Rock Valley College
Rockford, Illinois

Electronic Engineering Technology

Degree conferred: Associate in Applied Science – 66 credits
Program contact: Division of Business/Computers and Information Technology/Engineering and Technology, (815) 921-3101.

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Program overview

Work and employment

Transfer opportunities

Course requirements

Electives

Course Descriptions

 

Program overview

Graduates of the EET program have the necessary skills to use electronic test equipment to make measurements, understand electrical schematics and blueprints, analyze electronic circuits and understand fundamental design concepts, relate the principles of electrical circuits to hydraulic circuits and pneumatics. The graduates are ready to support manufacturing, design test equipment, produce and test products, and to assist in product development.

Work and employment

Successful graduates secure positions as test equipment designers, quality assurance and reliability specialists, sales and service professionals, telecom technicians, medical equipment experts, or as part of a manufacturing support team.

Hands-on learning
Most EET classes include a hands-on laboratory component taught by instructors with industrial experience. You will learn how to use electronic test equipment like oscilloscopes, function generators, and digital multi-meters.

Transfer opportunities

Graduates have the option to pursue a baccalaureate from Northern Illinois University and other select
universities.

Certificates available
–    Basics Electronics Certificate
–    Electronics

Course Requirements

Core requirements: 50 credits

  EET 125 Electronic Fabrications Skills (2)
  EET 135 Digital Electronics (4)
  EET 141 DC/AC Circuits & Electronics I (4)
  EET 142 DC/AC Circuits & Electronics II (4)
  EET 240 DC/AC Circuits & Electronics III (4)
  EET 251 Microcontrollers & Interfacing (4)
  EET 254 Robotics & Automated Systems (3)
  EET 282 Capstone Project (3)
  EET 298 EET Seminar (3)
  MET 111 CNC Machining (3)
  MET 100 Intro CAD & Blueprint Reading (3)
  MET 146 Hydraulics, Pneumatics, & PLCs (3)
  MET 162 Applied Physics (4)


Electives

Select 6 credits from the following:

 

EET 168

EET 219

EET 231

Electronic Engineering Technology Internship, or

Fundamentals of Electric Motors and Controls, or

Transform Circuit Analysis

(1-6)

(3)

(4)

 

EET 239

EET 242

EET 261

EET 265

EET 275

EET 285

EET 299

EGR 101

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), or

Sensors, Transducers, and Signal Conditioning, or

Control Systems, or

Advanced Microcontrollers, or

Audio Electronic Systems, or

Wireless Electronics, or

Introduction to Digital Signal Processing, or

Special Topics in Electronics Engineering Technology, or

Introduction to Engineering

 

(3)

       

*    EET    242    Sensors, Transducers, and Signal Conditioning, or
*    EET    245    Control Systems, or            (3)
*    EET    261    Advanced Microcontrollers, or        (3)
*    EET    265    Audio Electronic Systems, or        (3)
*    EET    275    Wireless Electronics, or            (3)
*    EET    285    Introduction to Digital Signal Processing, or            (3)
*    EET    299    Special Topics in Electronic Engineering Technology, or        (1-6)
*    EGR    101    Introduction to Engineering        (2)

General Education Course Requirements:            (16 credits)
*    ENG    101    Composition I                (3)
*    ENG    110    Technical Writing                 (3)
*    MTH    125    Plane Trigonometry, or             (3)
*    MTH    132    Precalculus Mathematics, or        (5)
*    MTH    100    Technical Mathematics            (5)

Science Electives: Select 4 credits from the following:
    PHY    201    Mechanics and Heat, or            (4)
    CHM    101    General Inorganic Chemistry, or (4)
    BIO    103    Introductory Life Science and        (3)
    BIO    104    Intro Life Science Laboratory, or     (1)
    BIO    106    Environmental Science and            (3)
    BIO    107    Environmental Science Lab            (1)
General Education Elective: Select 3 credits from the Liberal Arts Area (Example: ART, ECO, ENG, SOC, etc.)

*Course has a prerequisite—refer to course descriptions below.



Course Descriptions

EET-100
Introduction to Electronics

IAI: None
Introduction to Electronics presents a series of lecture demonstrations on electronics theory and practical applications. The course attempts to develop student interest in electronics and provides a general survey of the electronics area of study. Students learn to apply electronics in daily life, basic calculations, and measurement skills. Laboratory activities include working with a digital multimeter and soldering on PCB. This course is a general survey course for non-electronics majors only.
Prerequisite: None
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

EET-105
Introduction to Sustainable Energy

IAI: None
Introduction to Sustainable Energy describes force, work, energy, and power as related to alternative-energy systems. The fundamental operation of the electric power grid is described. The focus of this course is on small business and residential applications of distributed renewable-energy electrical-generation systems like small wind turbines, photovoltaic systems, and fuel cells. Geothermal systems and active/passive solar water heating that can reduce the consumption of electrical energy are also explained. Local, state, and national codes (e.g., the National Electric Code) are introduced. Other critical tasks such as performing site feasibility studies, energy audits, and developing energy-efficiency improvement measures are explained. This course helps you prepare for the Renewable Energy Systems Integrator in Training examination offered by the Electronics Technicians Association,International.
Prerequisite: MTH-094 or MTH-096A, or consent of instructor
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

EET-107
Introduction to Codes and Standards

IAI: None
Introduction to Codes and Standards introduces you to the National Electric Code (NEC) and explains how this code relates to renewable energy systems ? notably photovoltaics, small wind turbines, fuel cells, and other electrical-generation systems. The importance of other codes and standards at the national, state, and local levels is explained. This course helps you prepare for the Alternative Energy Hybrid Systems Integrator Level I Certification examination by the Electronics Technicians Association.
Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in EET 105 and EET 141, or consent of instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

EET-125
Electronics Fabrication Skills

IAI: None
This laboratory course covers chassis wiring, cable assembly techniques, and proper handling precautions of the materials used in the fabrication and repair of electronic equipment. Material Safety Data (MSD) sheets are explained. Proper hand tool usage and safety is emphasized throughout the course. Surface Mount Technology (SMT)projects will be constructed. Designing a Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) using CAD software is also covered.
Prerequisite: MTH-094 or MTH-096S with a C or higher.
Credit: 2 semester hours
Lecture: 1 Lab: 3

EET-135
Digital Electronics

IAI: EGR 932
Digital Electronics introduces the theory and application of digital logic circuits. Topics include basic combinational logic with applications and basic sequential logic with applications. Examples are presented using discrete logic IC's and programmable logic devices (PLDs). electrical considerations related to digital logic circuits are also addressed.
Prerequisite: EET 141 and MTH 125 (or MTH 100 or MTH 132) or consent of instructor
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 2

EET-141
DC/AC Circuits and Electronics I

IAI: None
The DC/AC Circuits and Electronics I develops techniques for circuit analysis and introduces electronic devices. Topics include: units and number notation, significant digits and rounding. Electrical charge, energy, current, voltage, resistance and Ohm's Law are studied. Electrical conductors and wire tables, fuses and circuit breakers, are covered. Voltage and current sources are defined. Solid-state physics, rectifier and zener diodes, thermistors, positive tempco resistors, and optoelectronic devices are presented. Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws including their application in the mesh and modal analysis techniques are examined. The sine wave and diode application circuits are covered. Superposition, Thevenin's theorem, and Norton's theorem are used. Biploar junction transistors are introduced including their use as amplifiers and switches. Capacitors, inductors, energy storage and transient analysis are included. Laboratory activities include learning to use the gigital multimeter, DC power supplies, signal generators, and the oscilloscope. Laboratory activities also include using EDA (Electronic Design Automation) via Multisim. Laboratory documentation employing Microsoft Word and Excel is also eplained.
Prerequisite: MTH-094 or MTH-096S; Credit or concurrent enrollment in MTH 125 (or MTH 100, MTH 132) or consent of instructor
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 3

EET-142
DC/AC Circuits and Electronics II

IAI: None
DC/AC Circuits and Electronics II is a continuation of EET 141. The phasor concept is introduced including polar/rectangular conversions and phasor arithmetic. Reactance, impedance, susceptance, and admittance are covered. The universal amplifier model and decibels are used. BJT biasing and the common-emitter amplifier are studied. Field effect transistors are explained along with the common-source amplifier. The operational amplifier and its use as an inverting, non-inverting, and differential amplifier are covered. High- and low- pass filters are examined.
Prerequisite: EET 141 and MTH 125 (or MTH 100, MTH 132) or consent of instructor
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 3

EET-168
Electronic Engineering Tech Intern

IAI: None
EET Internship requires a supervised experience in the field of electronic engineering technology using a cooperative training plan agreed to by the instructor, participating firm, and student. The student must submit an application to the instructor prior to mid-term of the previous semester and requires consent of the instructor or Associate Dean. Variable credit may be earned up to 6 credit hours may be earned.
Prerequisite: current enrollment in the Electronic Engineering Technology or the Sustainable Energy System degree programs,completion of at least 20 credits in EET or SES courses, and sophomore class standing.
Credit: 1-6 semester hours
Lecture: 0 Lab: 5-30

EET-190
Sustainable Electrical Energy Generation

IAI: None
Sustainable Electrical Energy Generation describes the operation of photovoltaic (PV) systems comprised of solar modules, batteries, battery chargers, and inverters to produce power-grid-quality ac voltage. Wind turbines are also studied including generators, alternators, rectification, inverters, and resistive loading during periods of light loading. Fuel cell characteristics, control and monitoring are also explored. The integration of these three technologies is also investigated. Microhydro generation of electrical power is introduced. Safety considerations and electrical codes are emphasized throughout the course. This course helps you prepare for the Alternative Energy Hybrid Systems Integrator Level I Certification by the Electronics Technicians Association.
Prerequisite: EET 107; credit or concurrent enrollment in EET-142 and MET-162, or consent of instructor
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

EET-219
Fundamentals of Electric Motors & Contro

IAI: None
Fundamentals of Electric Motors and Controls introduces the fundamentals of dc, single-phase ac, and three-phase ac motors and controls. Topics include: basic magnetic theory, motor characterisitics and construction, various types of electromechanical and electronic motor controls, dc and ac generators, transformers, and stepper motors. Lab exercises are coordinated with lecture presentations.
Prerequisite: MET-162, EET 142, and MTH 100 (or MTH 125 or MTH 132); or consent of instructor
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

EET-231
Transform Circuit Analysis

IAI: None
Transform Circuit Analysis reviews DC and AC circuit theory including Thevenin's, Norton's, and the superposition theorem. Mesh and nodal analyses are covered. Waveform descriptions and time-domain solutions are developed. Differential equations are generated and solutions developed using Laplace transform methods. Transform circuit analysis is emphasized. Pole-zero analysis, driving-point impedance, and transfer functions are introduced. Computer assignments using PSpice are required. Circuit concepts are illustrated through classroom demonstrations and laboratory experiments.
Prerequisite: Credit in EET 240 and MTH 135 or consent of the instructor.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 2

EET-239
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

IAI: None
Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) introduces the application and programming of powerful and flexible devices for industrial control systems. Topics include: ladder logic, PLC programming, program documentation, and PLC input/output requirements. Laboratory exercises include hands-on work with a small PLC system to complete PLC projects
Prerequisite: EET 142 and EET 135, or consent of instructor
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

EET-240
DC/AC Circuits and Electronics III

IAI: None
DC/AC Circuits and Electronics III is a continuation of EET 142. The use of phasors to describe ac circuits is used for impedance and admittance calculations. The frequency response of an amplifier system is described. Active filters are introduced. Negative feedback and frequency compensation to avoid oscillations are explored. Sinusoidal oscillators are examined. AC power topics including true power, reactive power, apparent power, and power factor correction are covered. Class A, AB, and D power amplifiers are studied. Solid-state power switches are described. Linear and switching dc power supplies are studied. Electronic Design Automation is used extensively to simulate the circuits constructed in the laboratory. Laboratory activities include using oscilloscopes and signal generators. Students will be expected to use Microsoft Word and Excel to prepare their laboratory reports.
Prerequisite: EET 142 or consent of instructor
Credit: 4
Lecture: 3 Lab: 3

EET-242
Sensors, Transducers, & Signal Cond

IAI: None
Sensors, Transducers, and Signal-Conditioning presents all components of a modern instrumentation system including sensors and transducers, signal conditioning, data collection and display. Sensors for various physicals quantities are discussed, including: temperature, pressure, strain, acceleration, and displacement. Laboratory activities are coordinated with the lecture topics.
Prerequisite: MET 162 and EET 240 or consent of instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

EET-245
Control Systems

IAI: None
Control Systems introduces basic industrial control systems. Topics include: on-off control, several forms of proportional analog control, digital control, and fuzzy logic control. Related topics such as feedback sensors and stability concerns are studied. Laboratory activities are coordinated with the lecture topics.
Prerequisite: MET 162 and EET 240 or consent of the instructor
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

EET-251
Microcontrollers and Interfacing

IAI: None
EET 251 introduces the student to microcontroller architecture and C programming for embedded control applications. The course deals with the logical development of programs with appropriate software documentation, and the associated hardware interfacing. Professional programming and debugging tools are used throughout the course. Laboratory work includes writing programs and building hardware for various applications.
Prerequisite: EET 135 and EET-142 or consent of instructor.
Credit: 4 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 2

EET-254
Robotics and Automated Systems

IAI: None
EET 254 introduces the students to the mechanical,electrical, and electronic components used in robotics and automated systems. The students will learn essential terminology used in robotics andthe basic operation of robots in the automated manufacturing. The course deals with analog-to-digital (ADC), and digital-to-analog (DAC) conversion for interfacing of the component. The students will introduce to the programming software used for automated system. Laboratory work includes interfacing the various components properly, and writing a programs, and the robot programming language in a group, and/or individual projects. the course provides the opportunity for a nationally-recognized Fanuc certification.
Prerequisite: EET 141 and MET 162; or consent of instructor
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

EET-261
Advanced Microcontrollers

IAI: None
Advanced Microcontrollers presents microcontrollers for solving basic control problems. Hardware interfacing and software design are studied. The instruction centers on the more popular low-cost microcontrollers. Laboratory activities are coordinated with the lectures and include one or more design projects.
Prerequisite: EET 251
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

EET-265
Audio Electronic Systems

IAI: None
Audio Electronic Systems introduces the fundamentals of electronic systems for reproduction or reinforcement of sound. This course presents an overview of acoustics and all components of an audio system, including: input transducers (microphones), digital and analog signal processors, amplifiers, and output transducers (loudspeakers). Various analog and digital recording technologies are explored. Laboratory exercises are coordinated with lecture topics.
Prerequisite: EET 240 or consent of instructor
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

EET-275
Wireless Electronics

IAI: None
Wireless Electronics introduces the basic principles of electronic communications, radio frequency identification (RFID), and remote passive and powered sensors such as those based on surface acoustical wave (SAW) devices. Resonant circuits are studied. Amplitude-, frequency-, and phase modulation and demodulation techniques are covered. Transmission lines and antennas are also explored.
Prerequisite: EET 240 or consent of instructor
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

EET-277
Geothermal, Solar Heating & Lighting

IAI: None
Geothermal, Solar Heating and Lighting introduces you to passive and active solar heating, direct and indirect systems, open and closed loops. Geothermal systems for heating and cooling are studied. Various earth loops including horizontal, vertical, pond/lake, and open well-water systems are discussed. Heat pump operation is explored. Solar cooling concepts including reflected cooling, convection cooling, and radiation cooling systems are presented. Solar day lighting including reflected, solar tubes, skylights, and clerestory windows are explained. Various local municipal codes, state and national standards and codes are considered. This course helps to prepare you for the Alternative Energy Hybrid System Integrator Level II examination by the Electronics Technicians Association.
Prerequisite: EET-190 and MET-162, and credit of concurrent enrollment in EET-240, or consent of instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

EET-282
EET Capstone Project

IAI: None
EET282 is a project-based experience that allows the student to apply basic and advanced principles covered in other courses. Students will work individually or in teams to select a project with the consent of the faculty advisor. Project schedule management is emphasized. Project parameters and specifications will be developed. A budget will be established. Approaches to final testing to verify the specifications have been met by the design will be addressed.
Prerequisite: EET 240 and EET 251, or consent of instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

EET-285
Intro to Digital Signal Processing

IAI: None
Introduction to Digital Signal Processing presents fundamental sampled data systems and digital signal processing (DSP) as an alternative to traditional analog techniques. Topics include: Nyquist criteria, convolution and transform techniques, Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) digital filters, and Finite Impulse Response (FIR) digital filters. The required mathematics is covered. Laboratory activities include using signal generators, oscilloscopes, and commercial DSP evaluation board and software.
Prerequisite: EET 240 and EET 251, consent of instructor
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 2 Lab: 2

EET-298
EET Seminar

IAI: None
EET298 is a weekly discussion regarding current events in the electronics industry. Topics may include sensors, integrated circuits, microcontrollers, robotics, alternative energy, power electronics, modeling and simulation. Students will select topics of interest, research the topics, prepare a written report, and lead a class discussion.
Prerequisite: EET 240 and EET 251; or consent of instructor.
Credit: 3 semester hours
Lecture: 3 Lab: 0

EET-299
Special Topics in Electrical Engr Tech

IAI: None
Special Topics in Electronic Engineering Technology explores specific applications, skills, or interest in modern electronic technology. A special topic requires: adequate and available materials on a specific electronics-related issue, a comprehensive course outline, instructor expertise, student and community interest, and ability to increase skill and/or knowledge in electronic engineering technology. Variable credit up to six credit hours may be earned.
Prerequisite: determined by the special topic
Credit: 1-6 semester hours
Lecture: 1-6 Lab: 0-4