ESP 3080 - ECR III-Analog and Digital CertTEC ETA-CETa

Performance-based certifications are preferred by practitioners and employers as valid indicators of the functional capabilities of each individual.  The CertTEC® hallmark is: “Certifying what you know AND what you can do”™.  The Analog and Digital CertTEC® BEE certifications are performance-based online exams.  These exams will test hands-on troubleshooting skills utilizing a multi-meter, oscilloscope and function generator along with an electronic trainer and test cards.   The CertTEC® BEE certifications are accredited by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC) to meet ISO 17024 guidelines.

The Analog performance assessment allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities to identify and troubleshoot Complementary-Symmetry Push-Pull amplifier circuits.  The Digital performance assessment allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities to identify and troubleshoot digital gates. 

The CETa, also called the Associate Certified Electronics Technician is the Associate Level Certification. The Associate Certification is designed for electronic technicians who have less than two years’ experience or technical school training. All Electronics Technicians must pass the Associate exam before they can qualify to sit for the full Journeyman Certification.

 

Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of Analog, students will have sufficiently demonstrated the ability to:

1. Follow specific instructions

2. Demonstrate knowledge of complementary-symmetry push-pull amplifier circuits

3. Properly use test equipment to troubleshoot complex amplifier circuits

Certifications Competencies for Analog:

1. Diodes

2. Transistors

3. Thyristors

4. Integrated Circuits

5. Optoelectronic Devices

6. Power Supplies

7. Test Equipment and Measurements

8. Mathematics and Formulas

9. Amplifiers

10. Operational Amplifiers

11. Oscillators

12. Filters

13. Wave-shaping Circuits    

Upon successful completion of Digital, students will have sufficiently demonstrated the ability to:

1. Follow specific instructions

2. Demonstrate knowledge of digital gates

3. Properly use test equipment to troubleshoot digital circuits

 Certifications Competencies for Digital:

1. Numbering Systems and Conversions

2. Block Diagrams - Schematics-Wiring Diagrams

3. Test Equipment and Measurements

4. Safety Precautions

5. Theory of Digital Logic Functions and Circuitry

ASSOCIATE C.E.T. (CETa) COMPETENCY LISTING

BASIC ELECTRONICS CERTIFICATION

1.0 Electrical Theory

1.1. Describe atomic structure, the components of the atom, their charges and importance to electronics technology

1.2. List ten uses for magnetism in electronics technology

1.3. Explain basic uses for electricity

1.4. Describe the basic methods of using electricity to operate a motor and how mechanical motion causes a generator to produce electrical current

1.5. Explain the differences between current, voltage and resistance

1.6. List different types of resistive materials and how resistors are used in electronics

1.7. Show the different purposes for capacitors and list common types and construction

1.8. Explain how inductance relates to magnetism and describe coil construction, cores and usages

1.9. Show a comparison between reactance and resistance and describe current/voltage relationships

1.10. Compare impedance with reactance and resistance and explain the causes and effects of impedance

1.11. List voltage sources, AC and DC, batteries and natural generation

1.12. List Ohms law formulas for current, voltage, resistance and power. Solve math problems utilizing each

1.13. Calculate power consumption and requirements

2.0 Electronic Components

2.1. Identify resistor values from color code or other marks and list composition and reasons for different usages

2.2. Identify capacitor types; list common usages; methods of varying capacitance and explain the terms charge and coulomb

2.3. Identify inductor types and reasons for various core materials; how diameter and wire size affects the values

2.4. Identify common types of transformers and list uses for each; explain step up/down voltage methods; explain why laminations are used

2.5. Identify transistors as to type and usage, such as unijunction, FETs and MOSFETS; explain beta and alpha and provide common DC and bias voltage ranges; list common usages

2.6. Identify other semiconductors and explain their uses: Darlington pairs; unijunction transistors and Gunn diodes

2.7. Compare thyristors with other semiconductors; identifying diacs, triacs and SCRs and explain their operation.

2.8. Explain zeners diode ratings; describe usage in regulator circuits

2.9. List common optical devices (LEDs, LCDs, etc.); describe how photovoltaic cells are activated. Draw symbols for photo resistors, photodiodes and photo transistors; list materials from which these devices are made

2.10. Describe MOS, CMES, FET applications

3.0 Soldering - Desoldering Tools

3.1. Describe solder safety as it pertains to burns and potential fires or damage to facilities or customer products

3.2. Explain the cause of solder fumes and the effects of lead poisoning

3.3. List causes and precautions to prevent or reduce solder splatter

3.4. Explain the reasons for flux usage and describe types

3.5. List types of solder and reasons for choosing each

3.6. Explain heat shunts, why and how they are used

3.7. Identify cold solder joints and explain causes

3.8. Describe the differences between good and bad mechanical and electrical solder connections

3.9. Demonstrate proper care of solder and de-solder equipment and aids

3.10. Explain de-soldering principles

3.11. Describe various types of de-soldering equipment and how it is used

3.12. Demonstrate the use of braid-wick solder removers

4.0 Block Diagrams - Schematics - Wiring Diagrams

4.1. Draw common electrical/electronic symbols

4.2. Explain how block diagrams are used for troubleshooting and maintenance of electronics products

4.3. Explain the differences between wiring prints, schematics and block diagrams

4.4. Describe the purpose and use of test points and indicate their likely placement on schematics

4.5. Point out common drafting principles used for electronic and electrical drawings

4.6. Explain methods used for signal tracing

4.7. Describe basic building and house wiring concepts and explain why technicians need to be familiar with them

4.8. Explain how schematics are used to locate component and wiring failures in electronics products

4.9. Explain the methods of using flow diagrams/charts

5.0 Cabling

5.1. List wire types and construction

5.2. List wire gauges used for various purposes

5.3. Explain construction of coaxial cable and the impedance characteristics

5.4. List common identifications for copper cables in standards, such as #18 and #24 diameter in the American Wire Gauge (AWG) and UTP telephone cable in ANSI/TIA 568

5.5. Explain major differences between copper, coaxial and fiber optic cables

5.6. Describe impedance and its causes; explain reasons for maintaining a cable’s characteristics

5.7. Explain the effects of proper and improper termination

5.8. Explain the purposes of grounding and common conventions used in electrical and electronics work

5.9. Demonstrate splicing knowledge and ability for coaxial and copper cable; explain two types of fiber splices

5.10. Demonstrate testing methods for all three types of cables and compare dB loss measurements and techniques

5.11. Compare the fittings and connectors used in cabling and list potential defects a technician may encounter

5.12. Describe proper crimping of communications wiring connectors

5.13. Explain how cable prep tools are used and demonstrate proper and improper crimping

6.0 Power Supplies

6.1. Explain shock hazards when servicing power supplies in electronic equipment

6.2. Describe the differences between transformer powered supplies and line-connected supplies

6.3. Describe battery supplies and list common usages; also explain recharging principles

6.4. Explain the reasons for filtering, describe hum, and identify common filter types (pi, t, l, etc.)

6.5. Explain the reasons for power supply regulation and list common components used in regulated supplies

6.6. Explain the term ‘Integrated high voltage transformer’ supply and explain how it differs from direct or other power supply types

6.7. Explain how multiple output supplies are able to supply more than one voltage

6.8. Explain where fuses and circuit breakers are commonly and electrically located in circuits; approximate sizes for common circuits; house service box common fuses and circuit breaker configuration and precautions for replacement

7.0 Test Equipment and Measurements

7.1. Describe how volt-ohm-current meters operate

7.2. Explain meter construction and components

7.3. Identify meter protection, safety and usage

7.4. Explain care of equipment and test leads

7.5. List the purposes and types of signal generators

7.6. Describe meter loading and precautions

7.7. Explain the purposes of frequency counters and list their limitations

7.8. Explain what R-C-L substitution equipment is and its purposes; explain ESR capacitance measurement equipment

7.9. List the uses and precautions for logic test probes

7.10. Explain how logic pulsers are used

7.11. Describe oscilloscope uses; explain the purposes of each front panel control

7.12. List the uses for pattern generators

7.13. Define dummy load; show where and why used

7.14. Explain reasons for using rheostats, isolation transformers and variacs and why size matters

8.0 Safety Precautions

8.1. Describe the physiological reactions electrical shock causes; list various degrees of current the human body can tolerate

8.2. Explain the concept of First Aid and its particular importance to workers in electric and electronics fields; explain precautions for untrained people

8.3. Explain what the National Electrical Code (NEC®)is and describe various rules technicians must abide by

8.4. Explain National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®) rules and describe how technicians comply and may violate them

8.5. Describe fusing and circuit breaker rules and reasons for different type of fuses

8.6. Explain static causes and CMOS damage prevention straps, mats and grounding

8.7. List tools hazards which are associated with technician activities in the workplace and in the field.

8.8. Describe lockout and tagging rules for potentially unsafe electrical or mechanical hazards

8.9. Explain RF transmitter hazards and precautions

8.10. List fiber optics hazards to skin and eyes

8.11. Explain eye and ear protection needed by technicians

8.12. List ladder handling and usage and OSHA heights safety rules

8.13. List service vehicle safety concerns such as ladder or transporting security and flying objects, driver screens inside the vehicle

8.14. Describe the types and usage of fire extinguishers

9.0 Mathematics and Formulas

9.1. Quote Ohms law power, voltage, current and resistance formulas and solve for circuit values

9.2. List other common basic electronic formulas

9.3. Calculate wavelength, frequency and power values

9.4. Convert binary, decimal, octal, hex number

9.5. Explain boolean algebra and its use in digital circuitry

9.6. Explain decibels and show reasons for using dBs in signal level, power and audio calculations

9.7. Demonstrate how graphs are used to demonstrate electronics functions

10.0 Radio Communications Technology

10.1. Explain wave propagation and its importance to wireless communications

10.2. Describe the theory of how antennas work; list the types of transmission lines

10.3. Explain polarization, electromagnetic and electro-static fields and their relationships to each other

10.4. Explain the differences between AM, FM radio and TV

10.5. Describe the differences in the usage of communications radios and commercial broadcast receivers.

10.6. Describe the major radio receiver circuitry sections

10.7. List common frequency bands

10.8. Demonstrate radio circuit tuning and adjustments

10.9. Demonstrate the relationships between frequency and wavelength

11.0 Electronic Circuits: Series and Parallel

11.1. Identify and describe the operation of common DC circuits

11.2. Identify and describe the operation of common AC circuits

11.3. Explain how series circuits, R, L, C are used in electronics equipment

11.4. Explain the purpose of oscillators

11.5. Show how oscillators and multivibrators are similar and how they differ

11.6. Classify circuits as inductive, capacitive and resistive

11.7. Explain resonance and show how to calculate resonant frequency

11.8. Describe polar and rectangular presentations of L, R, C circuits

11.9. Explain Kirchhoff’s law and its importance to electronics technicians

11.10. Explain the purposes and types of differentiator or integrator circuits

11.11. Describe the sections of a PLL (phase locked loop) circuit and PLL circuit use

11.12. Describe filter circuits, why and how they are used

11.13. Explain wave shaping circuits and explain their purposes

11.14. Describe the relationships between bandwidth and “Q” in an electronics circuit

12.0 Amplifiers

12.1. List common amplifier devices

12.2. Describe the purpose of each component in an amplifier circuit

12.3. List the usages and classes of amplifiers

12.4. Describe biasing and gain characteristics

12.5. Explain frequency response of an amplifier circuit and why it is important

12.6. Explain the words ‘preamplifier’ and ‘line amplifier’ and where these units are commonly used

12.7. Explain the uses of operational amplifiers and how they differ from other amplifiers

12.8. Show causes of distortion in amplifiers and list ways to reduce or eliminate it

12.9. Explain how inaccurate measurements can be experienced due to meter or scope loading. List ways to overcome loading problems

12.10. Describe specifications for broadband amplifiers as compared with common narrow

12.11. Explain the operation of high power electron tubes

13.0 Interfacing of Electronics Products

13.1. List input circuit signal levels which may be expected for various common electronics products or test equipment

13.2. List anticipated signal or voltage levels for output circuits in audio and video equipment

13.3. Explain the importance of impedance matching; list causes of mismatches

13.4. Explain the purposes of plugs and connectors and why it is necessary to use the proper ones

13.5. Explain grounding, proper and improper methods, and the results of power source mismatch

13.6. List potential signal conflict symptoms

13.7. Draw a basic telephone circuit. List common wiring and splicing conventions for POTS

14.0 Digital Concepts and Circuitry

14.1. Describe ASCII code

14.2. Identify each basic digital gate

14.3. Construct truth tables for common gates

14.4. Explain how counters operate

14.5. Explain the purpose of flip flops and list common types

14.6. Explain the purpose of a digital bus and show how it is connected to various sections of a product

14.7. List types of display circuitry and describe how numbers and letters are activated digitally

14.8. Explain the purpose of computer clocks

14.9. Show how pulsers are used for digital signal tracing and how logic probes are used to verify states in digital equipment

14.10. Describe digital clock usage and circuitry

14.11. Describe how microprocessors function and identify the basic components and pin-outs

15.0 Computer Electronics

15.1. Describe the major sections of a computer

15.2. Demonstrate how the computer block diagram and flow charts are utilized

15.3. Sketch the major blocks contained in a microprocessor chip and describe the purpose of each block

15.4. Describe different types of computer memory and how storage is accomplished

15.5. Explain programmable logic controls (PLCs) and list usages

15.6. Describe basic programming concepts

15.7. Describe the reasons for different computer languages and their relationships

15.8. Define the word ‘peripheral’ and list various types

15.9. Explain the reasons for using interface devices/chips/cards and name common types

16.0 Computer Applications

16.1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic computer operation

16.2. Explain steps in installation/set up of a computer

16.3. Explain the reasons and choices used in configuring a computer

16.4. Demonstrate proper loading and storage of common programs and applications

16.5. Explain basic and common utilities programs and list reasons for their use

16.6. List ways to backup data and the importance of doing so

16.7. Explain the causes of line surges and viruses and protection procedures against each

16.8. Explain major components of the Internet, how it is accessed and common applications

16.9. Demonstrate how to download a service or application, data or programs

16.10. Explain how to use the Internet to locate parts and service literature

16.11. Explain the differences between an individual computer and basic networking

17.0 Audio and Video Systems

17.1. Explain major components of the most common home entertainment products

17.2. Describe microphone technology and usage

17.3. Explain speaker construction and precautions

17.4. Explain basic recording and playback products operation, mechanical and electrical technology

17.5. Explain the difference between individual home entertainment products and the Home Theater concept

17.6. Explain how alarm-security systems may be interfaced with entertainment/information products

17.7. Describe the differences between cable TV, off-air broadcast and telephone signals

17.8. Describe the differences between good quality and distorted sound and electronic/acoustical reasons for each

17.9. Explain how signals may conflict and the symptoms the conflict may produce

17.10. Explain how to isolate troubles between discrete equipment units

18.0 Optical Electronics

18.1. List common electronics display devices

18.2. Explain the operation of a kinescope

18.3. Explain how LCD displays operate, their advantages and disadvantages

18.4. Explain the basics of electronic cameras and sensors

18.5. Describe how LED remote hand units work

18.6. Describe plasma TV technology and its uses in TV and computer displays

18.7. Explain why and list some locations or circuits in which opto-isolators are used

18.8. List uses for light activated controls and how photo devices are incorporated

18.9. Describe how broadband signal RF and optical links are used

19.0 Telecommunications Basics

19.1. Describe major types of two-way radio communications (avionics, land mobile, maritime, etc.)

19.2. Describe wireless telephone/video/data technology basics & list the TIA-EIA standard which applies

19.3. Describe satellite communications principles

19.4. Describe wired data and voice communications network technology

20.0 Technician Work Procedures

20.1. Explain major invoice and billing concepts for service businesses

20.2. Describe ways to procure service literature

20.3. Demonstrate location/cross referencing of parts and product in catalogs

20.4. Explain the purposes and requirements for proper record keeping

20.5. Calculate individual and department productivity for a specific period

20.6. Demonstrate contacting product maker help desks and service departments

20.7. Explain estimate concepts for service work

20.8. Describe field technician work procedures that may differ from in-shop routines

20.9. Explain project management and list steps to follow to achieve maximum results