ETC 103 - AC Fundamentals

3 Credit(s)

This course introduces students to the principles and applications of alternating current (AC) in electrical and electronic systems. Topics include sinusoidal waveforms, AC generation, frequency, period, phase relationships, impedance, inductance, capacitance, resonance, and power in AC circuits. Students will learn to analyze and troubleshoot basic AC circuits using both theoretical methods and practical laboratory techniques. Emphasis is placed on developing competency with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, function generators, and multimeters.

Prereqs: ETC 102
Course Type: Lecture
Tuition Tier: Tier I
Delivery Method:
In-Person
Course Learning Outcomes:
CLO 1) Students will describe the characteristics of sinusoidal AC waveforms-including frequency, period, amplitude, and phase relationships-using correct technical terminology.

CLO 2) Students will explain the behavior of resistive, inductive, and capacitive components in AC circuits and differentiate how each affects current, voltage, and phase.

CLO 3) Students will calculate key AC quantities such as impedance, reactance, phase angle, and real/reactive/apparent power using appropriate formulas and phasor relationships.

CLO 4) Students will measure AC voltages, currents, and waveform characteristics using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and function generators, demonstrating proper instrumentation techniques.

CLO 5) Students will analyze series, parallel, and combination AC circuits to predict circuit behavior and verify results through mathematical and experimental methods.