MITx: Circuits and Electronics 2: Amplification, Speed, and Delay course Syllabus

This course explores the principles of electronic amplification, speed, and delay in modern circuits, building on foundational circuit analysis. Over approximately 14–20 weeks, learners engage with rigorous theoretical and analytical content focused on transistor-based amplifier design, frequency response, and high-speed circuit behavior. With an estimated total effort of 120–150 hours, the course is structured into five core modules and a final project, emphasizing deep technical understanding over hands-on lab work.

Module 1: Transistor Fundamentals and Amplification

Estimated time: 30 hours

• Physics and operation of MOSFETs and BJTs
• Transistor biasing techniques
• Small-signal modeling of transistors
• Design and analysis of transistor amplifiers
• Gain and operating point stability

Module 2: Frequency Response and Bandwidth

Estimated time: 40 hours

• Capacitive effects in amplifier circuits
• Cutoff frequencies and bandwidth limitations
• Frequency-domain analysis using Bode plots
• Small-signal models at varying frequencies
• Midband, low-frequency, and high-frequency response

Module 3: Speed, Delay, and Dynamic Behavior

Estimated time: 40 hours

• Propagation delay in digital circuits
• Switching characteristics of transistors
• RC time constants and transient response
• Speed-power-reliability trade-offs
• Dynamic behavior in high-speed systems

Module 4: Applications in Modern Electronics

Estimated time: 30 hours

• Amplifier design for communication systems
• Signal integrity in digital logic circuits
• Advanced circuit analysis techniques
• Real-world applications in semiconductor and hardware design

Module 5: Advanced Analytical Techniques

Estimated time: 20 hours

• Mathematical modeling of amplifier performance
• Analysis of gain and bandwidth interactions
• Evaluation of circuit performance in computing and communication systems

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 20 hours

• Design and simulation of a multi-stage amplifier
• Analysis of frequency response and bandwidth
• Report on speed, delay, and design trade-offs

Prerequisites

• Completion of basic circuit analysis (e.g., Ohm’s Law, Kirchhoff’s Laws)
• Familiarity with passive components (resistors, capacitors, inductors)
• Basic understanding of semiconductor devices

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Analyze and design transistor-based amplifier circuits
• Interpret frequency response using Bode plots and cutoff frequencies
• Evaluate propagation delay and speed limitations in digital systems
• Apply advanced circuit analysis to real-world electronic design challenges
• Prepare for advanced studies or careers in semiconductor and hardware engineering