UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

ECE3161 Analogue electronics

Faculty of Engineering

ECE3161 Analogue electronics is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia. It needs ECE2031 or ECE2131 and unlocks 1 unit.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2026
Semester 2
Clayton, Malaysia
Assessment
Exam 40%
and 5 other tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before ECE3161

Prohibitions

You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.

After ECE3161

1 unit list ECE3161 as a prerequisite or corequisite.

Enrolment rules

E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - You are exempt from the prerequisite rule if you are enrolled in this course.

Overview

In the age of digitalisation, electronic systems are all around us. Yet, they still depend on analogue circuits to perform necessary signal processing and conditioning functions. These functions include amplification, waveform generation and analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue conversions. In this unit, we delve into the use of active fundamental elements, such as operational amplifiers, MOSFETs, JFETs and BJTs, alongside passive circuit elements to create complex, functional building blocks. These building blocks can be combined in numerous ways to form complex analogue circuits.

The unit pays equal attention to the DC biasing, small signal frequency response of the circuits, stability and non-ideal characteristics such as noise and offset current flows. To enhance your familiarity and confidence in designing these circuits, hands-on workshops and laboratory exercises will be conducted. You will learn to read device datasheets accurately and use the information to guide the design process. A group mini-project is included in the curriculum to reinforce the unit's learning outcomes.

By taking this unit, you will acquire essential skills in designing and analysing analogue electronic circuits. These skills can be helpful in various fields, including robotics, biomedical engineering, telecommunications, control systems and instrumentation. Furthermore, you will gain a deeper understanding of the practical application of analogue electronic circuits, enabling you to solve real-world problems more efficiently.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching periodCampusMode
Second semesterClaytonOn campus
Second semesterMalaysiaOn campus

Assessment

  • Pre-laboratory workQuiz / Test
    6%
  • Laboratory workDemonstrationCompetency hurdle
    14%
  • Practice problemsExercise
    10%
  • Workshop engagementExercise
    5%
  • Mini projectProject
    25%
  • Final assessmentExamination
    40%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Predict the behaviour of active and passive components (eg MOSFETs, JFETs, BJTs, OpAmps, capacitors, resistors, etc) used in analogue circuits based on their small and large signal theoretical models.

  2. 2

    Analyse the behaviour of inputs and outputs of analogue system blocks in both time and frequency domains.

  3. 3

    Use laboratory equipment and software simulation tools to build, analyse and debug analogue circuits.

  4. 4

    Plan and evaluate complex analogue circuits using analogue system blocks (eg current mirrors, charge pumps, etc) and operate them in conjunction with other circuits and microcontrollers.

Workload and teaching

  • Applied sessions24 hours
  • Laboratories24 hours
  • Workshops24 hours
  • Teaching approachActive learning

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

During the on-site sessions, you will receive a comprehensive overview of the unit's learning objectives. The workshop component of the unit will provide a dynamic and engaging experience, as you will have the opportunity to collaborate with your peers and the lecturer in constructing a project from start to finish. This hands-on approach will allow you to gain valuable experience in project management, problem-solving and teamwork.

In addition to the workshop, the laboratory sessions will provide you with the opportunity to put your theoretical knowledge into practice. Through LTspice simulations, you will be able to explore and test different electronic circuit designs before constructing your own working circuits individually. This practical component of the unit will enable you to develop your technical skills and gain valuable experience in using industry-standard tools and software.

Overall, this unit is designed to provide you with a comprehensive and immersive learning experience that combines theory, practical skills and collaboration. By the end of the unit, you will have a thorough understanding of the subject matter and be well-prepared to apply your knowledge in real-world contexts.

Learning resources

Required resources

  • ElecLab Toolkit - Information regarding how to acquire one on your campus is available on this webpage.
  • Experimental sessions workbook, LTspice (SW), WaveForms (SW)
  • Workshop session workbook
  • Mini project specification workbook
  • Lecture notes and practice class question set (Both PDFs and videos)

PRESCRIBED TEXTBOOKS:

  • Microelectronic Circuits (8th International Edition), Adel Sedra, Kenneth Smith, Tony Carusone, Vincent Gaudet. Oxford University Press (2020). ISBN-10: 0190853506, ISBN-13:‎ 978-0190853501 - https://learninglink.oup.com/access/sedra8e

You are highly encouraged to purchase at least one of these textbooks based on your background. The Library will carry limited copies of both textbooks.

Technology resources

Where it fits

ECE3161 is part of 4 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Dr Tan Wen Shan
Professor Malin Premaratne
Chief Examiners
Professor Malin Premaratne

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for ECE3161?

You need ECE2031 or ECE2131 before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.

What can I take after ECE3161?

ECE3161 is a prerequisite or corequisite for 1 unit, including ECE4191.

When is ECE3161 offered?

In 2026, ECE3161 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton and Malaysia.

How much work is ECE3161?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does ECE3161 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 5 other tasks.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Engineering
Organisational unit
Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available