Physics

117
Electronics for Physics Measurement

Quarter: Fall 2017
Professor: David Saltzberg, Knudsen 4-107D, 6-4542 (saltzberg@physics.ucla.edu)
Teaching Assistant: Tony Ransford
Assistant TA: Jacob Saret

Introduction: Physics 117 is an electronics course for physics majors. No prior
experience with electronics is assumed. The standard background of
electromagnetism and theory of circuit elements from Physics 1B and 1C is a
prerequisite. Students are encouraged to review their elementary text on these
subjects at the beginning of the quarter.

Texts: (required)
Paul Scherz and Simon Monk, Practical Electronics for Inventors
(ISBN:978-1-25-958754-2) There is one extra copy in lab but you will
want your own to bring home. Illegally downloaded copies are not
allowed.

(The following are Recommended, available in the lab):

Hayes and Horowitz, Student manual to the Art of Electronics
(ISBN:0-521-37709-9) There is one extra copy in lab but you will
want your own to bring home. Illegally downloaded copies are not
allowed.

Robert Simpson
Introductory Electronics for Scientists and Engineers:
Written for physicists. Very real explanations and at level of a physics
major
(ISBN:0-205-08377-3)

Robert Paynter,
Introductory Electronic Devices and Circuits
(any reasonably recent edition)
This is a nice introductory first-year style textbook.

Horowitz and Hill The Art of Electronics, 2nd edition.
The Bible.
Lots of information and encyclopedic knowledge.
Not the best explanations for a physicist.
(ISBN:0-521-37095-7)



Specific Topics:
use of the oscilloscope, signal generator, multimeter,
breadboard etc.
Thvenin circuit analysis (i.e., input and output
impedance)
resistors, capacitors, inductors
circuit analysis with complex numbers
analog filters
diodes, rectification and power supplies
bipolar transistors (NPN, PNP)
building an amplifier and current source
driving devices, such as a speaker
Field-effect transistors: JFET, MOSFET
Op-Amps
the principle of negative feedback
Logic: building a NAND gate from discrete transistors
General CMOS logic family
Binary logic and arithmetic
switches, latches, flip-flops, counters, 7-segment displays
soldering
making a project
Labs Schedule:

There is one lab report due per week. The report is basically what you did and
answering the specific questions. You do not need to write up a standard lab report
with goals, hypothesis, equipment etc. You should aim it at the level of another
student who was not able to do the lab or answer the questions as if it were the
solution set.

One 4 hour lab session with TA in charge and professor often
around.
Extra 2-3 hour lab session on Friday with Professor available
24/7 lab access, Professor is on call during the day.
You can (and are expected) work a few hours independently.
Expect the labs to take 7-8 hours per week to do.

Labs due at the start of your next weeks lab session.

Lectures:
Attendance in lecture is required since the necessary information for the laboratory
is given and the TA does not have time to repeat the material. Students will be
called upon for questions using basic background from the Physics-1 series.

Exams:
Midterm 1: (written) We will arrange a convenient time. It will be on the
material from weeks 1-4.

Midterm 2: (practicalin lab): You will have a practical final where you will
build assigned circuits on your own during finals week. Date TBD.

There is no final exam, but there is a final project which is a two-part lab.


Grading: 40% lab reports, 20% MT1, 20% MT2, 20% participation