Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering

What you'll be able to do

• Design single stage analogue amplifier circuits
• Predict, by simulation, the gain of single stage analogue amplifier circuits
• Measure, by simulation, the gain of single stage analogue amplifier circuits
• Predict, by simulation, the frequency response of single stage analogue amplifier circuits
• Measure, by simulation, the frequency response of single stage analogue amplifier circuits
• Predict, by simulation, the input and output resistances of single stage analogue amplifier circuits
• Measure, by simulation, the input and output resistances of single stage analogue amplifier circuits
• Develop functional subsystems through an understanding of the characteristics of operational amplifiers
• Examine the characteristics of information represented in analogue format
• Examine the characteristics of information represented in digital format
• Assess techniques for the conversion of signals between analogue and digital formats
• Design electronic circuits using physical components

What you'll be able to do

• Examine different performance metrics and components used in a communication system
• Explore different modulation and demodulation techniques
• Investigate the transmission of signals over wired and wireless media
• Design a communication system

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate logic functions
• Produce tabular and Karnaugh map designs to implement logic systems
• Examine the use of Class A and Class B amplifiers in modern systems
• Investigate operational amplifier circuits and their application

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the design characteristics of a PLC system
• Describe the operational characteristics of a PLC system
• Design a simple PLC program by considering PLC information
• Design a simple PLC program by considering PLC programming techniques
• Design a simple PLC program by considering PLC communication techniques
• Describe the key elements of industrial robots
• Program industrial robots with straightforward commands to perform a given task
• Investigate the design of a robot within an industrial application
• Investigate the safe operation of a robot within an industrial application

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the role of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) in different engineering contexts, such as mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering.
• Explain the influence of CAD on design and manufacturing processes in areas of specialist practice, considering factors such as accuracy, efficiency, and cost.
• Use 2D CAD software to produce visualisations and technical drawings, demonstrating proficiency in creating accurate and detailed representations.
• Use 3D CAD software to produce visualisations and technical drawings, demonstrating the ability to create complex models and assemblies.
• Present drawings and renderings, for a given project, produced using CAD software, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and adherence to industry standards.
• Evaluate the way in which CAD software may integrate into production processes, considering factors such as CAM integration and rapid prototyping.

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate and explain the fundamental differences between data and information, and their respective roles in effective decision-making processes.
• Examine and evaluate the impact of data quality, including accuracy, completeness, and consistency, on the production of reliable information for decision-making.
• Demonstrate and apply appropriate methods for primary data collection, such as surveys and experiments, and secondary data collection, such as literature reviews and database searches.
• Assess and apply various data analysis methods and techniques, including statistical analysis and data visualisation, to meet or exceed customer or organisational requirements and expectations.

What you'll be able to do

• Design combinational logic circuits, such as adders and multiplexers, for suitable applications, considering factors like performance and cost.
• Design sequential logic circuits, such as flip-flops and counters, for suitable applications, considering factors like timing and state management.
• Implement combinational and sequential logic circuits using a hardware description language (HDL) software package, such as VHDL or Verilog, following industry coding standards.
• Test and verify the functionality of combinational and sequential logic designs using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) development board, analysing the results and making necessary adjustments.

What you'll be able to do

• Evaluate combinational logic circuit designs for complex applications
• Evaluate sequential logic circuits for complex applications
• Implement complex combinational and sequential logic circuits using an HDL
• Analyse the function of combinational and sequential logic designs using simulation, and testing on an FPGA development board

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the operation of simple combinational logic circuits
• Analyse the behaviour of simple combinational logic circuits
• Explain the operation of simple sequential logic circuits
• Analyse the behaviour of simple sequential logic circuits
• Describe the technologies used to implement digital electronic circuits
• Evaluate the technologies used to implement digital electronic circuits
• Describe a range of digital sub-systems
• Analyse a range of digital sub-systems to establish the building blocks for larger systems

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the impact of automated systems in modern control processes
• Evaluate the basic concepts, architecture, operation and communication of distributed control systems
• Suggest appropriate techniques to specify and implement a simple distributed control system
• Develop programmes to use machine interfaces to monitor and control the behaviour of a complex system

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate sustainable energy source solutions used in power production that may be integrated into existing power systems
• Explore the technical considerations when connecting sustainable energy sources to existing power systems
• Analyse, by practical experimentation, sustainable power production technology and its interface with conventional power systems
• Analyse, using appropriate simulation software, models of sustainable energy sources connected to conventional systems

What you'll be able to do

• Assess the constructional features of transformers, including core types, winding arrangements, and insulation materials.
• Analyse the applications of transformers in various electrical systems, such as power distribution and voltage regulation.
• Analyse the starting methods of three-phase induction motors, including direct-on-line, star-delta, and auto-transformer starting.
• Analyse the applications of three-phase induction motors in various industrial processes, considering factors such as speed, torque, and efficiency.
• Analyse the applications of synchronous machines in power generation and motor drives, considering factors such as power factor correction and stability.
• Investigate the types of generator available in industry by assessing their practical applications, including synchronous generators and induction generators.
• Analyse the operating characteristics of electromagnetic transducers, including sensors for position, speed, and force.
• Analyse the operating characteristics of electromagnetic actuators, including solenoids, relays, and servo motors.

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate the constructional features of electrical distribution systems, identifying the components and their arrangement.
• Investigate the applications of electrical distribution systems, describing their use in various settings.
• Examine the types of electrical motors, describing their construction, operating principles, and performance characteristics.
• Examine the applications of electrical motors, explaining their use in different industrial and commercial settings.
• Examine the types of electrical generators, describing their construction, operating principles, and performance characteristics.
• Examine the applications of electrical generators, explaining their use in power generation and other applications.
• Analyse the types of lighting circuits available in the industry, comparing their features and performance.
• Assess the practical application of different lighting circuits, considering factors such as energy efficiency, cost, and lighting quality.
• Explain the operating characteristics of electrical safety components, describing their function and how they protect against electrical hazards.

What you'll be able to do

• Determine the operational characteristics of amplifier circuits
• Investigate the types of feedback on an amplifier's performance
• Investigate the effects of feedback on an amplifier's performance
• Examine the operation of oscillators
• Examine the application of oscillators
• Apply testing procedures to electronic devices
• Apply testing procedures to electronic circuits

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the principle features of a microcontroller, and explain the purpose of its constituent parts
• Design and implement simple external circuitry, interfacing with a given microcontroller
• Write well-structured code in an appropriate programming language, to simulate, test and debug it
• Evaluate the applications of embedded systems in the wider environment, including in networked systems

What you'll be able to do

• Identify the relevance and application of various mathematical methods to a range of conceptualised engineering examples.
• Investigate and apply statistical techniques to interpret, organise, and present data relevant to engineering contexts.
• Use analytical and computational methods to solve engineering problems by relating sinusoidal wave and vector functions to their respective engineering applications.
• Examine how differential and integral calculus can be effectively used to solve a variety of engineering problems.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the fundamental structures of common engineering materials.
• Identify the most important properties of engineering materials.
• Assess the performance of engineering materials using key indicators.
• Assess the performance of engineering materials considering materials constraints.
• Assess the performance of engineering materials using established database resources.
• Calculate solutions to problems within static mechanical systems, with consideration of constraints on performance.
• Calculate solutions to problems within dynamic mechanical systems, with consideration of constraints on performance.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify an engineering-based project in line with national engineering regulatory frameworks.
• Identify an engineering-based project in line with international engineering regulatory frameworks.
• Identify an engineering-based project in line with national engineering ethical frameworks.
• Identify an engineering-based project in line with international engineering ethical frameworks.
• Plan an engineering-based project using project management software.
• Plan an engineering-based project using project management tools.
• Plan an engineering-based project using project management techniques.
• Implement the project plan to include the production of a technical engineering report.
• Present the engineering-based project.
• Reflect on the project outcomes.

What you'll be able to do

• Examine scientific data using quantitative methods, applying statistical techniques to analyse numerical data and draw conclusions.
• Examine scientific data using qualitative methods, interpreting non-numerical data to identify patterns, themes, and insights.
• Determine parameters within mechanical engineering systems, calculating values such as force, stress, strain, and velocity.
• Explore the characteristics of engineering materials, describing their physical, mechanical, and chemical properties.
• Explore the properties of engineering materials, investigating their behaviour under different conditions and loads.
• Analyse applications of A.C. circuit theorems, applying them to solve problems and design circuits.
• Analyse applications of D.C. circuit theorems, applying them to solve problems and design circuits.
• Analyse applications of electromagnetic principles, applying them to understand and design electromagnetic devices.
• Analyse applications of electromagnetic properties, applying them to understand and design electromagnetic devices.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the basic concepts of control systems and their contemporary applications
• Analyse the elements of a typical, high level, control system and its model development
• Analyse the structure and behaviour of typical control systems
• Explain the application of control parameters to produce optimum performance of a control system

What you'll be able to do

• Explore the principles of operation and the characteristics of electrical machines and their industrial applications
• Illustrate the fundamentals of power electronics converters used in power processing units for electric drives
• Demonstrate the fundamentals of DC drives and their industrial applications
• Demonstrate the fundamentals of AC drives and their industrial applications

What you'll be able to do

• Use appropriate mathematical techniques to solve a range of electrical and electronic problems
• Apply appropriate circuit theorems to solve problems in electrical networks
• Use appropriate laboratory and computer simulation techniques to investigate both analogue and digital circuits and interpret the results
• Explain the characteristics of non-linear circuits to predict their behaviour under a variety of conditions

What you'll be able to do

• Use applications of number theory in practical engineering situations
• Solve systems of linear equations relevant to engineering applications using matrix methods
• Approximate solutions of contextualised examples with graphical and numerical methods
• Review models of engineering systems using ordinary differential equations

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss the selection of a specific PLC for a given industrial application
• Evaluate how PLCs exchange information and process signals with other devices
• Design a PLC programme to solve an industrial process problem for a given application
• Analyse alternative strategies using other types of programmable control devices in industrial applications

What you'll be able to do

• Evaluate energy demand to determine the technology and methods of energy production
• Discuss current energy efficiency measures, technologies and policies specific to the building and transportation sectors
• Analyse the control techniques of power electronics for renewable energy systems
• Investigate the impacts of renewable resources to the grid and the various issues associated with integrating such resources to the grid

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the operational characteristics of industrial robots, including their kinematic structures, degrees of freedom, and working envelopes.
• Define the selection criteria for industrial robots based on specific application requirements, considering factors such as payload capacity, reach, and precision.
• Discuss the applications of industrial robots within various manufacturing industries, providing examples of how they are used to automate tasks and improve efficiency.
• Explain the safety standards associated with industrial robots, including risk assessment procedures, safety devices, and safe operating practices.
• Program an industrial robot for an automated process application, demonstrating the ability to define robot movements, coordinate tasks, and integrate with other equipment.
• Investigate the global economic scope of industrial robots, analysing their impact on manufacturing productivity, employment, and competitiveness.
• Explain the integration of industrial robots into smart factories, describing how they contribute to data collection, process optimisation, and overall system intelligence.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the main elements of an electronically controlled industrial system
• Identify and specify the interface requirements between electronic, electrical and mechanical transducers and controllers
• Apply practical and computer-based methods to design and test a measurement system
• Apply appropriate analytical techniques to predict the performance of a given system

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate the key factors that have led to the emergence of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0).
• Describe the characteristics of a smart factory, including its key features and operational principles.
• Review the range of cyber-physical technologies that are shaping Industry 4.0, such as IoT, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
• Analyse the benefits of Industry 4.0 to suppliers, producers, and customers, considering factors such as efficiency, productivity, and customisation.
• Examine the factors that manufacturers need to consider when transitioning from Industry 3.0 to Industry 4.0, including infrastructure, skills, and security.
• Explore futuristic trends in manufacturing, such as additive manufacturing and advanced robotics.
• Analyse the factors that are shaping Industry 5.0, including human-machine collaboration and sustainability.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify the instrumentation systems used in process control
• Identify the instrumentation devices used in process control
• Investigate industrial process control systems
• Analyse the control concepts used within an industrial process
• Analyse the technologies used within an industrial process
• Apply predicted values to ensure stability within a control system

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss and analyse the evolution of the Internet, identifying major technological advancements and significant transitions in its usage patterns.
• Evaluate the suitability of different network protocols, such as TCP/IP and HTTP, to meet specific application requirements, referencing relevant industry standards and best practices.
• Produce detailed network designs that effectively meet customer requirements, ensuring they conform to industry best practices for performance, scalability, and security.
• Analyse the various security threats faced by computer networks, including malware, phishing, and denial-of-service attacks, and communicate effective mitigation strategies to protect network infrastructure and data.

What you'll be able to do

• Examine the common principles of lean manufacturing
• Analyse how the implementation of a lean production system contributes to business success
• Evaluate the Toyota Production System against generic approaches to lean manufacturing
• Specify a range of the process improvement tools used within lean manufacturing
• Demonstrate effective communication skills in order to lead the process of continuous improvement across an organisation

What you'll be able to do

• Investigate best coding practices for machine learning applications
• Investigate object-oriented programming design principles for machine learning applications
• Analyse the different machine learning approaches
• Analyse the different machine learning algorithms
• Apply machine learning to solve real-world problems using object-oriented programming
• Assess ethical challenges of machine learning within the values of an organisation
• Assess security risks of machine learning within the values of an organisation

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the design characteristics of a mechatronic system, including its key components and their interactions.
• Explain the operational characteristics of a mechatronic system, detailing how it functions and achieves its intended purpose.
• Design a mechatronic system specification that meets the requirements of a given application, considering factors such as performance, cost, and reliability.
• Examine the operation of a mechatronics system using simulation software to model its behaviour and predict its performance.
• Examine the function of a mechatronics system using modelling software to analyse its response to different inputs and conditions.
• Identify faults within a mechatronic system by using diagnostic techniques and tools to pinpoint the source of the problem.
• Correct faults in a mechatronic system by implementing appropriate repair or replacement procedures to restore it to proper working order.

What you'll be able to do

• Evaluate the risk evaluation theories and practices associated with the management of projects for the production of current and developing technology
• Produce an engineering services delivery plan that meets the requirements of a sector-specific organisation
• Develop effective leadership skills, individual and group communication skills
• Develop personal commitment to professional standards and obligations to society, the engineering profession and the environment

What you'll be able to do

• Identify the roles of a professional engineer, outlining their responsibilities and duties within an organisation.
• Identify the responsibilities of a professional engineer, detailing their accountability for their work and its impact.
• Identify the competences of a professional engineer, describing the skills, knowledge, and abilities required for effective performance.
• Describe the regulatory frameworks that govern the work of the professional engineer, including relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Describe the legislative frameworks that govern the work of the professional engineer, including relevant acts of parliament and legal requirements.
• Describe the ethical frameworks that govern the work of the professional engineer, including codes of conduct and principles of professional behaviour.
• Review the role of communication in the development of professional engineers, emphasising the importance of clear and effective communication skills.
• Review the role of team working in the development of professional engineers, highlighting the benefits of collaboration and cooperation.
• Review the role of leadership in the development of professional engineers, exploring different leadership styles and their impact on team performance.
• Discuss how professional engineers can develop holistic approaches to the sustainability of manufacturing processes, considering environmental, social, and economic factors.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the design principles of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems, considering factors such as architecture and components.
• Explain the operation of PLC systems, detailing the sequence of events and processes involved in their functioning.
• Evaluate the selection criteria for PLC systems based on specific application requirements and performance characteristics.
• Explore the concepts and standards related to Functional Safety within PLC systems, including risk assessment and safety integrity levels.
• Develop a PLC program for an automated process system, demonstrating the ability to implement control logic and sequencing.
• Review the methods by which PLCs exchange information with other devices, such as sensors, actuators, and supervisory systems.
• Analyse how PLCs process signals from various input devices and generate appropriate output signals to control automated processes.

What you'll be able to do

• Discuss key aspects of software evolution and development in the context of engineering applications
• Design a programming solution for an engineering problem, considering relevant constraints and requirements
• Implement a programming solution for an engineering problem using appropriate programming languages and tools
• Perform testing of the programming solution to meet defined requirements and to ensure high quality outputs

What you'll be able to do

• Illustrate the applications of statistical process control when applied in an industrial environment, providing examples of how it can be used to monitor and improve processes.
• Illustrate how statistical process control can improve efficiency, demonstrating its ability to reduce waste, improve quality, and increase productivity.
• Analyse cost effective quality control tools, evaluating their effectiveness and cost-benefit ratio.
• Determine the role of standards in improving efficiency, explaining how they can streamline processes and reduce errors.
• Determine the role of standards in meeting customer requirements, demonstrating how they can ensure products and services meet customer expectations.
• Determine the role of standards in opening up new opportunities for trade, explaining how they can facilitate international commerce and access to new markets.
• Analyse the importance of total quality management in manufacturing environments, explaining its principles and benefits.
• Analyse the importance of continuous improvement in manufacturing environments, explaining its principles and benefits.

What you'll be able to do

• Explore potential renewable energy resources, including an evaluation of current storage and generation technologies.
• Determine the optimum combination and efficiencies of different renewable energy technologies for a specific location, considering factors such as resource availability and environmental impact.
• Conduct a comprehensive cost–benefit analysis to determine the most viable option between renewable and conventional energy sources, considering economic and environmental factors.
• Explain the socio-economic, legislative, and environmental factors involved in the consideration and selection of alternative approaches to renewable energy resources and technologies.

What you'll be able to do

• Explore computer control in a feedback configuration, analysing its components and operation.
• Examine different types of sensors and actuators used for automation, considering their characteristics and applications.
• Demonstrate design and implementation skills in programming PLC-based controllers to achieve specific automation tasks.
• Investigate the PROFINET standard, its operation, and data analysis techniques used in industrial automation systems.

What you'll be able to do

• Examine the behaviours and applications of continuous-time and discrete-time signals in engineering systems.
• Formulate Fourier transform and the Laplace transform to analyse continuous time signals and systems.
• Formulate discrete-time Fourier transform and the z-transform to analyse discrete-time signals and systems.
• Analyse applications of signals and systems using MATLAB based on the accuracy levels of the transmitted information.

What you'll be able to do

• Determine the nature of the technical challenges of ensuring sustainable development.
• Determine the scope of the technical challenges of ensuring sustainable development.
• Articulate the importance of collaborating with other disciplines in developing technical solutions to sustainability problems.
• Evaluate the use of alternative energy generation techniques in relation to their contribution to a low carbon economy.
• Analyse a variety of data sources to estimate the carbon footprint of a sociotechnical scenario.

What you'll be able to do

• Develop fundamental knowledge of analogue electronic communication systems, including modulation techniques and signal processing.
• Analyse digital communication techniques, including encoding, multiplexing, and error correction.
• Assess transmission channels and applications, considering factors such as bandwidth, noise, and interference.
• Investigate the design of Data Networks, including network topologies, protocols, and security considerations.
• Evaluate the performance of different communication systems based on key metrics such as data rate, reliability, and latency.
• Apply appropriate communication techniques to solve practical engineering problems.

What you'll be able to do

• Examine the demands, sources and construction of electrical power generation and distribution systems
• Explore the interconnections of power systems and their protection to explain the critical processes and the effects of failure and the importance of electrical safety
• Evaluate the effectiveness of forms of engineering activity to promote sustainable development
• Discuss new and emerging methods to optimise energy usage, conversion and storage techniques