Master Course Description

No: EE 332


Credits: 5 (4 lecture - 1 lab)

UW Course Catalog Description

Coordinator: R. Bruce Darling, Professor

Goals: To learn the physics, characteristics, applications, analysis, and design of circuits using bipolar and field-effect transistors with an emphasis on small-signal behavior and analog circuits.  To understand and apply the principles of device modeling to circuit analysis and design.  To gain hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation and analog circuit troubleshooting. 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Calculate model parameters for bipolar and FET devices in PSPICE.
  2. Design and construct simple single and multi-stage amplifier circuits using both bipolar and FET devices.
  3. Explain the design concepts behind commercial op-amps such as the 741, OP-7, OP-27.
  4. Obtain a good foundation for senior level electronics design courses such as EE 433.
  5. Design an analog project from an open ended specification.

Textbook: Jaeger and Blalock, Microelectronic Circuit Design

Laboratory Handbook: R. B. Darling, EE-332 Laboratory Handbook, Revision June 1999.  Soon available from the class website.

Reference texts: Rashid, Muhammad H., SPICE for Circuits and Electronics using PSPICE

Prerequisites by Topic:

  1. Introductory circuit theory and analysis
  2. Basic computer skills
  3. Hands-on experience with laboratory instruments


  1. Introduction to electronic systems: 0.5wk
  2. Introduction to BJT and FET semiconductor devices and biasing: 1wk
  3. Small signal models for BJT and FETs: 0.5wk
  4. Single ended amplifiers: 2wk
  5. Differential amplifiers: 1wk
  6. Output stages 0.5wk
  7. Basic operational amplifier design: 0.5wk
  8. Operational amplifiers: 1wk
  9. High frequency amplifiers: 2wk
  10. Feedback and stability: 1wk

Course Structure: Class meets four days per week (MTWF) for three 50 minute lectures, one 50 minute problem session, plus one three-hour laboratory session each week. There is weekly homework due that includes circuit simulation computer (PSPICE) projects. There are five laboratory experiments including an extensive design project with a formal written report. There will be two midterms and one final in class examination.

Computer Resources: PSPICE on PCs for circuit simulation. MathCad or MATLAB for circuit analysis.


  1. Introductory session (not graded)
  2. Basics of transistor operation
  3. Transistor amplifier fundamentals
  4. Single transistor amplifiers
  5. Differential pair amplifiers
  6. Output stages
  7. Design project (multi-week, open ended)

Grading: Weights given laboratory reports (1), each midterm examination (1), design project (1), homework (0.5), and final examination (1.5)

Outcome Coverage:

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering. The vast majority of the lectures, homework and projects deal with the application of circuit theory to electronic system analysis and design. Mathematical formulations are commonplace throughout the course. (H)

(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data. The course includes a weekly three hour session in our undergraduate electronics laboratory. Laboratory experiments include analysis, design, construction, and testing of specific electronic systems utilizing transistors, resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, etc. The performance of each student in the laboratory is evaluated by the teaching assistant as part of the laboratory grade. (M)

(c) An ability to design a system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability. Several of the homework problems and the design project require designing circuits to meet stated specifications. Other problems and experiments require meeting specific voltage and current drive requirements. (M)


(g) An ability to communicate effectively. Students are required to submit written reports describing the final design project; they are encouraged to present their solutions during the weekly problem sessions. (M)

(h) The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental and societal context. Analog semiconductor chips have become pervasive in almost every product we buy. In reviewing the societal impact of the increased complexity and lower cost of modern silicon analog integrated circuits and devices, we also discuss the potential for future improvements, and consider the changes that may result from them. (L)

(i) A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning. The course emphasizes basic fundamentals that are applicable to the analysis and design of analog integrated circuits. As performance parameters increase dramatically with rapid scaling of technologies employed in the fabrication of ICs, there is a need for the professional to maintain state-of-the-art knowledge of the relationships between device and circuit performances. (L)

(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice. Students use many computer design aids in this course. The circuit simulator, PSPICE, is used along with its post processor PROBE. The mathematical program MATHCAD (or MATLAB) is used for high-level mathematical calculations. (H)

Prepared By: David Allstot

Last Revised: 05/25/2007