Simulation and Modelling for Electrical Engineering

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Design, write and debug Object-Oriented programs
• Use simple numerical programs to solve physical problems
• Use numerical simulation software for a range of practical applications and design questions.

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The use of programs for numerical solution of mathematical equations.
• The principles of Object-Oriented programming, including the concepts of inheritance, abstraction and polymorphism.
• Approaches for numerical simulation of electrical and electromagnetic fields and systems.

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Analyse, enhance and debug existing OO programs.
• Effectively integrate reusable OO libraries.
• Describe the most appropriate numerical approach for different electrical problems.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Model software systems before implementation.
• Address novel design challenges by choosing appropriate analysis and design methods.
• Select an appropriate numerical approach for different simple mathematical problems.
• Understand and choose appropriate commercial numerical simulation tools for different physical problems.

Advanced Programming

• Introduction to Object Oriented Programming (C++)
• Encapsulation; Classes; Objects; Inheritance; Polymorphism
• Programming in C++: The software lifecycle; Source code control; Testing
• Use of OO modelling tools, including UML
• Exception Handling; Storage (Files & Databases); Dynamic memory allocation
• Introduction to data structures; Trees and Graphs; Stacks queues and linked lists; Searching and sorting
• Programming Skills; Use of high-level program development tools; Collaborative programming

Numerical Programming

• Introduction to numerical simulation
• Numerical solution of ODEs
• Numerical simulation of PDEs

Numerical Analysis of Fields and Electrical Systems

• Methods for numerical integration
• Advanced methods for ODEs
• Software approaches for PDEs in Field Problems
• Method of Moments
• Finite Element Method
• Finite Difference Method (time domain problems)
• Finite Volume Method

Teaching and learning methods

The content of this module is delivered through lectures, module website, directed reading, pre-recorded materials and practical sessions.

Students work on their understanding through a combination of independent study, preparation for timetabled activities and tutorials.

Students work on their practical skills and professional skills through laboratory sessions and discussion tutorials.

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Software requirements. The student version of Orcad/PSpice and LTSpice

Laboratory space and equipment required. IC fabrication facilities

Online documents. Lecture notes and details of assignments and assessment schemes will be provided on line.

Textbooks

Spencer R R & Ghausi M S (2003). Introduction to Electronic Circuit Design. Prentice Hall.

Sedra A S & Smith K C (2004). Microelectronic Circuits. OUP.

Williams T (2005). The Circuit Designer's Companion. Newnes,.

Lidwell W, Holden K and Butler J (2010). Universal Principles of Design. Rockport Publishers Inc.

Assessment strategy

This module is assessed entirely by a combination of coursework exercises, presentations and reports, along with demonstrations.

There is no referral opportunity for this module.

There is no external repeat opportunity for this module.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal