Colchester Institute

Centre for Engineering

Certificate in Engineering (2800)
Level 3

Practical Assignment

Analogue and Digital Electronics

Unit 57 – Assignment Guide

2800-057

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Unit 57 A&D Electronics Oct 08
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Colchester Institute
C&G2800 Engineering Certificate Level 3
Unit 57: Analogue & Digital Electronics

Assignment Guide 2C Issue Date: Oct 2008

Recommended time allocation – 10 hours

General Guidance

The Assignment should take place in a workshop/laboratory with appropriate

machines, testing equipment and relevant tools. Adequate supervision needs
to be provided in accordance with HASWA regulations.

Safety equipment and codes of practice associated with the machinery and
practices MUST be understood and implemented by the candidate. Failure to
work safely will result in the failure of the assignment.

It is the responsibility of the assessor to monitor candidates attitude and

practice of safety at ALL times and to ensure that ALL PPE is appropriately
used and that all safety codes of practice associated with the assignment are
obeyed.

The candidate will be issued with the assessment guide and any additional
information referred to in the instructions. The response-sheets for the
candidate are included in this Assignment Guide. Candidates may use
additional sheets should they require more space for detail.

Candidates may seek guidance from their assessor in the interpretation of

working drawings and symbols/standards.

NOTE: In order to pass this assignment ALL aspects of safety MUST be

demonstrated to the assessor at ALL times. Failure to so will result in
the assignment being halted.

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System Explanation:
This assignment is based around the Multisim circuit provided (Fig:#1). The
diagram represents a prototype design for a system that combines both digital
and analogue elements. However, the initial design uses “virtual” components
throughout. A working design using specified, practical components is
required.

The Multisim circuit is a working simulation of the majority of the required

functions:-

• With the Count / Reset switch closed (key = T) the 555 Clock
Generator is permanently reset, both counters in the Time Count
section are “zeroed” via the Reset Logic and the counter CLR functions
(the counter display shows 00). The dc Regulator output is held at zero
via the transistor Q2. The “dc Output” l.e.d. (LED2) is off and the “Time
Expired” l.e.d. (LED1) is also off.

• When the Count / Reset switch is opened the 555 clock generator is
enabled and the output pulses (1Hz nom.) are fed to the counter
circuits which are now also enabled. The display will start to increment.
At the same time the voltage regulator is activated and a stabilised dc
voltage is available across Rload. LED2 will illuminate to indicate that the
dc output is on.

• As presently designed, the counter will count to 99 and reset to 00 on

the next pulse. The dc output will be inhibited and LED2 will go off.
LED1 will come on to indicate that the time has period expired. The
counter will continue to cycle (there is no indication of the number
cycles completed).

• Closing the Count / Reset switch, at any time, will immediately reset
the displays to 00, disable the clock generator and, if required,
extinguish LED1. The stabilised dc output will be inhibited and the
system will be fully reset in preparation for the next count cycle.

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 R7 R9
1kOhm 1kOhm dc_Regulator

BJT_NPN_VIRTUAL
FreqAdjust
12 V V1
Key = A
50%
10kOhm Clock Generator
R3 DC_Output
U1 LED2 Rload

8
R1 10 Ohm
4 VCC
68kohm RST BJT_NPN_VIRTUAL Q2
R4 C3 D2
7 3 6.2 V
DIS OUT 1uF
6
THR
R8
2 1kOhm D1
TRI 10 Ohm
5
C1 CON
C2 GN D
10nF 100nF
555_VIRTUAL*
1
5V

R6
Time Count
1kOhm U5
U15
Reset Logic
U16 U7
NOT* DCD_HEX
Q S

U12 U6
~Q R AND3* 4 3 2 1
U8 U9
CLR QA
SR_FF* QB
OR2* QC
OR2* NOT* IN QD
U2
R5
100 Ohm GEN_CNTR_4ABIN*
Count_Reset
Key = T
U14 U4
DCD_HEX

OR2* U13 U3
AND3* 4 3 2 1
R2
1kOhm CLR QA
Time Expired QB
LED1 OR2* QC
IN QD

GEN_CNTR_4ABIN*

Fig #1 Test Circuit

(shown cycling after expiry of the initial count)

Assignment content and candidates’ instructions

This assignment is intended to assess the practical activities and
underpinning knowledge for Unit 57 – Analogue and Digital Electronics. It is
intended to test the ability and skill level of the candidates over an agreed
period of time.

Candidates are advised to read the entire document and study the outline of
the assignment before starting work. They should check with their assessor
that the materials equipment and information/data sources are available.

This assignment consists of FOUR tasks

1) Develop a section of an electronic circuit from a basic design

and produce a circuit diagram suitable for purpose

2) Construct an electronic circuit module that forms part of

the overall system

3) Test the operation of a circuit module
4) Fault-find to component level

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The candidate must achieve a pass mark for all tasks in order to be
awarded a pass, credit or distinction for the unit. A failure in one
particular task will result in the failure of the whole unit.

Tasks: It is required that this preliminary design is carried forward to a

working circuit. The circuit can be divided in to FOUR sub-sections:-

• (A) The Clock Generator

• (B) The Counter Logic & Display
• (C) The Switchable Stabilised dc Supply
• (D) The Control & Reset Logic

These sub-sections need to be developed such that they can be modelled

and constructed using actual devices.

There are some design guidelines that will need to be applied to each of these
elements. A 12V dc supply voltage is assumed throughout.

General PASS Grading

Planning, preparation and recording

Pass: A pass candidate may have

• sought advice prior to carrying out tasks

• required assistance in planning and setting up
• required assistance in selecting equipment and consumables
• needed help in preparing materials before commencing tasks
• produced report forms that show only a minimum of required detail

Practical activities
Pass: A pass candidate must have

• attempted all the basic tasks specified (individually or as part of a

team), with a good degree of success, providing all evidence required
in the form of products and data

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(A) CLOCK GENERATOR
This could use a practical 555 device. The output frequency should be
adjustable to be nominally 1Hz + 5%(min). All components must be standard
preferred values. All appropriate calculations should be provided to justify the
component value selection. A working Multisim simulation of this circuit
element should be provided.

• NOTE: it will not be necessary to limit the output voltage using a resistor and 5V zener diode when this
circuit is combined with the CMOS logic devices required which operate from a 12V supply

Possible extension tasks

(i) the consideration and design of appropriate circuitry to
provide an alternative source of clock pulses (e.g 4060) and
the provision of a working Multisim simulation of this
circuit element.
(ii) the building and testing of the improved circuit design

SEE CREDIT & DISTINCTION GRADING CRITERIA BELOW

CREDIT Grading

Planning, preparation and recording

Credit: A credit candidate will
• complete the tasks in an efficient manner
• ensure that all procedures, specifications and documentation are available including a working
Multisim simulation of the circuit
• ensure that all consumables, equipment, prepared materials are available
• report forms that show most of the required detail

Practical activities

Credit: A credit candidate will have

• successfully completed the basic tasks specified (individually or as part of a team) in an
efficient manner providing all evidence required in the form of products and data
• have, individually, attempted the technical extension tasks suggested, with a good degree of
success providing all evidence required in the form of products and data

DISTINCTION Grading

Planning, preparation and recording

Distinction: In addition to the above a Distinction candidate will have
• Worked independently
• Made efficient use of consumables, equipment and prepared materials
• Considered/designed appropriate circuitry to implement other elements of the system
• report forms that show all of the required detail

Practical activities

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Distinction: In addition to the above a Distinction candidate will have
• successfully implemented the technical extension tasks suggested (or an agreed equivalent
extension of the work), providing all evidence required in the form of products and data

(B) COUNTER LOGIC & DISPLAYS

This element should be designed using the following CMOS logic devices:
4081, 4511 and 4516. Suitable l.e.d. Common-Cathode seven-segment
displays will be supplied and appropriate E12 series resistors should be used
to limit the current in each segment. All appropriate calculations should be
provided to justify the component value selection. Appropriate elements may
be added to the Multisim circuit to simulate any inputs required.

Possible extension tasks

(i) the consideration and design of circuitry to allow the
maximum count to be adjustable and pre-set prior to the
count cycle being initiated and the provision of a working
Multisim simulation of this circuit element.
(ii) the building and testing of the improved circuit design

SEE CREDIT & DISTINCTION GRADING CRITERIA BELOW

CREDIT Grading

Planning, preparation and recording

Credit: A credit candidate will
• complete the tasks in an efficient manner
• ensure that all procedures, specifications and documentation are available including a working
Multisim simulation of the circuit
• ensure that all consumables, equipment, prepared materials are available
• report forms that show most of the required detail

Practical activities

Credit: A credit candidate will have

• successfully completed the basic tasks specified (individually or as part of a team) in an
efficient manner providing all evidence required in the form of products and data
• have, individually, attempted the technical extension tasks suggested, with a good degree of
success providing all evidence required in the form of products and data

DISTINCTION Grading

Planning, preparation and recording

Distinction: In addition to the above a Distinction candidate will have
• Worked independently
• Made efficient use of consumables, equipment and prepared materials
• Considered/designed appropriate circuitry to implement other elements of the system
• report forms that show all of the required detail

Practical activities
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Distinction: In addition to the above a Distinction candidate will have
• successfully implemented the technical extension tasks suggested (or an agreed equivalent
extension of the work), providing all evidence required in the form of products and data

(C) SWITCHABLE STABILISED dc SUPPLY

Practical devices must be specified. Suitable resistor values must be
calculated and used to ensure that the power dissipation in D2 and LED2 is
acceptable. A BC547 may be used for Q2. Q1 must be specified such that the
power dissipation when it is supplying a 10 ohm load is less than 50% of the
maximum rating. All appropriate calculations should be provided to justify the
component value selection. A simple switch circuit may be added to simulate
the signal from the reset logic within the Multisim circuit.

Possible extension tasks

(i) the consideration and design of circuitry to allow closed-
loop control of a variable dc voltage to be available and the
provision of a working Multisim simulation of this circuit
element.
(ii) the building and testing of the improved circuit design
SEE CREDIT & DISTINCTION GRADING CRITERIA BELOW

CREDIT Grading

Planning, preparation and recording

Credit: A credit candidate will
• complete the tasks in an efficient manner
• ensure that all procedures, specifications and documentation are available including a working
Multisim simulation of the circuit
• ensure that all consumables, equipment, prepared materials are available
• report forms that show most of the required detail

Practical activities

Credit: A credit candidate will have

• successfully completed the basic tasks specified (individually or as part of a team) in an
efficient manner providing all evidence required in the form of products and data
• have, individually, attempted the technical extension tasks suggested, with a good degree of
success providing all evidence required in the form of products and data

DISTINCTION Grading

Planning, preparation and recording

Distinction: In addition to the above a Distinction candidate will have
• Worked independently
• Made efficient use of consumables, equipment and prepared materials
• Considered/designed appropriate circuitry to implement other elements of the system
• report forms that show all of the required detail

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Practical activities
Distinction: In addition to the above a Distinction candidate will have
• successfully implemented the technical extension tasks suggested (or an agreed equivalent
extension of the work), providing all evidence required in the form of products and data

(D) CONTROL & RESET LOGIC

CMOS logic elements are to be used. The INVERTER elements are available
within the 4069. The 4002 may be used, with slight adjustment, to provide the
other combinational logic functions as well as the SR Bi-stable. However, any
devices giving equivalent logical functionality may be used. A suitable resistor
value must be calculated and used to ensure that the power dissipation in
LED1 is acceptable. All appropriate calculations should be provided to justify
the component value selection. A simple switch circuit may be added to
simulate the SET signal and indicators to show the status of the output signals
required within the Multisim circuit.

Possible extension tasks

(i) the consideration and design of appropriate circuitry to
indicate the number of count cycles completed and the
provision of a working Multisim simulation of this circuit
element.
(ii) the building and testing of the improved circuit design

SEE CREDIT & DISTINCTION GRADING CRITERIA BELOW

CREDIT Grading

Planning, preparation and recording

Credit: A credit candidate will
• complete the tasks in an efficient manner
• ensure that all procedures, specifications and documentation are available including a working
Multisim simulation of the circuit
• ensure that all consumables, equipment, prepared materials are available
• report forms that show most of the required detail

Practical activities
Credit: A credit candidate will have
• successfully completed the basic tasks specified (individually or as part of a team) in an
efficient manner providing all evidence required in the form of products and data
• have, individually, attempted the technical extension tasks suggested, with a good degree of
success providing all evidence required in the form of products and data

DISTINCTION Grading

Planning, preparation and recording

Distinction: In addition to the above a Distinction candidate will have

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 • Worked independently
• Made efficient use of consumables, equipment and prepared materials
• Considered/designed appropriate circuitry to implement other elements of the system
• report forms that show all of the required detail

Practical activities
Distinction: In addition to the above a Distinction candidate will have
• successfully implemented the technical extension tasks suggested(or an agreed equivalent
extension of the work), providing all evidence required in the form of products and data

TASKS
• TASK1(PRODUCING THE CIRCUIT DIAGRAM):

The chosen section of the overall system will need a working

Multisim circuit diagram, suitable for purpose.

Candidates should identify and agree with the assessor the

module to be worked on. Any working and records of the
process and the degree of success should be kept for
assessment.

The circuit diagram of the module to be constructed must be

available as hardcopy as well as being demonstrated to your
tutor. Any comments, describing the activity and any changes
or modifications made during the development process,
should be entered onto sheet 57.1a.

• TASK 2 (CONSTRUCTING THE CIRCUIT):

Each candidate will produce a complete “Parts List” (incl.

circuit references, values, details etc.) for the module to be
constructed using sheet 57.2a and obtain all the necessary
components.

Candidates should identify and agree with the assessor the

method of construction to be used (e.g. veroboard, pcb etc.).
Protobloc may be used for testing the functionality of
designed circuits.

A component layout diagram should be produced for

approval prior to construction and any alterations and / or
improvements are to be recorded on sheet 57.2b.

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 The circuit should be constructed in accordance with the
layout produced. A visual inspection should be carried out
and any necessary corrections made. Sheet 57.2c should be
used to record any evidence of inspection and rework.

• TASK 3 (TESTING THE CIRCUIT):

Candidates must perform any necessary static checks on the
circuit using appropriate test equipment and record the tests,
the test results and the equipment used on sheet 57.3a.
Candidates will carry out any dynamic testing required on the
circuit using appropriate test equipment. The tests, test
results and equipment used should be recorded on sheet
57.3a. These tests should be observed by the tutor.
Only after the successful completion of the dynamic tests
should the candidate’s electronic module be incorporated
into a complete working system. Your tutor must confirm the
correct operation of the circuit within the overall system.
Record the results on sheet 57.3b. If the inserted module
does not function correctly, take appropriate remedial action
recording all re-work undertaken on sheet 57.3b (see Fault-
Finding below).
Draw up a test specification for the overall system. This
should include checks on all functionality as well as the
electrical input and output requirements for the circuit.

• TASK 4 (FAULT-FINDING):
Each candidate will be expected to perform dynamic and
static tests to locate faults, to component level on power-up
of their module. Sheet 57.4a should be completed identifying
the tests performed and the results obtained. Sheet 57.4b
should be used to record the symptoms observed and the
most probable cause of the fault (one component). Where
possible this should be supported by the findings of a
Multisim simulation of the faulted circuit / circuit element.

ALTERNATIVELY
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 Candidates should carry out a comprehensive fault-finding
procedure on a representative faulted circuit (one single
fault) and to produce a failure analysis report (sheets 57.4a
and 57.4b) that describes the symptoms observed, the tests
performed, the results obtained and the probable cause of
the fault. Where possible this should be supported by the
findings of a Multisim simulation of the faulted circuit / circuit
element.
RECORD SHEET 57.1a- Circuit Design
Candidate Name:

Module: Date:

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RECORD SHEET 57.2a- Parts List
Candidate Name:

Module: Date:

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RECORD SHEET 57.2b- Component layout and circuit construction
Candidate Name:

Module: Date:

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RECORD SHEET 57.2c- Visual inspection and rework
Candidate Name:

Module: Date:

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RECORD SHEET 57.3a- Testing the operation of the circuit module
Candidate Name:

Module: Date:

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RECORD SHEET 57.3b- Testing the operation of the system
Candidate Name:

Module: Date:

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RECORD SHEET 57.3c- Test specification
Candidate Name:

Module: Date:

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RECORD SHEET 57.4a- Fault-finding tests performed and results
obtained
Candidate Name:

Module: Date:

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RECORD SHEET 57.4b- Symptoms and most probable cause of fault
Candidate Name:

Module: Date:

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Analogue and Digital Electronics - Unit 057
C&G2800 Certificate in Engineering
Level 3

Candidate Name: ……………………….....

Mark distribution

Planning, preparation and recording

Pass 1
Credit 2
Distinction 3

Practical activities
Pass 2
Credit 4
Distinction 6

Underpinning knowledge questions

50 – 64% Pass 1
65 – 79% Credit 2
80 – 100% Distinction 3

Overall grade
4 – 6 Marks Pass
7 – 9 Marks Credit
10 – 12 Marks Distinction

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C&G2800 RcM
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