Electrical Engineering

This course emphasizes clear, correct, concise technical communication in the electronics field. Students learn how to organize technical information, write routine emails and letters, write a resume and application letter for co-op or a summer job in the field, and give short, informative presentations to small groups.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This is a six hour, non-credit course designed to help students cope with the extensive workload and provide additional information about the Electrical and Computer Engineering programs. Topics covered include introduction to technology, teamwork, time management, study skills, safety, the coop program, and diploma and degree options.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course covers the methods for investigating the behavior of direct current (dc) circuits whose circuit quantities (voltage, current) do not vary with time. The fundamental circuit laws developed by Kirchhoff and Ohm are applied to circuit analyses. Networks comprised of series, parallel, series/parallel and non-series/parallel interconnected branches are analyzed. Specialized circuit analysis methods: Thévenin’s, Norton’s, maximum power transfer, source transformation and superposition are applied to circuits. The application of nodal and mesh analyses to determine all voltages and currents in a circuit is developed. Laboratory sessions relate theory to practice.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course introduces the engineering problem solving techniques and the processes for the design and manufacture of electronic appliances. The design of a printed circuit board using Electronic Design Automation is undertaken. Basic electrical and mechanical hand assembly methods including: component and wire soldering, component mounting, interconnect wiring, and cable harnessing are used to construct a DC Power Supply. Functional testing is performed to demonstrate the completed unit complies with its product specifications.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course describes why digital logic circuits have become ubiquitous, and introduces approaches to methodical design of such circuits. Decimal, Hexadecimal, and Binary number systems are described, and techniques are introduced for converting from one system to another. Binary codes for representing numerical and alphanumerical information are discussed. Basic definitions and common elements of binary logic systems are developed. Common representations of digital logic functions and circuits are introduced, including truth tables, waveform representations, schematics, distinctive symbols and Boolean expressions. Digital logic circuits using switches, LEDs and electronic gates are discussed. Logic sources are defined and interfaced to combinational logic circuits. Steady-state design characteristics of digital Integrated Circuits (IC’s) are reviewed using data sheets and this information is used to interface to real life devices. Simulation software is introduced and used to investigate logic circuits. Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs) are discussed, and systems for programming of such devices are introduced. The lecture material is reinforced by a series of lab assignments that develop skills in designing and creating prototype circuits using common logic elements.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course covers methods for solving systems of linear equations with application to DC networks. Logarithmic and exponential functions and their application to electric transients, decibels and linearization of power and exponential relationships are discussed. Students will learn about trigonometric functions, circular motion, graphing sinusoidal functions and addition of sinusoids. In addition, students will carry out the representation and arithmetic of complex numbers with application to AC circuit analysis.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course is a general physics course that emphasizes topics of special relevance to electronics. Topics covered include kinematics and dynamics of translational and rotational motion, conservation of energy, stress and strain of materials and simple harmonic motion. Calculus terminology and concepts will be introduced in select topics. The laboratory exercises stress measurement, data analysis, and experimental techniques as they relate to the lecture material. Technological applications are identified throughout the course.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course is an introduction to the behavior of electrical circuits and networks when driven by single and multiple alternating current (AC) sources. Topics include the sine wave (average and effective values); power and power factor; resistance, capacitance and inductance as elements in AC circuits; phasor diagrams; analysis of AC circuits with complex algebra; resonance and resonant circuits; high pass and low pass filters; the application of circuit laws and theorems to AC circuits; and coupled circuits. The circuit theory is verified using multimeters, wattmeters, function generators, dual trace oscilloscopes and circuit simulation software.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in ELEX 1105 and 50% in MATH 1431

This course builds on the knowledge gained in ELEX 1117. Specifically students will study and analyze: sequential logic devices; latches; synchronous counters; count decoders and display systems; shift registers; serial and parallel data manipulation circuits; parallel data paths; state diagrams and state machines to design sequential logic systems. An HDL programming language will be introduced and used to solve design problems. Graphical and HDL design/simulation software development tools will be used in the laboratory. Hardware development/analysis tools will consist of a PLD or FPGA development board, a prototype board (with various DIP LSI/MSI ICs), a DMM and an oscilloscope in the laboratory.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in COMM 1143 and 50% in ELEX 1105 and 50% in ELEX 1117 and 50% in MATH 1431

This is an introductory electronic circuit course that provides the foundation for subsequent electronics courses. The course explains how electronic circuits work and how to analyze, design, modify and combine them to perform complex functions. Laboratory work emphasizes logical circuit layout and wiring and the use of common test equipment to analyze and troubleshoot electronic circuits.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in COMM 1143 and 50% in ELEX 1105 and 50% in MATH 1431

This course provides an introduction to C programming and software development. The course focuses on structured program development using the C language. Students will also learn to document code, debug programs and to utilize software libraries.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course covers differentiation and integration with applications to electronics, electrical engineering and physics. The derivative and rules of differentiation are discussed. Differentiation of polynomial, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic, composite and implicit functions is considered. The rules of differentiation are applied to related rate problems, max/min problems, differentials and the Taylor series. Indefinite and definite integrals are introduced and applied to circuit problems and to calculations of area, average value and rms value. Various analytical and numerical integration techniques, including change of variables, integration by parts, table lookup, numerical integration and partial fractions, are addressed. The trigonometric Fourier series and line spectrum are discussed.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in MATH 1431

This course builds on the knowledge gained in PHYS 1143. Topics include electrostatics, elementary electrodynamics, magnetism, magnetic materials, electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic waves, diffraction and interference of waves, heat and thermal energy, and geometric optics. Calculus will be introduced in select topics. The accompanying laboratory program emphasizes measurement, data analysis, and experimental techniques as they relate to lecture materials. Technological applications are identified throughout the course.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in PHYS 1143

In this course students write an operating manual, formatted as a formal report, incorporating technical descriptions, instructions, and graphics.
Prerequisite(s):

• COMM 1143^† (^† may be taken concurrently)

This course introduces the relevant codes, standards and practices associated with electrical technologists and engineers. Students will learn the importance of these codes and understand the regulatory bodies that govern the practice of engineers and technologists.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of data communication and networking. Topics include the physical characteristics of wired, fiber-optic and wireless media, basic Local Area Network (LAN) topologies, network interface controllers, Internet Protocol (IP) addressing, basic switches and routers and the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model for communication systems. Students will also learn basic troubleshooting techniques.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course provides an introduction to organizing and formatting information with spreadsheet software including the use of macros.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

In this course, students build on the technical communication skills learned in COMM 1143. Students prepare persuasive messages and visuals for reports and presentations. Students will present a short, persuasive oral presentation.
Prerequisite(s):

• COMM 1243

This course focuses on electronics as it applies to measurement and feedback control systems. The first half of this course involves the analysis and design of common operational amplifier (op-amp) circuits and examines the op-amps non-ideal characteristics in terms of circuit performance. The second half of this course will engage students in studying the behaviour of first- and second-order systems.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 2105 and ELEX 2120 and MATH 3433^† (^† may be taken concurrently)

This course introduces the student to the principles and techniques used in the industrial measurement of pressure, level, temperature, strain and humidity. Topics include pressure and level transmitters, temperature transducers, and strain gauges. Labs will apply the principles of the above topics and the latest in smart transmitter technology to various industrial and commercial applications.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 2105 and MATH 2431 and PHYS 2143

Using a simple microcontroller system as a vehicle, this course introduces the single-chip microcontroller as a fundamental component of modern control and data acquisition systems. Course topics include: memory technologies; CPU architecture; low-level programming and instruction execution; general purpose (digital) input and output; interrupts; analog to digital converters; timers; pulse-width modulation; and serial communications. A PC-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and a single board microcontroller system are used. A strong emphasis is placed on software design and debugging methods.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in ELEX 2117 and 50% in ELEX 2125

This course explores the practice of engineering and the role of engineers in society. Topics include professional associations, ethics, equity, design and development, standards, and intellectual property.
Prerequisite(s):

• (COMM 1143 and COMM 1243) or COMM 2269 or COMM 2451

This course covers basic concepts of ordinary differential equations, Laplace transforms and introductory probability and statistics. Topics covered throughout will use examples relevant to electronics technology. Ordinary differential equations topic coverage includes: first and second order ordinary linear differential equations and initial value problems. Laplace transform topic coverage includes: step and impulse functions, Laplace transforms of functions and mathematical operations, inverse Laplace transforms, solution of differential equations using Laplace transforms, circuit analysis in the s-domain, transfer functions and pole-zero plots. Probability and statistics coverage includes: descriptive statistics and data presentation, probability, probability distributions and linear regression.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 2431

This course covers methods and concepts of linear algebra including vectors, matrices and matrix operations, determinants, linear transformations, matrix decomposition, matrix diagonalization, eigenvalues and eigenvectors and the matrix exponential. The course also covers analytical methods for solving ordinary differential equations of first, second and higher orders as well as systems of differential equations. Course topics will be approached throughout with an emphasis on modeling of engineering systems in the electrical, mechanical, heat transfer and control systems fields. Some exposure to Matlab or equivalent mathematical software will be provided in this course. Students will use the software to assist with calculations in this course.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 3433^† (^† may be taken concurrently)

This course provides an overview of the basic principles in general chemistry with practical applications. Topics covered include: atomic structure, theories of bonding and molecular structure, introduction to quantum mechanics, stoichiometry, physical properties of molecules and materials, chemical equilibrium and electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry. The material shows the relevance of chemistry in engineering, emphasizing true problem-solving over simple algebraic mastery.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course continues to build on previous programming skills with the introduction of object-oriented programming techniques. C++ classes and the related topics of abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and function and operator overloading are covered. The C++ standard library is covered for both console and file input/output data manipulation, as well as more recent additions to the library such as threads. C++ string manipulation techniques will be used to implement a custom serial communication protocol. The use of C++ in complex, time-critical, applications is motivated through the development of a machine vision application using the open source C++ library OpenCV. Advanced data structures such as vectors and linked lists for dynamic memory allocation will also be introduced. Development will take place on both Windows and Linux operating systems to investigate cross-platform development.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 3305

This course begins with partial derivatives with associated applications involving concepts such as extrema and Lagrange multipliers. Multiple integrals and applications in various coordinate systems are then covered. Theory and applications are then extended to vector functions and operators, line and surface integrals and integral theorems such as Stokes', Green's, and Gauss' theorems. Emphasis will be placed on applications in electromagnetism.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 3620

This course develops the fundamental concepts of classical mechanics (statics and dynamics). Topics include linear and rotational kinematics, relative motion, force vectors, force system resultants, moments, centroids, free body diagrams, particle and rigid body equilibrium, structural analysis, Newton's laws, and work and energy. This course uses of a variety of mathematical tools including vector/matrix algebra, linear and non-linear equations, and differential/integral/vector calculus. Lab work consists of both physical experiments and numerical simulations (students will write computer programs using Matlab or C/C++ code), both of which illustrate fundamental physical concepts (mass, force, equilibrium, inertia).
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 4620^† and PHYS 2143 (^† may be taken concurrently)

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of heat, work and energy. The first law of thermodynamics is introduced and used to analyse engineering devices such as compressors and turbines. Air, steam and refrigerants are used as working fluids. The second law of thermodynamics is used to evaluate the direction in which real processes occur. Entropy is used to evaluate irreversibility in real processes and to quantify the efficiency of devices. Power and refrigeration cycles are introduced and the first and second laws are used to perform engineering analysis of the cycles. Mixtures of air and water vapor are also discussed.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 2431 and PHYS 2143

This course is designed to provide the engineering students with an overview of the marketing concept, and how to leverage marketing strategies and effective communication for enterprise and personal success. It includes strategic analysis, market research techniques, marketing strategies, and report and presentation optimization. Lectures are designed to build a solid foundation of marketing and business communication fundamentals. Labs are geared toward applying these fundamentals, and to finding solutions to relevant marketing challenges. Students will be expected to present their solutions to the class both orally and in written report format. Assignments will be both individual and group based.
Prerequisite(s):

• COMM 3690

This course provides an introduction to the materials used in engineering, including metals, polymers, ceramics and semiconductors. Macroscopic properties, such as mechanical strength, elastic modulus and electrical conductivity, are dominated by structure and bonding. The microstructure of materials is examined and related to the macroscopic properties for the different materials classes. Topics such as phase diagrams, solid state transformations, fracture and corrosion are included. Testing and measurement of mechanical and physical properties will be performed in the laboratory sessions.
Prerequisite(s):

• CHEM 3615

This course builds on the prerequisite core courses to explore in greater depth the methods in linear circuit analysis and transistor circuit design. The course begins by covering generalized circuit analysis techniques including any combination of dependent and independent current and voltage sources. The concept of duality and dual circuits is discussed. Laplace Transform, transfer function, frequency response and their role in circuit analysis are coveredQualitative device physics for the MOS Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET) is then presented, with the large and small signal models for the MOSFET discussed. Single stage amplifiers using the MOSFET are analyzed using the small signal model. The MOSFET’s usage as an electronic switch is reviewed, and its applications in modern electronics are introduced.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 3120 and MATH 3433 and MATH 4620

This course is a detailed treatment of classical electromagnetic theory. In the beginning, physical units and fundamental vector algebra are introduced. Static and dynamic field equations are presented, leading to Maxwell's Equations. Solutions to Maxwell's Equations for numerous practical configurations are covered, encompassing complex geometries, real materials, wave propagation, power, and energy. These basics provide the foundation for circuit theory, wireless transmission, and electromechanical energy conversion, as well as other areas of electrical engineering.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 4620 and PHYS 2143

This course builds on the mathematics, electrical, and mechanical courses to provide a foundation for the analysis and design of engineering systems. In particular, linear system theory is developed for use in further study of signal processing, feedback control and communications. Treatment of both signals and systems is dealt with, with emphasis on continuous time analysis techniques in both the time and frequency domains. Techniques for system modelling, validation, and analysis are explored in the laboratory component of the course. MatLab will be used extensively as a computer tool.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 7520^† and MATH 4620 and MECH 4630^† (^† may be taken concurrently)

This is a course in advanced composition and rhetoric, in which students will develop skills in complex critical analysis and interpretation by analyzing and evaluating materials from a variety of discourses or genres, including visual, online, and print; developing and writing essays, including critiques and research papers; applying and discussing principles of rhetoric and critical theory; examining and using methods of interpretation and analysis from the humanities and social sciences; evaluating the credibility of primary and secondary sources, including as it applies to media literacy, and for the purposes of academic research; situating discourses within their historical context and relevant to rhetorical theories of different periods (for example, Aristotle in the ancient world and Bakhtin in the twentieth century). The course format will include lecture, discussion, and both individual and group activities.
Prerequisite(s):

• BCIT ENGL 1177 or equivalent, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.

The course covers random variables, calculus of relevant probability distribution models (binomial, geometric, hypergeometric, Poisson, uniform, exponential, Weibull, normal distributions etc), stochastic processes, large and small sample estimation and hypothesis testing, goodness of fit, an introduction to simple and multiple linear regression, and some time series analysis. A statistical calculator and MATLAB will be utilized. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 3433

​This course introduces mathematical formulas applicable to solving time value of money problems. Topics include compound interest, equivalence of cash flows, the focal date method, equivalent interest rates, annuities, future and present worth, and deferred annuities.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course examines the fundamental components of modern electric power systems, from generation to consumption. Building upon the principles of electric circuit theory and magnetic field theory, the following topics are studied: three-phase power, transformers, induction machines, synchronous machines. Laboratory experiments reinforce theory, and provide experience with safe Power Lab practice. Labs include three phase AC circuits, power factor correction, three-phase power and harmonics, magnetic circuits and transformers, power transformers, induction machines and synchronous machines.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 3120 and ELEX 7530 and MATH 4620 and MECH 4630

This course covers important topics in continuous-time signal processing and discrete-time signal processing. It includes a general treatment of analog filter types, and the transfer functions for various classical filter types. Transformations from normalized low-pass to high-pass, band-pass, band-reject are covered. Various circuits to realize the resulting transfer functions are analyzed and implemented in the laboratory. Fourier Series and the various related transformations are covered. Spectrum representation of digitized waveforms is examined. Sampling and aliasing are examined, followed by an introduction to basic analysis and design strategies for finite impulse response (FIR) filters. The Z transform is developed, followed by an examination of recursive digital filters. Various s-plane to z-plane transformations are presented, and design techniques for recursive digital filters are covered.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 3210 and ELEX 7610 and MATH 4620

​This course introduces the student to the principles of baseband and carrier-based communications. The student is introduced to the description and analysis of signals and modulation principles and methods. Analog amplitude modulation, analog frequency modulation, and digital modulation methods are covered, both in terms of principles and applications in transmitters and receivers. System performance in the presence of noise and noise mitigation strategies are discussed. Application of the concepts in communication systems is highlighted.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 7520 and ELEX 7610 and ELEX 7620^† (^† may be taken concurrently)

This course trains the student to design digital hardware. Students learn to decompose problems and implement solutions using a combination of Register-Transfer Level (RTL) synthesis and third-party IP. Laboratory exercises and a project provide practice in problem decomposition and in effective implementation and verification strategies. Practical issues such as crossing clock domains, interface selection and hardware vs. software trade-offs are also covered. The course concentrates on FPGA technology and the use of Hardware Description Languages (HDLs) for synthesis. A significant portion of the course will be devoted to a project of the student's choosing.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 3305

​The course deals with environmental problems, Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and effects, sustainable energy and their resources and effects, the scientific background needed to understand these issues, and the role of engineers in solving relevant challenges. Topics covered include the science of global warming, ecology, energy resources, energy production and consumption, clean energy technology and systems, hazardous wastes, and environmental effects of product life cycles. Students will use knowledge learned to complete projects aimed at sustainable design. The scientific relationships among environmental issues, the need for clean/renewable energy, and sustainable engineering practice and design will be established and explained.
Prerequisite(s):

• CHEM 7105 or (CHEM 3615 and MECH 4640)

​This course covers economic and non-monetary considerations for making decisions on public and private sector civil and electrical engineering systems. Topics include rational decision making, cost concepts, time-value of money, cost-benefit analysis, and risk and uncertainty.
Prerequisite(s):

• 55% in CIVL 7011 or 50% in MATH 7510 or S in OPMT 7000
• CIVL 7011 - Only for students in the BEng Civil Engineering program; MATH 7510, OPMT 7000 - Only for students in the BEng Electrical Engineering program.

The course provides an overview of the basic skills of a manager and applies these skills through a series of projects and case studies. It examines the evolution of management and the organizational culture and environment. It also teaches the decision-making skills and the skills involved in planning, organizing, leading and controlling, including planning and facilitating change, teamwork, applying motivational techniques and effective communication.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course supports the work the students are doing in ELEX 7790. In this course, students build on the technical communication skills learned in COMM 1143, COMM 3690, and MKTG 4690. They will write a literature review, write a formal proposal, practice presentation skills, and continue to develop teamwork skills.
Prerequisite(s):

• COMM 3690 and MKTG 4690
• ELEX 7790^‡ (^‡ must be taken concurrently)

This courses involves in-depth study of digital transmission fundaments, data transfer limits, network switching techniques and network traffic control. The course also involves understanding OSI and IEEE layered architecture, peer-to-peer protocols, Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols, network topology. An in-depth study of TCP/IP, quality of service, DHCP and mobile IP, and queuing theory will be carried out.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 7640 and MATH 7510^† (^† may be taken concurrently)

This course covers the fundamental concepts of linear control systems theory and application. Linear, time invariant, continuous time systems are considered. System dynamic properties are analyzed in time and frequency domains. Concepts and tools of feedback theory are introduced including transfer functions, signal flow graphs, root locus, gain and phase margins, and stability criteria. PID control and its tuning formulae, rate feedback, lead, lag, and lead-lag compensation are developed. Practical issues such as nonlinearities and dead-time control are examined and methods for dealing with them are explored and dealt with in the lab. Experiments and computer simulations are combined with theory to reinforce analytical concepts. Students gain experience in using software for model simulation, controller design, and real time hardware-in-the-loop interface (MatLab, Simulink, and QuaRC).
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 7610

This course covers techniques for project management, as well as preparation and presentation of a detailed project proposal and engineering work plan. It draws on the expertise in engineering theory and design developed earlier in the program, and forms the first part of their capstone engineering design project. Students work in a small engineering team to plan and initiate a complex engineering project that has various diverse constraints. Students gain experience in understanding the application and need for a project idea, creating objectives and requirements, creating a proposed design and work plan, and engaging in initial activity to address significant elements of risk and uncertainty.
Prerequisite(s):

• COMM 3690 and ENGR 3800 and ELEX 7550 and ELEX 7620 and ELEX 7640 and ELEX 7660
• COMM 7790^‡ (^‡ must be taken concurrently)

​This course supports the work the students are doing in ELEX 7890. In this course, students prepare a professional career search package and practice interviewing skills. As well, they complete a formal research report which presents and analyzes the findings of a major project. They also learn how to present this information and analysis in an effective poster presentation.
Prerequisite(s):

• COMM 7790
• ELEX 7890^‡ (^‡ must be taken concurrently)

This course involves completion of the capstone engineering design project. The projects are typically multi-disciplinary in nature. Students work in teams to execute the project proposal that was developed by them in ELEX 7790. The course draws on expertise in engineering theory, design and project management developed earlier in the program, and brings their capstone engineering design project to an appropriate conclusion.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 7790
• COMM 7890^‡ (^‡ must be taken concurrently)

This course addresses key issues in engineering law, ethics and professionalism. The course content promotes critical thinking about legal, moral, and ethical issues that electrical engineers face. Topics covered include contracts, torts, partnerships, liens, engineering liability, patents, copyrights, trademarks, hazards, standards, safety and legal and ethical concerns related to use of computer hardware and software. It also includes ethical principles in professional employment, engineering management, private practice, and consulting. It addresses the roles and responsibilities of the electrical engineer related to environmental stewardship, and the impact of electrical engineering practice on the environment. Finally, it covers the roles and responsibilities of professional engineering organizations, and the ritual of the calling of the Engineer.
Prerequisite(s):

• ENGR 3800

This course will explore the interrelationship between technology and society. The course will focus on how societal forces shape and are shaped by the meanings, development, spread, and uses of technology. Concepts, perspectives, and arguments from the social sciences and humanities will be studied and applied to analyze connections between society and technology.
Prerequisite(s):

• BCIT ENGL 1177, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.

From ancient Greek myth to modern science fiction, Western culture's depictions of the power of technology have shaped our contemporary views. By analysing selected works of literature, film, TV and Internet sites from different historical periods, students will explore continuities and changes in depictions of technology and its transformative powers.
Prerequisite(s):

• BCIT ENGL 1177, or 6 credits BCIT Communication at 1100-level or above, or 3 credits of a university/college first-year social science or humanities course.

This course introduces students to the application of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) to industrial process automation. The course builds on logic and circuit analysis skills from previous courses and provides the background to design and implement automated sequence control systems. Topics covered are: PLC architecture, designing standard logic diagrams, ladder logic programing, I/O configuration and introductory Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) design. The course is project based and involves design and implementation of few simplified industrial control projects using typical PLCs on real lab platforms.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 3305

The focus of this course is on the application of the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) to design industrial electrical systems. This course builds from concepts learned in the circuit analysis courses and the code and standard course in first year to give students the required background to design basic power distribution systems used in industry. Topics include 3 phase circuit analysis, feeder calculations and ratings, motor branch feeders, voltage levels, grounding, fault calculations, protection and coordination, arc‐flash calculations, appropriate sections of the Canadian Electrical Code and established engineering practices. Software tools will be used throughout this course.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 3120 and MATH 3620

This course covers the basic elements of the Python language, program development, debugging and documentation. Students learn how to use Python libraries and are introduced to Python applications such as automated testing.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 3305

This course covers the design of systems via the integration of electronic modules and software. Students will work in groups to design, implement, and test solutions to a pre-defined problem requiring communication and signal processing. Board-level modules including a system on a chip (SoC) microprocessor and various communication, sensor and other I/O modules will be made available.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 3305 and ELEX 4618

The work term is a paid temporary job where students do productive work that relates directly to the core competencies of the B.Eng. Electrical program. Job postings are approved by the BCIT co-op Coordinator. Students in the program attend workshops to enhance their employability prior to their placement and compete for job postings during the academic work term. During the work term, students are monitored by BCIT.
Prerequisite(s):

• Completion of year 1 of the ECET program.

The course views software from a systems perspective. Software modules are viewed as components in a system. Software development methodology is reinforced in the context of an overall system design, including requirements analysis and specifications, implementation, testing, inspection, and debugging techniques. The integration of independent modules (including modules developed in different languages) is explored. Issues in distributing software functionality and data access across a network are explored. Common methods and modules for distributing system management and other functions over the Internet are discussed. Security issues related to distributed software-based systems are discussed. Students are exposed to TCP/IP network programming, and web-based user interface design.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 4618

This course is a design elective. The objective of the course is to provide a detailed understanding of interconnected power systems design, operation and control. The course will equip students with the latest tools for analyzing and designing power systems. It begins with a brief overview of interconnected power systems and fundamental concepts of AC circuit analysis. The main elements of power systems, such as generators, transformers and transmission lines will be studied and their models will be developed. The developed models will then be employed to study flow of active and reactive power through the interconnected power grid. The course continues with the detailed study of symmetrical components, and symmetrical and unsymmetrical short circuit fault calculation. Students will also gain an introductory knowledge of other important power systems issues such as protection systems, power system transient stability, grid voltage and frequency control. The course will include labs and projects to further familiarize students with design procedures.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 7520 and ELEX 7550

This course is a design elective. It extends and expands the students’ knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP), with an emphasis on image processing. It reviews and then advances beyond prior courses that cover the classical topics of sampling, aliasing, digital filter design, and Discrete Fourier transformation. This course will introduce fundamental technologies for digital image/, compression, analysis, and processing. Students will gain understanding of algorithm, system design, analytical tools, and practical implementations of various digital image and video applications. Topics include two dimensional sampling and quantization, digital image enhancement techniques, point processing, spatial filtering, frequency domain filtering, digital image restoration, image histogram, color perception, discrete cosine transformation (DCT), image compression, multi-resolution processing and Wavelet transformation. Selected image processing methods are demonstrated and developed in laboratory activities through the relevant specialized modules of MatLab.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 7620

This course covers software and hardware design for real-time embedded systems. Topics include real-time implementation of DSP algorithms, code and hardware optimization for speed and power, real-time operating systems, reliable operation, and overall system architecture. In the laboratory, students will apply selected concepts learned in the lectures by implementing them on a development board centered around a DSP-oriented microcontroller. This course uses C as the programming language. There is some interaction with assembly code.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 4618

​This course will cover basic topics in the design of robotic systems. The fundamentals of robotics will be covered including: mathematics for robotics including transformation matrixes and relevant topics in linear algebra, actuator kinematics and dynamics, trajectory planning and execution, and feedback sensing from actuators (i.e., encoders) and the environment (i.e., machine vision). Machine learning techniques will also be introduced for the topics of motion planning and image understanding.
Prerequisite(s):

• MATH 3620 and ELEX 4618

This design elective builds on the prerequisite core courses to explore important technical topics in modern wireless communications systems. The evolution of cellular systems from is discussed, and other contemporary standards such as wireless local area networks (LAN) and personal area networks (PAN) are reviewed. Mathematical representation of the wireless channel is presented, and effects such as multipath, fading, and shadowing are discussed. The performance of various digital modulation schemes in the presence of noise is evaluated. Contemporary radio transceivers are presented and evaluated, including radio architecture, radio components, and performance measures. System design concepts such as link budget are used to engineer basic wireless systems.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 7530 and ELEX 7640 and MATH 7510

​This course explores the practical application of measurement and automatic control theory to industrial processes. Application and appropriate selection of flow measurement systems, control strategies and final control elements (control valves, variable frequency drives) to common industrial processes is investigated. Students will evaluate single input (SISO) and multi-input, single output (MISO) control strategies including cascade, feedforward, ratio, selective and adaptive systems commonly found in industrial processes. Control system stability is analyzed based on a first order plus dead time model of processes using Bode plots. Industrial control computers, specifically a distributed control system (DCS), will be investigated and used to create models and controls that simulate an industrial process (heat exchanger). The configuration and simulation will be implemented in a DCS laboratory after investigating, parameterizing and optimizing the control of a heat exchanger process in the laboratory.
Prerequisite(s):

• ELEX 3210 and ELEX 7720^† and MECH 4640 (^† may be taken concurrently)