Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - MSE 491 D200

Special Topic in Mechatronic Systems Engineering (3)

Advanced Electronic Circuits

Class Number: 6710

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Surrey

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 21, 2026
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    To be determined by instructor subject to approval by the department chair.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Studies in areas not included within the undergraduate course offerings of the engineering science program.

COURSE DETAILS:

1 Review Op-Amp theory and circuits
2 Op Amp design (BJT, MOSFET, JFET circuits)
3 Op-Amp design and performance (Input, Output, Stability, Compensation, effect of stray capacitance.
4 Op-Amp circuits for Instrumentation.
5 Modern differential signalling, V25 (XLR), transmission line modelling, Fully differential Op-Amp circuits
6 PCB design for analog signals, trace impedances, impedance matching, use of ground planes and cutouts.
7 Analog to Digital (A/D) conversion, D/A conversion, I2C and I2S data connections
8 Electrical Noise Definitions and types, Noise analysis
9 Signal conditioning filters, integrators, multiplier, Phase Locked Loop
10 Class D Power Amplifiers
11 Comparator circuits, Delta-Sigma A/D, Bitstream D/A
12 Microcontroller Analog circuit interface functions

Prerequisite: 80 credits. MSE 251 (or ENSC 225), Students with credit for ENSC 325, may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Introduction to advanced topics in electronic circuit design. The emphasis will be on circuits and devices which are needed by mechatronics engineers in practice. A practical course on the analysis and synthesis of circuits for analog signal processing in mechatronics. Topics include the latest principles of analog signal handling, Op-Amp principles and features, Electrical Noise, Industry standard protocols for digitised analog signals, principles of PCB layout design and applications.

Grading

  • Lab write Ups 25%
  • Lab Attendance 15%
  • 4 Quizzes 20%
  • Midterm 20%
  • Final 20%

NOTES:

Most labs include an LTSPICE circuit simulation and use of a Raspberry Pi Pico programmed with MicroPython (for beginners) as part of the testing.

Note: Not all Lab Experiments will have a write-up. Attendance and Labs also include a mini project PCB using KiCad and hopefully building and testing the boards.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Books:
(for the very committed)
Analysis and Design of Analog Integrated Circuits 5e, Gray, Hurst, Lewis and Mayer, Wiley 2009
(more general and better coverage)
Sedra,Smith,Carusone and Gaudet, Microelectronic Circuits.
(example free online resource)
https://www.ti.com/design-resources/design-tools-simulation/analog-circuits/amplifier-circuits.html
MSE Toolkit

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.