Subject Focus1. Interpret the different represenations of Circuits
1. Identify different electronic components from their schematic, pictorial and real life representation.
Different electronic components:

• Passive components: Resistor; capacitor;


• Semiconductors: e.g. Diodes, LEDs, transistors;


• Sensors: e.g. Light dependent resistor LDR, thermistor, microphone;


• Actuators: e.g. D.C. motors, relays, buzzer;


• Integrated circuits: NE555; voltage regulators;


• Sources: e.g. Batteries, power supplies, solar cells;


• Switches: e.g. SPST, SPDT, DPDT;


• Connectors: IC base; screw-type and spring-type PCB connectors. 

2. Identify sub-circuits from their schematic representation.

• Sub-circuits: Potential divider; timing circuits;

 
3. Classify components into categories.
 
4. Predict the value of components by using basic laws of electricity.

• Basic laws of electricity: V=IR; P=IV; Resistors and capacitors in parallel and series; T=RC.

 
1. Describe the behaviour of individual components

• Individual components: e.g. resistor, LDR, capacitor, diode, transistor, relay, motor, battery, solar cell, SPDT.

 
2. Extract information from a given schematic diagram

• Information: component list; values; quantities.

 
3. Discuss the function of a component in relation to its use in a sub circuit.

•  One of the following circuits: Potential divider, timing circuits.

 
1.Translate a schematic diagram of a circuit to its prototype equivalent on a breadboard.

• One of the following circuits: Amplifiers, Timers or Oscillators, Filters, Sensing circuits, Actuating circuits, Audio or Visual indicator circuits.

 
Subject Focus 2. Test and find faults in circuits.
5. Identify tools and equipment used to construct circuits.

• Tools and equipment: soldering iron; wire stripper; side cutter; long nose pliers; third hand; de-soldering pump; solder wick; track cutter.

 
6. Label testing equipment and settings.

• Testing Equipment: Digital multi-meter, with and without auto-ranging.

 
7. Describe the procedures when using testing equipment in particular scenarios.

• Testing Equipment: Digital multi-meter, with and without auto-ranging.


• Scenarios: Finding the voltage of a battery; finding the current in a simple circuit; finding the resistance of resistors in parallel and series; checking the continuity of tracks and wires.


• Procedures: isolate components; selecting the right setting; interpret value correctly; record the result

 
 
2. Fault find a circuit.

• Faults: Missing components; misplaced components,; incorrect components; missing jumpers; misoriented components.

 
Subject Focus 3. Assemble electronic circuits safely and correctly.
8. Identify different electronic boards and their parts.

• Electronic boards: Breadboard; strip board; PCB.


• Parts: bus lines; terminal strips; copper tracks; insulation layer; photo resist layer. 

 
9. Describe the process of constructing a printed circuit board. 

• Process: Drawing of the artwork (with or without software); chemical development of PCB; etching of a PCB; populating the PCB.

 
10. Describe the soldering processes for prototypes.

• Soldering processes for prototypes: cleaning of soldering iron tip and board; preparation of surfaces to be soldered by tinning; applying solder; finishing

 
4. Identify the advantages and disadvantages of electronic boards.

• Electronic boards: Breadboard; strip board; PCB.

 
5. Justify the use of a particular electronic board in relation to different scenarios.

• Scenarios: Prototype; One-Off; Mass production.

 
 
3. Assemble safely and accurately a circuit on a given printed circuit board from given documentation.

• Assemble: safe handling of tools; using the appropriate PPEs and procedures; quality of soldering technique; soldering components in appropriate position; soldering component in the right orientation.