Module Details

Module Code: ELTR9002
Title: Audio Electronics
Long Title: Audio Electronics
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5230 - Electronic Engineering
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module provides the student with an understanding of the electronic signals, devices and circuits in the audio-frequency range associated with the music domain.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the fundamental electrical concepts, and their respective units, in relation to audio frequency signals.
LO2 Outline the operation of a range of semiconductor devices in relation to their use in audio-frequency circuits and in related power supplies.
LO3 Explain the principles of signal-conditioning circuits including amplifiers and attenuators.
LO4 Outline the operation of audio-frequency transducers such as microphones, accelerometers and loudspeakers.
LO5 Explain the principle of oscillation and outline the operation of a range of waveform generation circuits.
LO6 Outline the use of measurement equipment in both time and frequency domains, with particular reference to music applications.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Fundamental Concepts
Voltage, current, power, frequency, phase, bandwidth, signal spectra. Resistors and capacitors in series and parallel. Impedance matching, transformers.
Semiconductor Devices
Semiconductor materials, diode, transistor, operational amplifier, logic elements, microprocessor. Use of devices in audio-frequency circuits and power supplies.
Signal Conditioning
Small-signal amplifier, power amplifier, frequency and phase responses, negative feedback, distortion, filters, signal-to-noise ratio, attenuation, digitisation, analogue-to-digital conversion, digital-to-analogue conversion.
Transducers
Dynamic and condenser microphones, piezo-electric transducers, loudspeakers.
Waveform Generation
Oscillation, positive feedback, sinusoidal oscillators, waveform generators, voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO).
Instrumentation
Stand-alone and virtual measurement instruments to include signal generator, cathode ray oscilloscope and spectrum analyser.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,2,4,6
Assessment Description
Evaluation of ability to analyze a simple audio circuit, to build the circuit and to use measurement equipment to verify performance.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
Evaluation of ability to analyze a complex audio circuit, to build the circuit and to use measurement equipment to verify performance.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 60
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5,6
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture-based instruction and discussion Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Laboratory-based exercises and demonstrations Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Further study of class material and recommended resources Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Thomas L. Floyd. (2011), Electronic Devices, 10th. Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 978-013441444].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • John Linsley Hood. (1998), Audio Electronics, 2nd. Newnes, [ISBN: 978-075064332].
  • Philip Richard Newell. (2017), Recording Studio Design, 4th. Focal Press, [ISBN: 978-113893607].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_GMUTE_9 Master of Arts in Music and Technology 1 Group Elective 1
CR_GMUST_9 Master of Science in Music and Technology 1 Group Elective 1