Understand systems
Boundaries, abstraction, hierarchy, variables, and physical laws.
2026–2027 · Fall Semester
Circuits & Electronics
Understanding, modeling, analyzing, and designing engineering systems through electrical abstractions.
Course idea
Circuits as a way to learn systems thinking
This course introduces the fundamental principles of Systems Engineering through electrical systems. Electrical circuits are used as an accessible and mathematically rigorous setting for learning how engineering systems are represented, modeled, analyzed, and designed.
The course develops a unified view of abstraction, state, dynamics, feedback, modularity, interfaces, and hierarchy before transitioning to MOSFETs, CMOS logic, and digital hardware implementation.
Learning journey
From physical systems to digital computing
Understand dynamics
State, energy storage, transient response, first- and second-order behavior.
Design robust systems
Feedback, stability, sensitivity, modularity, and system interfaces.
Move to digital abstraction
Nonlinearity, MOSFET switching, CMOS logic, and mixed-signal systems.
Weekly structure
Course schedule
Lecture topics and their systems-engineering focus.
| Week | Main topic | Systems concept |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Systems Engineering | Systems, abstraction, hierarchy |
| 2 | Modeling Engineering Systems | Variables, conservation laws, mathematical models |
| 3 | Static Systems | Linear systems, decomposition, equivalent models |
| 4 | Dynamic Systems | State variables, energy storage |
| 5 | First-Order Dynamic Systems | Transient response, time constants |
| 6 | Second-Order Dynamic Systems | Oscillation, damping, natural response |
| 7 | Feedback and Stability | Feedback, robustness, sensitivity |
| 8 | System Design Principles | Interfaces, modularity, decomposition |
| 9 | Nonlinear Systems | Threshold behavior, switching |
| 10 | Analog-to-Digital Abstraction | Abstraction, digital representation |
| 11 | Digital System Implementation | Hierarchy, hardware realization |
| 12 | Building Digital Systems | Composition, digital design |
| 13 | Mixed-Signal Systems | System interfaces |
| 14 | Integrated Engineering Systems | System integration, engineering perspective |
Practice
Laboratory & recitation
Two hours each week, alternating between guided problem solving and computational / simulation work.
Analytical problem solving
RC/RL, thermal, mechanical, feedback, stability, digital implementation, and integrated systems problems.
Model → simulate → verify
Python/Jupyter, NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib, and KiCad/ngspice are used to build and validate engineering models.
Engineering interpretation
Labs emphasize assumptions, mathematical modeling, numerical simulation, verification, parameter studies, and interpretation rather than tool use alone.
Assessment
Grading
Textbook
Primary reference
Foundations of Analog and Digital Electronic Circuits
Anant Agarwal & Jeffrey H. Lang · Morgan Kaufmann · 2005
Course materials
Distribution
Lecture slides, laboratory instructions, recitation sheets, simulation files, announcements, and supplementary material are distributed privately through the course learning environment.
“How can we understand, model, analyze, and design engineering systems?”
This is the central question revisited throughout the semester.