OVERVIEW

The teaching unit aims to provide fundamental knowledge of electric circuit theory. The topics covered are classical (components and resistive circuits, analysis of linear dynamical circuits in DC/AC steady-state, and in transient) and are presented in a way that allows students to gain familiarity with mathematical, physical, and geometrical tools essential for circuit analysis, as well as with the mathematical and scientific principles underlying engineering.

The teaching unit is available in a full version (6 CFU) and a reduced version (4 CFU).

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with the basic notions of circuit theory and the methods for analyzing linear circuits in direct and alternating current, in transient and steady state. The course also aims to describe the operation of the diode and its application in simple circuits. The theory is supported by laboratory activities, in which students learn to build and test simple circuits.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the teaching unit, students will understand the characteristics of the main electrical components. They will be able to correctly apply descriptive and topological equations to analyze linear time-invariant circuits in transient, and DC/AC steady state.

Students attending the full version (6 CFU) will also be able to analyze simple rectifier circuits based on diodes. Laboratory exercises will allow these students to develop collaborative social interaction, constructive communication, decision-making autonomy, teamwork skills, use of instruments and components, coordination, and the ability to manage uncertainty.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge in the fields of mathematical analysis and physics: derivatives and integrals of real functions, vectors, matrices, and systems of algebraic equations; linear differential equations with constant coefficients; complex numbers and their main properties; concepts of power, work, and energy.

TEACHING METHODS

Full version (6 CFU):
Lectures delivered by the teacher (51 hours) + 3 practical lab sessions (9 hours) where students will work in groups to build simple circuits and verify their correct operation.

Reduced version (4 CFU):
Lectures delivered by the teacher in class (40 hours).

During the lectures, in addition to theoretical explanations, the theacher will solve numerous exercises related to circuit analysis.

Working students and students with disabilities or learning disorders (e.g., DSA) are advised to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course to discuss about teaching and exam methods.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Basics of electromagnetism; limitations of lumped-parameter circuit theory; concepts of voltage, current, flux, charge, and power; introduction to Maxwell’s equations.

• Concept of electrical components (two-terminal, multi-terminal, and two-port networks), Kirchhoff's laws.

• Common resistive two-terminal and two-port components (resistor, ideal generators, controlled sources, ideal transformer); series and parallel connections.

• Voltage and current dividers; Thévenin and Norton equivalent models of composite components; analysis of linear circuits in steady-state.

• Graph theory and its application to the study of linear electric circuits; superposition principle; Tellegen’s theorem.

• Key dynamic components (capacitor, inductor, coupled inductors).

• First-order dynamic circuits with various sources, state variables, input/output relationships, natural frequencies, stability, complete response.

• Analysis of linear circuits in sinusoidal steady state; phasors; impedance and admittance; complex power; average and RMS values of periodic quantities.

For those attending the full version (6 CFU):

• PN junction and diode; use as rectifier and voltage regulator.

• Introduction to three-phase systems.

• Laboratory exercises.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

- M. Parodi, M. Storace, Linear and Nonlinear Circuits: Basic & Advanced Concepts, Vol. 1, Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering, Springer, 2017, ISBN: 978-3-319-61234-8 (ebook) or 978-3-319-61233-1 (hardcover), doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-61234-8.

- M. Parodi, M. Storace, Linear and Nonlinear Circuits: Basic & Advanced Concepts, Vol. 2, Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering, Springer, 2020, ISBN: 978-3-030-35044-4 (ebook) or 978-3-030-35043-7 (hardcover), doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-35044-4.

- L.O. Chua, C.A. Desoer, E.S. Kuh, Circuiti lineari e non lineari, Jackson, Milano, 1991.

- C.K. Alexander, M.N.O. Sadiku, Circuiti elettrici (3A edizione), MacGraw-Hill, Milano, 2008.

- M. de Magistris, G. Miano, Circuiti, Springer, Milano, 2007.

- G. Biorci, Fondamenti di elettrotecnica: circuiti, UTET, Torino, 1984.

- V. Daniele, A. Liberatore, S. Manetti, D. Graglia, Elettrotecnica, Monduzzi, Bologna, 1994.

- M. Repetto, S. Leva, Elettrotecnica, CittàStudi, Torino, 2014.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/10375/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written test worth 20 points and an oral test worth 10 points.
The written test involves the analysis of one or more circuits in transient and steady-state (DC or sinusoidal) conditions.
The oral test consists of an explanation of a topic chosen by the teacher.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The theoretical question will allow to evaluate the ability to explain the most relevant aspects of the circuit theory, and the fundamental concepts that underlie the operation of the most important electrical components, by using a proper techincal language. The exercises will allow to evaluate the ability to solve problems in the same contexts, by applying the conceptual tools described during the lessons and by justifying the performed choices.