OVERVIEW

The teaching unit aims to provide fundamental knowledge of electrical circuit theory. The topics covered are classical (resistive components and circuits, analysis of linear dynamic circuits under steady-state, sinusoidal or periodic conditions, and in transients) and are presented in a way that allows students to become familiar both with the mathematical, physical, and geometrical tools essential for circuit analysis and with the mathematical and scientific principles underlying engineering.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides the basic knowldge to analyze linear time-invariant circuits (transitory and steady-state analysis), by using the fundamental tools of the circuit theory. Moreover, the course provides knowledge to use the tools of mathematics, physics, and geometry indispensable in the analysis of circuits.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

It is expected that at the end of this subject the student will be able to analyze linear time-invariant resistive circuits and first-order and second-order dynamical circuits (transitory and steady-state analysis), by correctly writing topological equations and descriptive equations. During the lessons a set of tools are proposed; when dealing with a specific problem, the students have to decide what subset of tools can be (or has to be) used to solve it. This capacity of solving non-trivial problems is one of the main elements of the scientific cultural baggage of an engineer.

TEACHING METHODS

About 60 classroom hours. During other practice lessons (with elective participation), further exercises and examples are proposed to reinforce learning.
Attendance at lectures and exercises is strongly recommended.
Working students and students with certified specific learning disorders (SLD), disabilities, or other special educational needs are encouraged to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and assessment methods that, while respecting the learning objectives, take into account individual learning styles

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Fundamentals of circuit theory (circuit elements; models; elementary electrical variables; graphs and circuits; Kirchhoff's laws; Tellegen's theorem).

Two-terminal resistive elements and elementary circuits (significant two-terminal elements; Thévenin-Norton models; concept of electrical power; series and parallel connections).

Linear resistive two-ports and elementary circuits (six representations and properties; significant two-port elements; cascade, series and parallel connections).

General resistive circuits (Tableau analysis; superposition and substitution theorems; Thévenin-Norton theorems).

Elementary dynamical circuits (significant circuit elements; concept of state; transient and stationary steady-state solutions of first-order circuits with various sources: constant, piecewise-constant, impulsive; stability; generalizations to second- and higher-order circuits).

Sinusoidal steady-state analysis (phasors and sinusoidal solutions; phasor formulations of circuit equations; impedance and admittance of two-terminal elements; sinusoidal steady-state solutions; active, reactive and complex powers).

Periodical steady-state analysis (analysis of circuits with many sinusoidal inputs; periodical signals and Fourier series; mean value; RMS value theorem).

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.

-           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/11924/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written + oral. The exam dates can be found on the Online Services of UniGe, in the Students section, under Exam Bookings. Additional oral exam dates are set at the beginning of the official oral exams, by agreeing them with the attending students.

The exam consists of a written test and an oral test. The written test is worth a maximum of 28 points. To be admitted to the oral test, a minimum score of 12 points is required, including at least 3 points in a subset of exercises that assess knowledge of essential topics.

The oral test involves a reasoned discussion of the written test, during which the student must demonstrate a mastery of the subject matter, excluding proofs. The final grade is determined by both tests, and the oral discussion may lead to an increase or decrease (up to a maximum of 4 points, in either direction) in the score obtained in the written test.

If the score of the oral test is negative or the overall grade is insufficient (< 18), a second oral test must be taken. This test covers the entire syllabus, including proofs, and its score (maximum 30) is averaged with the grade obtained in the previous tests. This second oral test is optional in all other cases.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), disabilities, or other educational needs are invited to contact the teacher and the DITEN contact person for disability to agree on the possible use of specific modalities and supports that will be determined on a case-by-case basis, according to the University regulation for the inclusion and right to study of students with disabilities or specific learning disorders. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the lessons, many exercises are proposed to the students for self-examination and later solved during the optional practice lessons. The learning results are assessed through the exams, as described in the above section. The learning outcomes are reached as far as the student demonstrates his/her ability to properly use the conceptual tools proposed during the lessons, in order to analyze different kinds of circuits working under different operating conditions (see Section "Aims and learning outcomes").

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule.