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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate and apply knowledge of basic digital electronic principles 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
259139  Demonstrate and apply knowledge of basic digital electronic principles 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Electronics 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This Unit Standard is for learners who wish to pursue microprocessor based electronics. Learners will be exposed to the fundamentals of programming microcontrollers and interfacing systems.

Learners credited with this Unit Standard are capable of:
  • Demonstrating knowledge of microprocessor and microcontroller systems.
  • Programming and test a microprocessor or microcontroller application.
  • Demonstrating knowledge of external serial bus systems to enable expansion.
  • Demonstrating knowledge of analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue conversion within the controller.
  • Testing analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue converters. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication skills at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 3.
  • Computer literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of microprocessor and microcontroller systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Typical microcontroller is described using a functional block diagram. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The description includes but is not limited to the purpose of each functional block and the flow of information and data.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The programming of a microprocessor or microcontroller is explained by means of a flow diagram. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The way in which a microprocessor and microcontroller operates is explained by means of a block diagram with reference to microprocessor data sheets. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Explaining must include but not limited to clock, reset, fetch, execute cycle, read/write cycle to peripheral devices.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Programme and test a microprocessor or microcontroller application. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Programme refers to the downloading of a given programme into the target device only. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A microcontroller is programmed using given programmes, placed in a circuit in order to test its operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Programmes could include but are not limited to reading simple digital input devices such as switches or opto-couplers, and process these to produce some output algorithm to a digital output such as LEDs, relays, solenoids.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A simple programming language is written using a high level Graphical User Interface (GUI). 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Visual programming language includes but is not limited to a product like "Flow Code" by Matrix Multimedia.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The concept of interrupts in a microprocessor circuit is explained in terms of its functions. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate knowledge of external serial bus systems to enable expansion. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of external serial bus systems to enable expansion. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    External serial bus systems may include but are not limited to USB port, RS-232, parallel ports, RS-485, I2C, I2S and SPI.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Two or more microprocessor systems are connected through a communication BUS system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Preloaded software is used to test the functionality of a communication BUS. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate knowledge of analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue conversion within the controller. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue conversion within the controller. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Terms associated with analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue conversion are explained in terms of their application. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Terms may include but are not limited to resolution, quantisation, conversion time, linearity, offset, gain errors.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The concepts of ADCs and DACs are explained in terms of their uses. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Test analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue converters. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Microcontroller ADC and DAC circuits are constructed using a given circuits. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The principles of ADC and DAC are demonstrated using given software and circuits.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The principles od ADC and DAC are demostrated using a given software and circuits. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standard as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Learners should have a knowledge and understanding of:
  • Basic digital electronics terminologies.
  • Wiring of electronic circuits.
  • Computer components.
  • Fundamental electronics.
  • Data sheets. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in connection with Electro Static Discharge that may easily damage microprocessors or microcontrollers by applying safe ESD procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a work team to do group work and research in matters relating to microprocessor and microcontrollers in order to contribute to the final product. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Plan, organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by adhering to relevant procedures and connections to be followed. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse and organise relevant information relating to hardware and software including data sheets in order to interpret the specifications of the microprocessor or microcontroller devices. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the form of oral and/or written presentation in order to present the completed task. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and others by recognising that microprocessors and microcontrollers form part of any major electronic equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  80306   Further Education and Training Certificate: Electronics  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  67649   Further Education and Training Certificate: Mechatronics  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 
    2. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.