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The National University of Singapore: AC and Switching Circuits

In this course, you will learn all about circuits with alternating current (AC). The course shows how to design and analyse AC circuits, and concepts like phasors and power factor are explained. We also cover transformers, fuses, relays, and the use of transistors as switches. The course is the second in our series on electronics and a working knowledge of DC circuits is assumed.

6 weeks
2–3 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available
AC and Switching Circuits

About this course

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Alternating current (AC) is the type of electricity commonly used throughout the world to connect power plants, homes, and businesses. This course will give you an understanding of why AC is used and will allow you to design and analyse circuits which use AC electricity.

You will learn how to calculate voltages, currents and power in circuits with AC sources, how to calculate RMS voltage and current, how to handle both sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal sources, how to use relays and transistors as switches, how to design circuits with transformers, how to model realistic, non-ideal transformers, how to design and build simple DC power supplies and rectifiers, and we will explore concepts of maximum power transfer with AC circuits. In terms of sequencing, this course would be suitable for students who already have a working knowledge of basic DC circuits (such as our other MOOC Circuits for Beginners).

At a glance

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated skills: Transistor, Circuit Switches, Network Switches, Transformers (Electrical), Electricity, Relays, Alternating Current, Rectifier, Fuses, Voltage, Electronics

What you'll learn

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At the end of this MOOC, learners will be able to discuss:

  • how to calculate voltages, currents and power in circuits with AC sources
  • how to calculate RMS voltage and current
  • how to handle both sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal sources
  • how to use relays and transistors as switches
  • how to design circuits with transformers
  • how to model realistic, non-ideal transformers
  • how to design and build simple DC power supplies and rectifiers
  • concepts of maximum power transfer with AC circuits

Syllabus

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Week 1:- Introduction to AC Circuits
Week 2: Phasors
Week 3: Non-Sinusoidal AC Circuits
Week 4: Transformer Circuits
Week 5: AC-DC Conversion
Week 6: Switching Circuits

Frequently Asked Questions

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What all do I need to know before taking this course?
 You need to already understand Ohm’s law, node voltage analysis, superposition, and how to combine circuit elements (resistors, capacitors, inductors, and sources) in series and parallel. You should understand what a DC circuit is and how to calculate power supplied and consumed.

What is the recommended course to take before this one?
 You may consider first taking our MOOC Circuits for Beginners to gain the necessary fundamental knowledge.

What will I be able to build after taking this course?
 You will understand how to design and build unregulated (basic) power supplies. You’ll also be able to build circuits that can switch machines and other circuits on and off. You’ll be able to use relays and transistors, and you’ll understand how to analyse circuits that have capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transformers in them. You’ll also understand where to position fuses in circuits to help guard against fires.

Ways to take this course

Choose your path when you enroll.

Verified Track

Audit Track

Price

$139 USD

Free

Access to course materials

Unlimited

Limited

Expires on Nov 8

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Shareable certificate upon completion

Graded assignments and exams

Read our FAQsin a new tab about frequently asked questions on these tracks.

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