ELA1501/101/3/2021

Tutorial Letter 101/3/2021

Electronics I Theory
ELA1501

Semester 1

Department of Electrical and Mining

Engineering
This tutorial letter contains important information
about your module.
 BARCODE

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 ELA1501/101/3/2021

CONTENTS
Page

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 4
2 PURPOSE OF, OUTCOMES AND GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES FOR THE MODULE .................. 4
2.1 Purpose .............................................................................................................................................. 4
2.2 Outcomes........................................................................................................................................... 4
3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS ...................................................................................... 6
3.1 Lecturer(s).......................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2 Department ........................................................................................................................................ 6
3.3 University ........................................................................................................................................... 6
4 MODULE-RELATED RESOURCES ................................................................................................. 6
4.1 Prescribed books ............................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Recommended books ........................................................................................................................ 6
4.3 Electronic Reserves (e-Reserves)..................................................................................................... 7
4.4 Library services and resources information ...................................................................................... 7
5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES .................................................................................................... 7
6 STUDY PLAN .................................................................................................................................... 7
7 PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING ..................................................... 11
8 ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................................................ 11
8.1 Assessment criteria ......................................................................................................................... 11
8.2 Assessment plan ............................................................................................................................. 11
8.3 Assignment numbers ....................................................................................................................... 11
8.3.1 General assignment numbers ......................................................................................................... 11
8.3.2 Unique assignment numbers ........................................................................................................... 12
8.4 Assignment due dates ..................................................................................................................... 12
8.5 Submission of assignments ............................................................................................................. 12
8.6 The assignments ............................................................................................................................. 14

3
1 INTRODUCTION
Dear Student
Welcome to the subject Electronics I (ELA1501) at UNISA. This tutorial letter serves as a
guideline to this course. It provides you with general administrative information as well as
specific information about the subject. Read it carefully and keep it safe for future reference.
We trust that you will enjoy this course.

2 PURPOSE OF, OUTCOMES AND GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES FOR THE

MODULE
2.1 Purpose
The purpose of this module is to enable students develop competencies and skills in solving
problems in DC and AC circuits. Students will be exposed to the operation of various electronic
components, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, transformers, diodes, etc. and learn how
to test them.

2.2 Outcomes

• Apply knowledge of mathematics, physical science and engineering fundamentals to

identify and solve problems through accurate calculations and measurements of basic SI
units and dimensions as used in engineering.

• Solve basic electronics engineering problems using Ohm’s Law and Kirchoff’s Laws.

• Apply and explain the fundamentals of reactive components in reactive (RLC) circuits.

• Apply and explain the operation of transformers and their application in electronic circuits.

• Design both half-wave and full-wave rectifier circuits.

GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES

The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is a statutory body established in terms of the
Engineering Profession Act (EPA), 46 of 2000. ECSA's primary role is the regulation of the
engineering profession in terms of this Act. Its core functions are the accreditation of
engineering programmes, registration of persons as professionals in specified categories, and
the regulation of the practice of registered persons. Consequently, the ECSA is the only body in
South Africa that is authorised to register engineering professionals and bestow the use of
engineering titles, such as Pr Eng, Pr EBAIC3A Learner Guide 2020/1 CASS Page 4 of 28 Tech
Eng, Pr Techni Eng, Pr Cert Eng, on persons who have met the requisite professional
registration criteria. (https://www.ecsa.co.za ) The Engineering Council of South Africa, in their
document E-02-PN, Rev 3 (Qualification Standard for Diploma in Engineering: NQF level 6)
prescribes eleven Graduate Attributes (GAs) that learners should be able to demonstrate

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competence in by the time they have finished their qualification. Graduate Attributes are clear,
concise statements of the qualities, skills and understandings that learners should develop
during their time with the institution. These attributes include and go beyond the disciplinary
expertise or technical knowledge that has traditionally formed the core of most university
courses. Graduate Attributes defined below are stated generically and will be assessed in the
Industrial engineering discipline contexts. The Department of Industrial Engineering and
Operations Management shall in its quality assurance process demonstrate that an effective
integrated assessment strategy is used. Identified components of assessment must address the
summative assessment of graduate attributes. Evidence should be derived from significant work
or multiple instances of limited scale work. Below is a short summary of the 12 Graduate
Attributes that will be developed and assessed in different subjects during your studies for this
qualification. To view the full description, please refer to the qualification standard at
https://www.ecsa.co.za/education/EducationDocs/E-02-PN.pdf. GRADUATE ATTRIBUTE

LEARNING OUTCOME

GA1 Problem-solving Apply engineering principles to diagnose and solve well-defined

engineering problems systematically.

GA2 Application of scientific and engineering knowledge Apply knowledge of mathematics,

natural science and engineering sciences to applied engineering procedures, processes,
systems and methodologies to solve well-defined engineering problems.

GA3 Engineering Design Perform procedural design of components, systems, works, products
or processes to meet requirements, normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and
legislation.

GA4 Investigations, experiments and data analysis Conduct investigations of well-defined

problems through locating and searching relevant codes and catalogues, conducting standard
tests, experiments and measurements.

GA5 Engineering methods, skills, and tools, Use appropriate techniques, resources, and
modern engineering tools including information technology for the solution of well-defined
engineering problems, EBAIC3A Learner Guide 2020/1 CASS Page 5 of 28 GRADUATE
ATTRIBUTE LEARNING OUTCOME including information technology with an awareness of the
limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.

GA6 Professional and technical communication Communicate effectively, both orally and in
writing within an engineering context.

GA7 Sustainability and Impact of Engineering Activity Demonstrate knowledge and

understanding of the impact of engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and
physical environment, and address issues by defined procedures.

GA8 Individual, team and multidisciplinary working Demonstrate knowledge and understanding
of engineering management principles and apply these to one's work, as a member and leader
in a technical team and to manage projects.

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GA9 Independent learning ability Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-
developed learning skills.

GA10 Engineering Professionalism Understand and commit to professional ethics,

responsibilities and norms of engineering technology practice.

GA11 Engineering Management Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering

management principles. (Effective from 05/11/2019)

GA12 Workplace Practices Demonstrate an understanding of workplace practices to solve

engineering problems consistent with academic learning achieved.

3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

3.1 Lecturer(s)

Mr L Nickola
Lecturer
Lnickola@unisa.ac.za
011-471 3493

3.2 Department

Department of Electrical and Mining Engineering: electrical&mining@unisa.ac.za

3.3 University

If you need to contact the University about matters not related to the content of this module,
please consult the publication My studies @ Unisa that you received with your study material.
This brochure contains information on how to contact the University (e.g. to whom you can write
for different queries, important telephone and fax numbers, addresses and details of the times
certain facilities are open).Always have your student number at hand when you contact the
University.

4 MODULE-RELATED RESOURCES
4.1 Prescribed books
Electronic Fundamentals, FLOYD TL
ISBN.: 5 0130852368 (or Newer Edition)

4.2 Recommended books

There are no recommended books for this module.

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4.3 Electronic Reserves (e-Reserves)

There are no electronic reserves for this module.

4.4 Library services and resources information

For brief information, go to www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies

For detailed information, go to the Unisa website at http://www.unisa.ac.za/ and click on
Library.
For research support and services of personal librarians, go to
http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=7102.

The Library has compiled numerous library guides:

• finding recommended reading in the print collection and e-reserves –

http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/undergrad
• requesting material – http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/request
• postgraduate information services – http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/postgrad
• finding , obtaining and using library resources and tools to assist in doing research –
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/Research_Skills
• how to contact the library/finding us on social media/frequently asked questions –
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask

5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Important information appears in your my Studies @ Unisa brochure.

6 STUDY PLAN
Use your my Studies @ Unisa brochure for general time management and planning skills.

Program of study
TOPIC CHAPTER

1. 1.1 Electrical components and measuring

Demonstrate the fundamental knowledge of instruments.
common electrical components, quantities
1.2 Electrical and magnetic units.
and units.
1.3 Scientific notation.
1.4 Engineering notation and Metric prefixes.
1.5 Metric unit conversions.

2. 2.1 Atoms.

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Describe the fundamentals of voltage, 2.2 Electrical charge.
current and resistance in electric circuits.
2.3 Voltage.
2.4 Current.
2.5 Resistance.
2.6 The Electric circuit.
2.7 Basic circuit measurements.
2.8 Electrical safety.
3.1 Ohm’s Law
3.2 Application of Ohm’s Law
3.3 Energy and Power
3.4 Power in an Electric Circuit
3.5 The Power Rating of resistors
3.6 Energy conversions and voltage drop in a
resistance.
3.7 Power supplies.
3.8 Introduction to troubleshooting
4.1 Resistors in series
4.2 Current in a series circuit
4.3 Total series resistance
4.4 Ohm’s Law in series circuits
4.5 Voltage sources in series
4.6 Kirchhoff’s voltage law
4.7 Voltage dividers
4.8 Power in a series circuit
4.9 Circuit ground
4.10 Troubleshooting
3. 5.1 Resistors in parallel
Demonstrate an understanding of application 5.2 Voltage in parallel circuits
of OHM’s Law to Series, Parallel and series
5.3 Kirchhoff’s current law
parallel circuits
5.4 Total parallel resistance
5.5 Ohm’s Law in parallel circuits
5.6 Current dividers
5.7 Power in parallel circuits
5.8 Troubleshooting
6.1 Identifying series-parallel relationships
6.2 Analysis of series-parallel circuits
6.3 Voltage dividers with resistive loads

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6.4 Loading effect of a voltmeter

6.5 The Wheatstone Bridge
6.9 Troubleshooting (based on 6.1 – 6.5)
4. 7.1 The magnetic field
Explain the fundamentals of 7.2 Electromagnetism
electromagnetism
7.3 Electromagnetic devices
7.4 Magnetic Hysteresis
7.5 Electromagnetic Induction
7.6 Applications of electromagnetic induction
5 8.1 The Sine wave
Understand principles and operation of ac, 8.2 Sinusoidal voltage sources
RC, rl and rlC circuits
8.3 Voltage and current values of a sine wave
8.4 Angular measurement of a sine wave
8.5 The sine wave formulae
8.6 Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Law in AC circuits
8.7 Superimposed DC and AC voltages
8.8 Nonsinusoidal waveforms
8.9 The oscilloscope
6. 9.1 The basic capacitor
Demonstrate a knowledge of capacitors 9.2 Types of capacitors
9.3 Series capacitors
9.4 Parallel capacitors
9.5 Capacitors in DC circuits
9.6 Capacitors in AC circuits
9.7 Capacitor applications
9.8 Testing capacitors
10.1 Sinusoidal response of RC circuits
10.2 Impedance and phase angle of series RC circuits
10.3 Analysis of series RC circuits
10.4 Impedance and phase angle of parallel RC circuits
10.5 Analysis of parallel RC circuits
10.6 Analysis of series-parallel RC circuits
10.7 Power in RC circuits
10.8 Basic applications
10.9 Troubleshooting
7. 11.1 The basic inductor
Demonstrate a knowledge of inductors 11.2 Types of inductors

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 11.3 Series inductors
11.4 Parallel inductors
11.5 Inductors in DC circuits
11.6 Inductors in AC circuits
11.7 Inductor applications
11.8 Testing inductors
12.1 Sinusoidal response of RL circuits
12.2 Impedance and phase angle of series RL circuits
12.3 Analysis of series RL circuits
12.4 Impedance and phase angle of parallel RL circuits
12.5 Analysis of parallel RL circuits
12.6 Analysis of series-parallel RL circuits
12.7 Power in RL circuits
12.8 Basic applications
12.9 Troubleshooting
13.1 Impedance and phase angle of series RLC circuits
13.2 Analysis of series RLC circuits
13.3 Series resonance
13.4 Series resonant filters
13.5 Parallel RLC circuits
13.6 Parallel resonance
13.7 Parallel resonant filters
13.8 Applications
8. 14.1 Mutual inductance
Explain the fundamentals of transformers 14.2 The basic transformer
14.3 Step-up transformers
14.4 Step-down transformers
14.5 Loading the secondary
14.6 Reflected load
14.7 Impedance matching
14.8 The transformer as an isolation device
14.9 Practical transformers
14.10 Other types of transformers
14.11 Troubleshooting
9. 16.1 Introduction to semi-conductors
Demonstrate the fundamentals of semi- 16.2 The PN Junction diode
conductors
16.3 Diode characteristics

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16.4 Diode rectifiers

16.4 Power supplies
16.5 Special purpose diodes
16.6 Troubleshooting

7 PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING

The practical part of this module will be loaded on MyUnisa under additional material.

8 ASSESSMENT
8.1 Assessment criteria
Your final mark will be calculated by using a ratio of 20% year mark and 80% examination mark.

8.2 Assessment plan

You will find your assignments for this subject in this Tutorial Letter. Assignment 1 and 2 are
compulsory and both assignments will be used in the calculation of your year mark.
Assignment 3 will be for self evaluation and will prepare you for the examination. Please upload
the completed assignments to MyUnisa before the closing dates stated in this section.

The mark for Electronics I (ELA1501) is calculated as follows:

• The year mark contributes to 20%.
• The examination mark contributes to 80%

The year mark is based on all the assignment marks obtained and their contribution towards the
final year mark are as shown in the table below:

ASSIGNMENT CONTRIBUTION
NUMBER TOWARDS YEAR
MARK
1 (Compulsory) 20%
2 80%
TOTAL = 100 %

8.3 Assignment numbers

8.3.1 General assignment numbers
Assignments are numbered consecutively per module, starting from 01.

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8.3.2 Unique assignment numbers

SEMESTER 1
Assignment 1: 753152
(Compulsory)
Assignment 2: 735771
(Compulsory)
EXAM 819586

8.4 Assignment due dates

SEMESTER 1
THE CUT-OFF SUBMISSION DATES FOR THE ASSIGNMENTS ARE :
Assignment 1: (Compulsory) 5 March 2021
Assignment 2: (Compulsory) 6 April 2021
Assignment 3: Self Evaluation Answers on MyUnisa a month before
exams

8.5 Submission of assignments

ALL ASSIGNMENTS (submitted) HAVE TO BE ATTEMPTED!!!!!!!

THE SUBMISSION OF AN EMPTY ASSIGNMENT COVER IS UNACCEPTABLE.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING POINTS :

• NO LATE ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

• KEEP A CLEAR COPY OF THE ASSIGNMENT FOR YOUR OWN REFERENCE.

THIS IS IMPORTANT, AS ASSIGNMENTS DO GET LOST.

• SUBMISSIONS OF ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH “MY

STUDIES @ UNISA”.

Please note that model answers for the assignments will be dispatched to all
students shortly after the closing date of the assignment. This implies that you
cannot submit your assignment later than the stipulated submission date.

The model answers will be in tutorial letter 201, under additional

Resources on myunisa.

For detailed information and requirements as far as assignments are concerned, see the
brochure my Studies @ Unisa that you received with your study material.

To submit an assignment via myUnisa:

• Go to myUnisa.
• Log in with your student number and password.
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• Select the module.

• Click on assignments in the menu on the left-hand side of the screen.
• Click on the assignment number you wish to submit.
• Follow the instructions.

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8.6 The assignments

SEMESTER 1

THE CUT-OFF SUBMISSION DATES FOR THE ASSIGNMENTS ARE :

Assignment 1: (Compulsory) 5 March 2021
Assignment 2: (Compulsory) 6 April 2021
Assignment 3 (Not compulsory)
ASSIGNMENT 1
TO BE COMPLETED ON MARK READING SHEET

Choose the correct answer and write down the number and the letter corresponding to your
choice. For example: 1.20 a.

1.1 Five thousand volts van be expressed as (1)

(a) 5 000 V
(b) 5 MV
(c) 5 kV
(d) 5 mV
(e) Both (a) and (c)

1.2 Which of the following is not an electrical quantity (1)

(a) Current
(b) Voltage
(c) Time
(d) Power
(e) Resistance

1.3 The unit of current is (1)

(a) Volt
(b) Watt
(c) Ampere
(d) Joule
(e) Ohm

1.4 The primary purpose of a resistor is to (1)

(a) Increase current
(b) Limit current
(c) Produce heat
(d) Resist current change
(e) Increase current

1.5 The current in a given circuit is not to exceed 22 Amperes. Which value of fuse is best?
(1)
(a) 10 A
(b) 25 A
(c) 20 A
(d) A fuse is not necessary
(e) All of the above

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1.6 If you measure all the voltage drops and the source voltage in a series circuit and add
them together, taking into consideration the polarities, you will get a result equal to
(1)
(a) The source voltage
(b) The total of the voltage drops
(c) Zero
(d) The total of the source voltage and the voltage drops
(e) Both (a) and (b)

1.7 In Figure 1 what does each voltmeter indicate when the switch (J1) is in
position 1? (1)
(a) U1 = 0.0 V and U2 = 1.2 V
(b) U1 = 0.0 V and U2 = 12 V
(c) U1 = 12 V and U2 = 0.0 V
(d) U1 = U2 = 24 V
(e) None of the above

1.8 In Figure 1 what does each voltmeter indicate when the switch (J1) is in
position 2? (1)
(a) U1 = 1.2 V and U2 = 12 V
(b) U1 = 0.0 V and U2 = 12 V
(c) U1 = 12 V and U2 = 0.000 V
(d) U1 = U2 =24 V
(e) None of the above

J1
1

2
V1
12 V + +
R1 V U1 R2 V U2
0.000 0.000
- -

Figure 1

1.9 For 10 V and 50 mA, the power is

(a) 500 mW
(b) 0.5 W
(c) 500 000 W
(d) Answers (a), (b), and (c)
(e) None of the above

1.10 When you connect an ammeter in a series resistive circuit and turn on the source
voltage, the meter reads zero. You should check for (1)
(a) A broken wire
(b) A shorted resistor
(c) An open resistor
(d) Both (a) and (c)
(e) Short circuit
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1.11 When a 1.2 kΩ resistor and a 100 Ω resistor are connected in parallel, the total
resistance is (1)
(a) Greater than 1.2 kΩ
(b) Greater than 100 Ω but less than 1.2 kΩ
(c) Less than 100 Ω but greater than 90 Ω
(d) Less than 90 Ω
(e) Greater than 90 Ω

1.12 If there are a total of 100 mA into a parallel circuit consisting of three branches and two of
the branch currents are 40 mA and 20 mA, then the third branch current is
(1)
(a) 60 mA
(b) 20 mA
(c) 160 mA
(d) 40 mA
(e) 30 mA

1.13 The output of a certain voltage divider is 9 V with no load. When a load is connected, the
output voltage (1)
(a) Increases
(b) Decreases
(c) Remains the same
(d) Becomes zero
(e) Both (a) and (b)

1.14 How many amperes of current flows when 5 coulombs of charge flow past a given point
in a wire in 2 seconds? (1)
(a) 2.5 A
(b) 10 A
(c) 0.4 A
(d) 20 A
(e) 50 A

1.15 An uncharged capacitor and a resistor are connected in series with a switch and a 12 V
battery. At the instant the switch is closed, the voltage across the capacitor is
(1)
(a) 12 V
(b) 6 V
(c) 24 V
(d) 0 V
(e) 3 V

1.16 A magnetic field is made up of (1)

(a) Positive and negative charges

(b) Magnetic domains
(c) Flux lines
(d) Magnetic poles
(e) Electric field
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1.17 When the current through an inductor doubles, the stored energy (1)
(a) Doubles
(b) Quadruples
(c) Is halved
(d) Does not change
(e) Tripled

1.18 Four 10 mH inductors are in series. The total inductance is (1)

(a) 40 mH
(b) 2.5 mH
(c) 40 000 μH
(d) 25 mH
(e) Answers (a) and (c)

1.19 Figure 2 shows three capacitors that are connected in series. The total capacitance of
the circuit is (1)
(a) 6.69 pF
(b) 0.69 F
(c) 0.069 pF
(d) 69.69 pF
(e) 69.69 nF

C1 C2 C3

100pF 560pF 390pF

100 V

Figure 2: Three capacitors in series

1.20 Refer to Figure 2. The total charge stored by the series capacitors is (1)
(a) 6.69 pC
(b) 0.69 C
(c) 0.069 pC
(d) 69.69 pC
(e) 6.969 nC
TOTAL = 20

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 ASSIGNMENT 2
QUESTION 1
Draw the schematic symbols of the following components:

1.1. Thermistor (1)

1.2. Variable resistor (1)
1.3. Fixed capacitor (1)
1.4. Polarized electrolytic capacitor (1)
1.5. Fuse (1)
1.6. Crystal Quartz (1)
1.7. Air-core inductor (1)
1.8. Centre-tapped transformer (1)
1.9. Ground (1)
1.10. Light-emitting diode (1)
[10]

QUESTION 2

2.1. Interpret the values of the following four-colour-coded fixed resistors:

2.1.1. Brown, Black, Orange, Gold (2)

2.1.2. Brown, Black, Gold, Silver (2)

2.2. Interpret the values of the following four-colour-coded fixed resistors:

2.2.1. Brown, Brown, Black, Brown, Red (2)
2.2.2. Yellow, Violet, Green, Gold, Brown (2)

2.3. Describe the procedure for measuring resistance with a multimeter. (4)

2.4. Compare and contrast the potentiometer and the rheostat. (4)
[16]
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QUESTION 3

3.1. Use the voltage-divider rule to find the voltage drops across resistor R2 in the circuit
shown in Figure 1. (3)
VT = 100 V

R1 1k
A

R2 5k

B
R3 4k

Figure 1

3.2. Derive the equation to calculate the current passing through resistor R1 in
Figure 2. (6)

It

I1 I2

Vs
R1 R2

Figure 2

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3.3. Determine the current through each resistor in the circuit shown in Figure 3. (6)

12 A

I1 I2 I3

Vs R1 R2 R3
2 ohm 4 ohm 3 ohm

Figure 3
[15]

QUESTION 4

From the circuit shown in Figure 4 determine

4.1. The total resistance (Rt) (4)

4.2. The circuit current (It) (2)
4.3. The voltage drop across the 100 Ω resistor (2)
4.4. Current through the 40 Ω resistor (3)
4.5. Power dissipated by the 40 Ω resistor. (4)

82 ohm 18 ohm

100 ohm 60 ohm

65 ohm
40 ohm
100 V

Figure 4
[15]
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QUESTION 5

5.1. Make use of the circuit diagrams to explain Kirchoff’s Laws. (4)
5.2. Make use of Kirchoff’s Current Law to calculate the currents in all resistors in the
circuit shown in Figure 5. (6)

I1 I2 I3

R1 R2 R3
50 A
2 ohm 1 ohm 5 ohm

Figure 5
[10]
QUESTION 6
6.1. List four conditions necessary for a series RLC circuit to be at resonance. (4)

6.2. If the circuit in Figure 6 is at resonance, determine the following:

6.2.1. inductive reactance (XL) (4)

6.2.2. capacitive reactance (XC) (1)

6.2.3. circuit impedance (Z) (1)

6.2.4. total current (I) (2)

R L

220 ohm 1 mH

Vs C
12 V 47 pF

Figure 6
[12]
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QUESTION 7

7.1. Name the three basic factors influencing the capacitance of a capacitor. (3)

7.2. Explain with the aid of sketches, the charging and discharging of a capacitor. (4)

7.3. Figure 7 shows three capacitors that are connected in series. From the circuit determine

7.3.1. the total capacitance of the circuit (2)

7.3.2. the total charge stored by the series capacitors (2)

100 pF

560 pF
100 V

390 pF

Figure 7

7.4. Name four factors influencing the inductance of a coil. (4)

[15]
QUESTION 8

8.1. Describe the functions of any six controls of an analog oscilloscope. (6)

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8.2. The control dial settings of an analog oscilloscope shown in Figure 8 are set as follows:

The VOLTS/DIVISION switch is set at 0.25 V.

The TIME/DIVISION setting is set at 0.2 mS.

Figure 8

Determine:

8.2.1. the peak-to-peak voltage (2)

8.2.2. the period of the waveform on the screen. (2)

8.2.3. the frequency. (2)

[12]

TOTAL = 105

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 ASSIGNMENT 3

QUESTION 1

1.1. Explain the operation of a relay. (5)

1.2. List four parameters that contribute to the inductance of a coil. (4)

1.4. Explain three applications of inductors that you know. (6)

[15]

QUESTION 2

2.1. Refer to Figure 1 below.

R XL
Vs
220 ohm 150 ohm
12 V

Figure 1

Determine

2.1.1. The current through the resistor. (2)

2.1.2. The current though the coil. (2)

2.1.3. The total current of the circuit. (2)

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 ELA1501/101/3/2021

2.2. The phase angle. (2)

2.3. Draw the current phasor diagram. (3)

2.4. Explain, with the aid of sketches, how power factor can be improved in an inductive
circuit. (4)

[15]

QUESTION 3

3.1. Define the following terms:

3.1.1. Quality factor. (2)

3.1.2. Selectivity. (2)

3.1.3. Bandwidth. (2)

3.2. Mention three conditions for a parallel LC circuit to be at resonance. (3)

3.3. List four applications of resonant circuits. (4)

3.4. Find the resonant frequency and the branch currents in the ideal (winding resistance
neglected) parallel LC circuit of Figure 2. (13)

C
L
0.047 uF
10 V Fr 100 mH

Figure 2

[26]
25
QUESTION 4

4.1. Explain the operation of a transformer. (4)

4.2. One of the applications of transformers is in the matching of load impedance to

source impedance. What is the purpose of impedance matching? (2)

4.3. Describe the following losses that occur in the core of a transformer:

4.3.1. Eddy-current loss (2)

4.3.2. Hysteresis loss (2)

4.4. Describe in detail what happens within a transformer in a no-load condition and in a load
condition. (4)

4.5. Why isn’t a transformer’s power handling capacity rated in watts? (1)

4.6. A certain transformer is rated at 5 kVA, 2400/120 V, at 0 Hz.

4.6.1. What is the turns ratio if the 120 V is the secondary voltage? (2)

4.6.2. What is the current rating of the secondary if 2400 V is the

primary voltage? (2)

4.6.3. What is the current rating of the primary if 2400 V is the

primary voltage? (2)

4.7. A power transformer with a voltage step-up ratio of 1:3 is connected to a 120 V AC line.
What is the smallest load resistor that can be connected to the secondary without
exceeding a power rating of 50 VA? (3)

[24]

26
 ELA1501/101/3/2021

QUESTION 5

5.1. Draw the curve to show the characteristics of a PN junction. (4)

5.2. Show the circuit of a PN junction diode when:

5.2.1. it is FORWARD biased. (2)

5.2.2. it is REVERSE biased. (2)

5.3. Study Figure 3 and answer the following questions:

5.3.1. Draw the output waveform of the circuit. (2)

5.3.2. Calculate the peak output voltage if the peak input voltage is 5 V. (3)

5.3.3. Calculate the average value of the output voltage of the rectifier if

the peak input voltage is 5 V. (2)

D1
Vp (in) Vp (out)

0.7 V
RL

Figure 3
[15]

QUESTION 6

6.1. You are supplied with the following components to build a power supply to supply
electrical power to your radio receiver:

27
 A 220 V, 1A fuse (F1)

A transformer: 220 V/ 12 V (TR1)

Four (4) 1N4001 diodes (D1, D2, D3 and D4)

A 1 000 F electrolytic capacitor (C1)

¼ Watt 330 Ω resistor (R1)

Zener Diode 1N4742 (DZ1)

A single pole single throw (SPST) switch (S1) (8)

Draw a neat labelled circuit diagram using the listed components.

6.2. If the peak output voltage is 12 V determine the PIV for each diode. (2)

[10]

TOTAL = 105

28
 ELA1501/101/3/2021

8.7 Other assessment methods

None

8.8 The examination

Use your my Studies @ Unisa brochure for general examination guidelines and examination
preparation guidelines.

9 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The my Studies @ Unisa brochure contains an A-Z guide of the most relevant study
information.

10 SOURCES CONSULTED
None

11 CONCLUSION
Please ensure that you have all the tutorial letters and prescribed book available before starting
with your studies.

Tutorial letter 201, with the memoranda of the assignments will available under additional
resources before the exam starts.

12 ADDENDUM
None

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