The distance learning MSc modules provide a practical route for your career development without interfering with your normal working pattern. All the modules are available over the internet and may be studied from home during non-working time. In particular you will be able to access a wide range of industry standard CAD software from your personal computer:

• Altera programmable logic design
• Cadence comprehensive integrated circuit design system
• Cadence PCB Design - including high speed digital signal integrity
• Comsol multiphysics - including Electromagnetics and MEMS
• Flomerics - thermal design of electronic assemblies and components
• Matlab - mathematical modelling
• Microchip - microprocessor development systems
• Spice - electronic circuit simulation
• Modelsim - virtual electronic laboratory
• Software programming languages - VHDL, Verilog and C++

The above list is not exhaustive.

Whichever area of electronics you are involved in, from detailed electronic design to technical management, some of the modules will be of use to you. Extensive and comprehensive walkthroughs, together with direct tutor support, will ensure you gain competence in the use of packages.

The following examples are intended to provide a flavour of the packages available.

 

High Speed Digital Signal Integrity

The waveforms show the simulated signals for a high speed differential digital link on a PCB. They have been obtained using the simulator in Signal Explorer, a tool in the Cadence PCB design software suite.

The waveforms show the common mode signals, the differential signals and the reference voltage at both the signal transmitter and receiver. This allows the noise immunity and the effects of signal propagation delay to be determined prior to PCB layout.

Electromagnetic Field Plotting Software

 

The figure shows the field plot of electrical equipotential surfaces for a PCB microstrip. The field plot was obtained using the COMSOL multiphysics software. Obtaining the field plot is the first step in computing the capacitance/unit length of the microstrip.

Thermal Analysis

The plot shows the temperature inside the case of an electronic product. Temperature is indicated by colour and the hot spot (red) is at a temperature of 130 degrees centigrade. The scale is to the right of the picture.

The plot was obtained using the Flomerics thermal imaging software.

The plots allow the thermal performance of a product to be determined before it is committed to production.

Project Management

The picture shows the project plan for organising and presenting a stand at an exhibition. The project is planned in reverse, starting from the close of the exhibition and progressing back to the start of the project activities, in this case marketing.

The plan has been developed using Microsoft Project, which is used extensively in business and industry.

The module on project management covers formal project planning methods, such as PERT and CPM and the management of multiple projects that share common resources.

On completion of the module you will be conversant with project planning and management techniques and will have developed competence in using Microsoft project.

To see the range of modules available go to www.ami.ac.uk/courses|. You will be able to see the first three units of each module without needing a password.

For general information go to the MSc distance learning home page, www.ami.ac.uk|.