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Electronic Systems Engineering Technology


Location(s):  Saskatoon   

Electronic Systems Engineering Technology is a diploma program. It provides knowledge and skill development in designing, troubleshooting and servicing electronic equipment and circuits. Extensive hands-on and practical labs provide you with exposure to current industry techniques and equipment. In the second year of the program, you will design, test, construct and document a unique electronic product.

You will study:

  • microprocessors and microcontrollers

  • data and radio communications

  • automation systems

  • programmable logic controllers

  • printed circuit board design

  • electronic prototyping

  • technical reporting and project management


The Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT) Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) accredits the program at the Engineering Technologist level.

The Canadian Forces have accredited the Electronics Systems Engineering Technology program as meetings its requirements for a career as a Naval Electronics Technician, and you may be eligible for Canadian Forces training subsidies. To find out more about Canadian Forces opportunities, contact your local recruiting office.

All new students admitted to this program are eligible for a $2,000.00 Reality Cheque tuition credit.

After two years of suitable industrial experience, graduates are eligible for membership in the Saskatchewan Applied Science Technologists and Technicians (SASTT) as Applied Science Technologists.

Length: 74 weeks

Year 1 - 37 weeks; Year 2 - 37 weeks


Why my job is so rewarding...

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work as technologists in the design, development, production, installation, sales or service of electronic products and systems. They may find employment in industries such as electronics manufacturing, communications, resource processing and consulting.

For more information about career opportunities related to this program, contact Student Employment Services at the campus nearest you.


Program Details

Start Date(s): August

Apply Now

Admission Requirements


*Revised Mathematics Curriculum Requirement
(Effective July 1, 2013)


  • Minimum of 60% in Pre-Calculus 30
    (replacing Math B30 and C30 above)

  • All other admission requirements remain unchanged



Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. You must review the details and program specific documentation concerning Special Admission.


The majority of SIAST programs have established ACCUPLACER© cut scores and Post-Secondary Success Requirements. Depending on the program, additional specific admission requirements may still need to be met.


ACCUPLACER ©     

ACCUPLACER© Cut Scores
for this program

85Arithmetic
40College Level Math
80Elementary Algebra
75Reading
75Sentence
Post-Secondary Success

Post-Secondary Success Requirements
for this program

One year post-secondary studies plus Physics 30, and a minimum of 60% in the mathematics requirement


Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

Tuition and Fees

  • For complete details on tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the SIAST campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Learning Method(s)

SIAST offers a variety of learning methods for course delivery. The following learning methods are available for some of the courses in this program.
      Classroom
    • A technical thesis is an integral part of the program.
      Home Study
      Online

Please refer to the course descriptions for course specific learning methods.


Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Availability

SIAST recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.





Transfer Credit and Future Study Options


  • Graduates are eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Technology Program offered at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. Graduates will be required to complete 13 courses (39 credit hours) to fulfill the degree requirements. The courses are available through distance delivery using Internet-based technology.

  • Graduates may be eligible to obtain advanced standing toward a degree in engineering at Lakehead University. The Faculty of Engineering at Lakehead University offers post-diploma programs which enable qualified engineering technology graduates from accredited Canadian technology programs to obtain engineering degrees. The post-diploma programs typically consist of two years of full-time study preceded by transition courses.



  • CALC 281  Differential and Integral Calculus
  • Building on the knowledge acquired in MATH 384 (Technical Mathematics), you will be introduced to the fundamentals of differentiation and integration of algebraic and transcendental functions. You will apply these concepts to curve sketching, max/min problems, related rates, velocity, acceleration, root solutions, bounded area, average value and root-mean-square value.

    4.0 Credit Units
    65.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Equivalent Course(s):   MAT 223   

    Prerequisites:
    MATH 384 Minimum Grade of 60


  • COMP 172  Introduction to Microsoft Word and Excel
  • Your studies will introduce you to the purpose and uses of a word processor and electronic spreadsheet. You will develop the basic skills of creating, editing and formatting documents and spreadsheets.

    1.0 Credit Units
    15.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning, Correspondence-Structured Time, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   COAP 120    COAP 172    COAP 381    COMP 120   


  • DRFT 189  Electronic Drafting
  • You will use electronic simulation and mechanical CAD software to prepare documentation of electronic circuits and systems.

    2.0 Credit Units
    36.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Prior Learning


  • ELEC 136  Basic Electricity 1
  • You will study the fundamentals of direct current (DC) electricity. You will be introduced to basic electrical quantities, basic electrical circuits and circuit analysis techniques. You will use multimeters to evaluate the characteristics of DC circuits. You will perform experiments to reinforce the theory.

    6.0 Credit Units
    93.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab


  • ELEC 137  Basic Electricity 2
  • You will study the fundamentals of alternating current (AC) electricity. You will be introduced to electrical quantities, basic electrical circuits and circuit analysis techniques. You will use multimeters, function generators and oscilloscopes to evaluate the characteristics of AC circuits. You will perform experiments to reinforce the theory.

    6.0 Credit Units
    94.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    ELEC 136 Minimum Grade of 60


  • ELTR 122  Digital 1
  • You will be introduced to the basic principles of digital logic and use Boolean algebra to describe electronic logic circuits. You will analyze the role of flip-flops in counter and register circuits as well as learn the characteristics of commonly used logic families. Your studies will include using computer software to design and simulate circuits, and hands-on work to build and test circuits. You will use Programmable Logic Device (PLD) software to design basic integrated circuits.

    6.0 Credit Units
    90.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    ELEC 136 Minimum Grade of 60 and MATH 384 Minimum Grade of 60


  • ELTR 123  Digital 2
  • Building on the knowledge acquired in ELTR 122 (Digital 1), you will study various digital integrated circuit families and continue the study of Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs). You will develop PLD software to satisfy design requirements. You will learn how to design a digital system using state machine methodology and interface analog and digital circuits. You will program a microprocessor using a development system, use software to design and simulate circuits, and use hardware to build and test the actual circuits.

    6.0 Credit Units
    90.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    ELTR 122 Minimum Grade of 60


  • ELTR 124  Analog Devices 1
  • You will be introduced to the operation of basic diode circuits (including the analysis of unregulated power supplies). You will investigate the operation of bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and field effect transistors (FETs). You will study the DC operation of transistor amplifiers and switching circuits.

    6.0 Credit Units
    90.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    ELEC 137 Minimum Grade of 60


  • ELTR 125  Analog Devices 2
  • You will study the AC operation of transistor amplifiers and diode signal conditioning circuits. You will also receive an introduction to the operational amplifier (op-amp), its applications and specifications.

    6.0 Credit Units
    90.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    ELTR 124 Minimum Grade of 60


  • ELTR 126  Industrial Electronics
  • You will be introduced to the operation of electric machines and controls. You will learn the operating principles of solenoids, relays, stepper motors, DC motors, generators, controls and circuits. Your studies will be a combination of theory and labs to provide solid grounding in these topics.

    5.0 Credit Units
    80.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    ELEC 137 Minimum Grade of 60 and PHYS 100 Minimum Grade of 60


  • ELTR 127  Power Electronics
  • You will be introduced to the operation of voltage regulators, thyristors, opto-electronic devices and transistor switching. You will construct circuits using regulators, thyristors, opto-electronic devices and transistors.

    5.0 Credit Units
    80.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    ELTR 124 Minimum Grade of 60


  • MATH 384  Technical Mathematics for Electronics Technologists
  • You will study the operations and procedures dealing with algebraic fractions and equations, quadratic equations, simultaneous equations, determinants, exponents, radicals, logarithmic and exponential equations, trigonometry, vectors, phasors, number systems and introductory Boolean algebra.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory


  • PHYS 100  Physics
  • You will study principles of physics at the post-secondary level. The areas of classical physics that apply to currently prevalent technologies will be emphasized. These include electromagnetic field theory, mechanics, thermodynamics and optics.

    6.0 Credit Units
    85.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory


  • SEM_ 101  Technology Seminars
  • You will receive an orientation to your program and learn where and how the technician/technologist fits into the workplace and society. You will become familiar with the role of technicians/technologists in society, study and time management skills, increasing diversity in the workplace, principles of sustainability, the impact of technology on society and workplace safety requirements.

    1.0 Credit Units
    16.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Prior Learning

    Equivalent Course(s):   ENGM 181    ETHC 183    ORTN 120   


  • SHOP 102  Fabrication Techniques
  • You will be introduced to the practical aspects of fabricating electronic prototypes and products. You will learn about soldering theory, component identification, wires and cables, electrostatic safety, surface mount devices and fasteners. The practical skills you will develop include soldering, wire wrapping, fabricating cables, chassis assembly and metalworking. These topics will be synthesized when you build an electronics project.

    5.0 Credit Units
    68.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   SHOP 181   


  • TCOM 102  Communication in Technology
  • Your studies will focus on the basic skills required of the technologist in the workplace. You will examine the communication process and interpersonal and workplace communication techniques. The course content includes technical writing and job search skills.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Learn Linc, Prior Learning, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   JOBS 288    JOBS 290    TCOM 120    TMGT 180   


    Year 2

  • CALC 282  Differential Equations and Transforms for Electronics
  • Building on the knowledge acquired in CALC 281 (Calculus), you will study classical and Laplace transform methods of solving first and second order integral-differential equations. You will then apply these methods to solving problems that are modelled by first and second order integral-differential equations. The course will conclude with a basic study of the use of Laplace transforms to determine a transfer function and simplify a system modelled by transfer functions.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Prerequisites:
    CALC 281 Minimum Grade of 60


  • CIRC 102  Printed Circuit Design
  • You will develop industry-standard schematics using a computer. You will import schematics into a printed circuit board (PCB) design program. You will learn the basic theory regarding printed circuit layout. Some discussion will be devoted to the computer numerical control (CNC) based mechanical subtractive process for rapid PCB prototyping and to designing industry standard PCBs using a software design package.

    3.0 Credit Units
    51.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    DRFT 189 Minimum Grade of 60 and SHOP 102 Minimum Grade of 60


  • CIRC 103  Linear Circuits
  • You will learn how to interpret amplifier specifications from a manufacturer's data sheet. You will design operational-amplifier (op-amp) circuits for amplification, comparison, filtering and mathematical operations. You will also design circuits using inverting and non-inverting op-amp configurations.

    3.0 Credit Units
    49.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    ELTR 125 Minimum Grade of 60


  • CIRC 104  Sensors
  • You will use various sensors to convert physical parameters (such as temperature, displacement, force, pressure and level) to usable electrical signals. You will learn how to compensate for errors in a sensor's linear accuracy with a calibration procedure. You will analyze and calibrate signal conditioning circuits that convert a low level sensor output to a standard instrumentation signal. You will use transmitters to condition signals.

    5.0 Credit Units
    70.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    CIRC 103 Minimum Grade of 60


  • CNTR 104  Automation
  • Your studies will focus on the methods and devices used to control and automate industrial operations. You will study relays, motor starters, timers, programmable timers, programmable relays and programmable logic controllers, in the context of typical industrial applications. You will also study devices commonly used with programmable logic controllers, such as operator interfaces, proximity sensors and encoders.

    6.0 Credit Units
    85.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    ELTR 126 Minimum Grade of 60


  • CNTR 105  Process Control
  • You will be introduced to process control by studying open and closed loop control, discrete and analog control, transfer functions, system response and PID tuning methods. You will use process simulation software to develop PID tuning techniques and use these techniques to tune a controller in an actual process loop.

    5.0 Credit Units
    80.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    CALC 282 Minimum Grade of 60 and CIRC 104 Minimum Grade of 60


  • CNTR 106  Automation Systems
  • You will develop the knowledge and skills required to develop a programmable logic controller (PLC) based control system integrated with a software based human machine interface (HMI) like those typically used in industrial manufacturing or process environments. You will use a variety of common industrial control software applications and hardware that will enable you to develop, integrate and document industrial control applications.

    3.0 Credit Units
    40.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    CNTR 104 Minimum Grade of 60


  • ELTR 128  Data Communications
  • You will study electronic data, voice and video communication technology. Serial, local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) standards for data communication will be emphasized.

    6.0 Credit Units
    90.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    CIRC 103 Minimum Grade of 60 and MICR 106 Minimum Grade of 60


  • ELTR 129  Radio Communications
  • You will study radio communications technology. Amplitude and angle modulation techniques used in wireless communications will be emphasized. You will also construct and evaluate communication system circuits for broadcast radio and wireless communications.

    6.0 Credit Units
    90.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    ELTR 128 Minimum Grade of 60


  • MGMT 102  Project Management
  • You will learn how to use project management techniques and apply them to an electronics project. A hands-on approach will help you learn the principles and concepts of project management (including typical documents and procedures associated with managing an engineering project). You will maintain appropriate documentation and provide regular progress updates to your advisor.

    2.0 Credit Units
    34.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   CIRC 102    CIRC 103    CIRC 104    CNTR 104    MICR 104    MICR 105    MICR 106    TCOM 103   


  • MICR 104  Microcontrollers 1
  • You will study microcontroller hardware and peripheral components. You will learn how to interface light-emitting diodes, keypads and liquid-crystal displays with a microcontroller. You will write assembly language programs and use a simulation package to assemble and simulate the code for a microcontroller system. You will create drivers to communicate with the external peripherals. You will wire-wrap and use a microcontroller system in a hands-on environment.

    3.0 Credit Units
    51.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    ELTR 123 Minimum Grade of 60


  • MICR 105  Microcontrollers 2
  • You will study advanced hardware and peripheral components of a microcontroller system. You will study real-time clocks, digital potentiometers, infrared detectors, serial ports, memory devices, analog-to-digital converters, compare modules, counters, capture modules and pulse width modulation. You will work with a microcontroller system in a hands-on environment and use simulation software to develop programs to interface a microcontroller with its peripherals.

    3.0 Credit Units
    51.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    MICR 104 Minimum Grade of 60


  • MICR 106  'C' Programming for Embedded Microcontrollers
  • You will be introduced to the fundamentals of the 'C' programming language. You will write a structured program in 'C'. You will then develop programs in 'C' with an emphasis on embedded microcontroller applications.

    3.0 Credit Units
    51.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    ELTR 123 Minimum Grade of 60


  • MICR 107  Microcontrollers 3
  • You will program microcontrollers using the 'C' programming language. You will use a development system with an integrated 'C' compiler that will compile and simulate your code. You will write code in 'C' to initialize a microcontroller system and all drivers for the system will be written in 'C'. You will optimize code for speed using assembly language embedded in 'C' code.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Prerequisites:
    MICR 105 Minimum Grade of 60 and MICR 106 Minimum Grade of 60


  • MICR 109  Digital Signal Processing
  • You will study concepts and applications involving digital signal processing (DSP) and you will gain an understanding of representing signals in the discrete domain. Your studies will introduce you to digital oscillators and digital filters. You will write and test programs using a DSP development system.

    4.0 Credit Units
    60.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Equivalent Course(s):   MICR 108   

    Prerequisites:
    MICR 105 Minimum Grade of 60


  • PROJ 104  Project
  • You will develop the design you produced in MGMT 102 (Project Management) into a final product. You will construct a prototype to validate your circuit design, design and build a printed circuit board for it, and assemble the printed circuit board into the final product. You will maintain appropriate documentation and provide regular progress updates to your advisor. You will also prepare a final report to document your design.

    6.0 Credit Units
    96.0 Other hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

    Corequisites:   TCOM 104   

    Prerequisites:
    CIRC 102 Minimum Grade of 60 and CIRC 104 Minimum Grade of 60 and CNTR 104 Minimum Grade of 60 and MICR 105 Minimum Grade of 60 and MICR 106 Minimum Grade of 60 and MGMT 102 Minimum Grade of 60


  • TCOM 103  Workplace Communication
  • Building on the skills you developed in TCOM 102 (Communication in Technology), you will apply basic research skills to create workplace documents. Your studies will focus on the workplace skills of creating effective client relations, conducting meetings and giving presentations.

    3.0 Credit Units
    48.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online/Blackboard

    Equivalent Course(s):   COMM 181    COMM 190    TCOM 123    TCOM 190   

    Prerequisites:
    TCOM 102 Minimum Grade of 60


  • TCOM 104  Applied Research in Technology
  • You will develop a technical proposal and apply advanced research skills to a technical problem. You will use the technical problem-solving process in an applied research project and present your research findings in a written report and oral presentation.

    2.0 Credit Units
    34.0 Lecture hours

    Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory

    Equivalent Course(s):   COMM 115    COMM 182    COMM 290   

    Prerequisites:
    TCOM 103 Minimum Grade of 60



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