Circuits and Electronics 3: Applications from edX

Want to learn how your radio works? Wondering how to implement filters using resistors, inductors, and capacitors? Wondering what are some other applications of RLC and CMOS circuits? This free circuits course, taught by edX CEO and MIT Professor Anant Agarwal and MIT colleagues, is for you.

The third and final online Circuits and Electronics courses is taken by all MIT Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) majors.

Topics covered include: dynamics of capacitor, inductor and resistor networks; design in the time and frequency domains; op-amps, and analog and digital circuits and applications. Design and lab exercises are also significant components of the course.

Weekly coursework includes interactive video sequences, readings from the textbook, homework, online laboratories, and optional tutorials. The course will also have a final exam.

This is a self-paced course, so there are no weekly deadlines. However, all assignments are due when the course ends.

What you'll learn

How to construct and analyze filters using capacitors and inductors
How to use intuition to describe the approximate time and frequency behavior of second-order circuits containing energy storage elements (capacitors and inductors)
The relationship between the mathematical representation of first-order circuit behavior and corresponding real-life effects
Circuits applications using op-amps
Measurement of circuit variables using tools such as virtual oscilloscopes, virtual multimeters, and virtual signal generators
How to compare the measurements with the behavior predicted by mathematical models and explain the discrepancies

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to construct and analyze filters using capacitors and inductors
How to use intuition to describe the approximate time and frequency behavior of second-order circuits containing energy storage elements (capacitors and inductors)
The relationship between the mathematical representation of first-order circuit behavior and corresponding real-life effects

Circuits applications using op-amps
Measurement of circuit variables using tools such as virtual oscilloscopes, virtual multimeters, and virtual signal generators
How to compare the measurements with the behavior predicted by mathematical models and explain the discrepancies

How to construct and analyze filters using capacitors and inductors
How to use intuition to describe the approximate time and frequency behavior of second-order circuits containing energy storage elements (capacitors and inductors)
The relationship between the mathematical representation of first-order circuit behavior and corresponding real-life effects
Circuits applications using op-amps
Measurement of circuit variables using tools such as virtual oscilloscopes, virtual multimeters, and virtual signal generators
How to compare the measurements with the behavior predicted by mathematical models and explain the discrepancies

Syllabus

Week 1: Second-order circuits, damping in second-order systems

Week 2: Sinusoidal steady state analysis, frequency response, frequency response plots, impedance methods

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Well-suited for learners interested in an electrical engineering degree program

Highly respected instructors with a strong reputation in electrical engineering

Offers a solid foundation in electrical circuits for beginners

Provides practical experience through online laboratories

Covers essential concepts in circuit analysis and design

Requires basic knowledge of mathematics and physics

Reviews summary

Rigorous mit circuits and applications

According to students, this rigorous MIT course, 'Circuits and Electronics 3: Applications', offers a comprehensive and deep dive into advanced circuit concepts. Learners say the curriculum provides strong theoretical foundations combined with essential practical applications, from constructing and analyzing filters to utilizing op-amps in various circuits. The inclusion of interactive virtual labs and measurement tools like oscilloscopes is highly valued, helping students compare mathematical models with real-life effects. Its self-paced format allows for flexibility, though prospective students should note it is designed for those with prior foundational knowledge in electrical engineering, as it mirrors a university-level EECS major course.

Offers flexibility with no weekly deadlines, suiting various schedules.

"The self-paced format was perfect for my busy schedule, allowing me to learn at my own pace without the pressure of rigid deadlines."

"I liked that all assignments were due when the course ended, giving me ample time to grasp complex concepts thoroughly."

"This structure allowed me to re-watch interactive video sequences and re-read textbook sections as needed for better comprehension."

Provides opportunities for hands-on learning using virtual measurement tools.

"I appreciated the online laboratories, allowing me to measure circuit variables with virtual oscilloscopes and multimeters effectively."

"The design and lab exercises were significant components, greatly enhancing my practical skills and intuition."

"Comparing virtual measurements with predicted behavior helped solidify my understanding of discrepancies and practical considerations."

Emphasizes the practical use of circuits in real-world scenarios.

"I now understand how to construct and analyze filters, which is incredibly useful for practical projects and understanding real-world systems."

"The sections on op-amps and their various applications were particularly valuable for understanding common electronics designs."

"It's great to see how mathematical models relate directly to real-life circuit effects and device behavior, bridging theory and practice."

Offers a deep, university-level exploration of circuit theory and applications.

"I found the course material to be incredibly thorough, characteristic of MIT's Electrical Engineering program and essential for EECS majors."

"This course provided a strong theoretical foundation, preparing me for advanced topics in electrical engineering."

"The content covers essential concepts like second-order circuits, sinusoidal analysis, and CMOS digital logic in impressive depth."

Requires a strong foundation in previous circuits and electronics concepts.

"As 'Circuits and Electronics 3', this course definitely builds on previous knowledge; strong prerequisites are essential for success."

"I recommend having a solid understanding of first and second-order circuits before starting this course to avoid feeling overwhelmed."

"This course is clearly designed for those pursuing electrical engineering or computer science, not for complete beginners in the field."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Circuits and Electronics 3: Applications with these activities:

Review Course Notes and Quizzes

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Review course materials to reinforce your understanding and identify areas for improvement.

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Go through your class notes and identify key concepts.
Review the practice quizzes and assignments.
Summarize the main ideas from each lesson.

Read: The Art of Electronics

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Review the fundamentals of electronics to strengthen your understanding of the course material.

View Melania on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-5.
Complete the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Summarize the key concepts in each chapter.

Discuss Circuit Analysis Techniques

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Engage in peer discussions to enhance your understanding of circuit analysis techniques.

Browse courses on Circuit Analysis

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Join a study group or online forum dedicated to the course.
Discuss different approaches to solving circuit analysis problems.
Share your own solutions and learn from others.

Four other activities

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Learn about Oscillators

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Follow guided tutorials to expand your knowledge of oscillator circuits.

Browse courses on Oscillators

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Watch video tutorials on oscillator principles.
Read articles and textbooks on oscillator design.
Complete online quizzes to test your understanding.

Analyze Second-Order Circuits

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Practice analyzing second-order circuits to improve your problem-solving skills.

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Review the theory of second-order circuits.
Solve 10 practice problems involving second-order circuits.
Check your answers against the provided solutions.

Build a Filter Circuit

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Design and build a filter circuit to demonstrate your understanding of filter design principles.

Browse courses on Filters

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Choose a filter type (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, or band-stop).
Design the filter circuit using appropriate resistors, capacitors, and operational amplifiers.
Assemble the circuit on a breadboard.
Test the circuit using a signal generator and oscilloscope.

Design a Digital Logic Circuit

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Work on a project to apply your knowledge of digital logic design.

Browse courses on Digital Logic

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Choose a digital logic circuit to design (e.g., adder, decoder, multiplexer).
Create a schematic diagram of the circuit.
Simulate the circuit using a circuit simulator.
Build the circuit on a breadboard.
Test the circuit and troubleshoot any issues.

Career center

Learners who complete Circuits and Electronics 3: Applications will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Digital Circuit Designer

A Digital Circuit Designer designs, develops, tests, and manufactures digital circuits, including logic gates, flip-flops, and counters. This course may be useful for Digital Circuit Designers because it introduces the basic principles of circuit design and analysis, with a focus on digital circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Circuit Designer

Radio Frequency Circuit Designer

A Radio Frequency Circuit Designer designs, develops, tests, and manufactures radio frequency circuits, including antennas, filters, and amplifiers. This course may be useful for Radio Frequency Circuit Designers because it introduces the basic principles of circuit design and analysis, with a focus on radio frequency circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radio Frequency Circuit Designer

Microwave Circuit Designer

A Microwave Circuit Designer designs, develops, tests, and manufactures microwave circuits, including antennas, filters, and amplifiers. This course may be useful for Microwave Circuit Designers because it introduces the basic principles of circuit design and analysis, with a focus on microwave circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Microwave Circuit Designer

Circuit Analysis Engineer

A Circuit Analysis Engineer analyzes and simulates circuits to ensure that they meet performance requirements. This course may be useful for Circuit Analysis Engineers because it introduces the basic principles of circuit design and analysis, with a focus on circuit simulation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Circuit Analysis Engineer

Circuit Verification Engineer

A Circuit Verification Engineer verifies that circuits meet design specifications. This course may be useful for Circuit Verification Engineers because it introduces the basic principles of circuit design and analysis, with a focus on circuit verification.

See salaries and explore the career path for Circuit Verification Engineer

Circuit Test Engineer

A Circuit Test Engineer tests and debugs circuits to ensure that they meet performance requirements. This course may be useful for Circuit Test Engineers because it introduces the basic principles of circuit design and analysis, with a focus on circuit testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Circuit Test Engineer

Circuit Designer

A Circuit Designer designs, develops, tests, and manufactures circuits, including analog and digital circuits, and radio frequency circuits. This course may be useful for Circuit Designers because it introduces the basic principles of circuit design and analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Circuit Designer

Analog Circuit Designer

An Analog Circuit Designer designs, develops, tests, and manufactures analog circuits, including amplifiers, filters, and oscillators. This course may be useful for Analog Circuit Designers because it introduces the basic principles of circuit design and analysis, with a focus on analog circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Analog Circuit Designer

Electronics Technician

An Electronics Technician installs, maintains, and repairs electronic equipment, including computers, telecommunications equipment, and medical devices. This course may be useful for Electronics Technicians because it introduces the basic principles of circuit design and analysis.

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Electronics Engineer

An Electronics Engineer designs, develops, tests, and manufactures electronic equipment, including computers, telecommunications equipment, and medical devices. This course may be useful for Electronics Engineers because it introduces the basic principles of circuit design and analysis, with a focus on electronic circuits.

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Computer Hardware Engineer

A Computer Hardware Engineer designs, develops, tests, and manufactures computer hardware, including processors, memory, and storage devices. This course may be useful for Computer Hardware Engineers because it introduces the basic principles of circuit design and analysis, with a focus on digital circuits.

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Telecommunications Engineer

A Telecommunications Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains telecommunications systems, including wired and wireless networks, and satellite communications systems. This course may be useful for Telecommunications Engineers because it introduces the basic principles of circuit design and analysis, with a focus on analog and digital communications circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Telecommunications Engineer

Power Systems Engineer

A Power Systems Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains power systems, including power generation, transmission, distribution, and control systems. This course may be useful for Power Systems Engineers because it introduces the basic principles of circuit design and analysis, with a focus on power systems circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Power Systems Engineer

Control Systems Engineer

A Control Systems Engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains control systems, including feedback control systems, robotics, and process control systems. This course may be useful for Control Systems Engineers because it introduces the basic principles of circuit design and analysis, with a focus on control systems circuits.

See salaries and explore the career path for Control Systems Engineer

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, tests, and supervises the installation of electrical systems and equipment, including power generation, transmission, distribution, and control systems. This course may be useful for Electrical Engineers because it introduces the basic principles of circuit design and analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer