Outline

Overview

This unit of study aims to teach students analysis and design techniques for electronic systems such as signal amplifiers, differential amplifiers and power amplifiers. Completion of this unit will allow progression to advanced studies or to work in electronics and telecommunication engineering. Topics covered are as follows. The BJT and MOSFET as an amplifier. Biasing in amplifier circuits. Small signal operation and models. Single stage amplifiers. Internal capacitances and high frequency models. The frequency response of the common-emitter amplifier. Current sources and current mirrors. Differential amplifiers. Output stages and power amplifiers: class A, class B and class AB.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	A background in basic electronics and circuit theory is assumed
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Alex Y. Song, alex.song@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam Supervised exam	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	EFT EFT	0%	Week 02	15 min	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Exp 1 - laboratory introduction (Op-amp) Simulation-based or experiment-based lab report.	5%	Week 04	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 1 Online quiz	5%	Week 05	1 hour	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Exp 2 - BJT amplifier Simulation-based or experiment-based lab report.	5%	Week 06	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 2 Online quiz	5%	Week 09	1 hour	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Exp 3 - Differential amplifiers and current mirror Simulation-based or experiment-based lab report.	5%	Week 09	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-class quiz	Quiz 3 Online quiz	5%	Week 12	1 hour	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Experimental design	Project – power amplifier Simulation-based or experiment-based lab report.	10%	Week 13	n/a	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ? = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Deduction of 10% per day for quizzes and lab reports

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Op Amps and BJTs	Lecture (2 hr)
	Op-Amp	Practical (3 hr)
	Op Amps and BJTs	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	BJTs and MOSFETs	Lecture (2 hr)
	Op-Amp	Practical (3 hr)
	BJTs and MOSFETs	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	BJT amplifier and circuits	Lecture (2 hr)
	BJT Amplifier	Practical (3 hr)
	BJT amplifier and circuits	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Frequency response	Lecture (2 hr)
	BJT Amplifier	Practical (3 hr)
	Frequency response	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	MOSFET amplifier circuits	Lecture (2 hr)
	Differential amp	Practical (3 hr)
	MOSFET amplifier circuits	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Integrated circuits design basics	Lecture (2 hr)
	Differential amp	Practical (3 hr)
	Integrated circuits design basics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Differential circuits	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Differential circuits	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Power and output	Lecture (2 hr)
	Project: Power amp	Practical (3 hr)
	Power and output	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Feedback circuits	Lecture (2 hr)
	Project: Power amp	Practical (3 hr)
	Feedback circuits	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Digital circuits, CMOS	Lecture (2 hr)
	Project: Power amp	Practical (3 hr)
	Digital circuits, CMOS	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	CMOS, memory	Lecture (2 hr)
	Project: Power amp	Practical (3 hr)
	CMOS, memory	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Review	Lecture (2 hr)
	Project: Power amp	Practical (3 hr)
	Review	Tutorial (2 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. conduct simulation-based work using circuits and associated simulation software packages such as LTSpice to solve a particular problem
LO2. design power amplifiers and output stages, digital and integrated circuits using techniques and principles presented in the course
LO3. use basic circuit building blocks to create more advanced circuits within the scope and to the extent of the information presented
LO4. demonstrate an understanding of operational amplifiers and their internal devices, including BJT and CMOS transistors, DC biasing techniques, circuit building blocks and small signal modelling
LO5. apply specific principles and techniques to SPICE circuit simulation using a variety of different software packages from leading industry vendors to the extent of the material presented
LO6. determine the stability of feedback amplifiers and their steady state performance
LO7. demonstrate an understanding of fundamental issues in electronic circuit design such as non-idealities of amplifiers and the effect of passive and parasitic components
LO8. instigate inquiry to extend the knowledge and awareness of supplementary techniques, concepts and materials using varied resources and media formats within the context of the projects and problems investigated
LO9. make written and oral presentations concisely and accurately, in the form of tutorial presentations, lab reports, and project report
LO10. work in a team to discuss with and draw upon the diverse skills and knowledge of other team members in conducting lab experiments.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

N.A.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ELEC3404: Electronic Circuit Design

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links