents), and OpAmps

3. For ECE 222, time-frequency concepts (Laplace and Fourier)

4. For ECE 223, frequency selective filter topologies (Sallen-Key, multiple feedback, state space), time-frequency concepts, three-phase power, and two-port networks

5. Lab TAs need to be familiar with building circuits on breadboards and with the bench equipment in the circuits lab: DC power supply, multimeter, function generator and oscilloscope. Must be able to help students troubleshoot their circuits and equipment problems in a more complex lab project.

6. Lab TAs must be adept at the use of LTspice and Matlab.

7. Lab TAs must be comfortable talking to and working with a diverse group of students on both an individual and group basis.

TA Responsibilities

The TA position is a 0.30 FTE assignment. The job will be either two lab sections or one lab section plus a lecture assistant.

Lab TAs are required to:

1. Work through lab experiments before the lab.

2. Attend the lab section(s) each week. Be present and help students the entire lab period.

3. Give an introduction to the lab each week, clarifying instructions and highlighting any important information students need to know.

4. Help students during each lab session, answering questions and checking each group’s progress. There may be an undergraduate student assistant to help with large lab sections.

5. Grade their submitted lab reports in a timely manner and upload student scores and feedback to D2L.

6. Be available for an office hour outside of lab time; be responsive to student email questions.

7. Be in contact with the instructor and keep them informed of any problems in the lab.

Lecture TAs are required to:

1. Grade homework and quizzes in a timely manner and upload student scores and feedback to D2L.

2. Hold office hours for 2 hours per week; be responsive to student email questions.

3. There may be other responsibilities depending on the instructor such as holding exam review sessions, proctoring or grading exams, or other assistance to the instructor if requested.

4. Be in contact with the instructor and keep them informed of any problems observed in homework or office hours.