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

Understand basic electronic theory and components 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114406  Understand basic electronic theory and components 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Electrical Engineering & Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Electrical Infrastructure Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2007-04-03  2009-02-18  SAQA 0160/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-02-18   2013-02-18  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
258977  Understand basic electronic theory and components  Level 3  NQF Level 03   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for persons in the Electrical Engineering; Generation; Distribution; Transmission; Construction and Renewable Energy Sectors.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic electronic theory and electronic components.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner within the electrical engineering and construction environment by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the field of Physical Planning and Construction. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the electrical engineering and construction environment. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following knowledge, skills attitude and / or equivalent:
  • An understanding of the metric numbering system.
  • A basic knowledge of unit conversion.
  • A knowledge of fundamental electrical theory. 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard includes but is not limited to:
  • Fundamental electrical and electronic engineering quantities and applications thereof.
  • Atomic and semiconductor theory.
  • Electronic components and understanding of circuit operation.
  • Diodes, power supplies, transistors and opto-electronics. 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Understand and explain atomic and electron theory in terms of current flow. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Atomic structure, Bohr model, Pauli Exclusion principle, drift current, diffusion current, bonding, doping, semiconductor materials. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The structure of the atom is drawn and explained within the context of basic electron theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Free electrons are explained within the context of electron theory principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Conduction and different types of current is explained and understood within the context of electron theory principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The bonding processes between different molecule types are explained and lattice structures drawn within the context of valence electron principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Doping of intrinsic materials is understood and explained in terms of p-type and n-type semiconductor principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The effect of heat on semiconductor materials and conductors are explained in relation with its conductivity characteristics. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Understand and explain the operation of basic electronic components. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Resistors, capacitors, inductors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The different types, values and symbols of resistors are listed and explained in relation with basic electronic theory and applications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The different types, values and symbols of capacitors are listed and explained in relation with basic electronic theory and applications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The different types, values and symbols of inductors are listed and explained in relation with basic electronic theory and applications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The combination and effect of different basic electronic components in one circuits is graphically illustrated and explained in relation with basic electronic theory and applications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Understand the operation of a P-N diode. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The creation and biasing of a P-N junction is described and graphically illustrated within the context of semiconductor theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The effect of temperature on a P-N junction is described within the context of semiconductor theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The forward biasing and reverse biasing curves are drawn and described within the context of semiconductor theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The different types of specialised diodes are identified and described within the context of semiconductor theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Basic calculations are carried out within the context of semiconductor theory. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Forward volt drop, load line, dynamic resistance.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Understand the operation and function of power supplies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The operation of various rectifier techniques is explained with the aid of graphics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The operation of half wave and full wave rectifiers are explained with the aid of graphics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. A basic DC power supply consisting of a transformer and rectifier is explained with the aid of graphics. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Half wave, full wave, centre tapped transformer.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Basic calculations of the voltages and currents around rectifier circuits are done in relation with full wave and half wave rectification. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Understand the operation and application of a transistor. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The operation of a correctly biased PNP and NPN transistor is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The output and input characteristic curves for each of the two basic transistor circuit connections are drawn and explained in relation with transistor theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The Quiesent point is defined correctly in relation with transistor theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Basic load line calculations are carried out in relation with transistor theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The two basic circuits used for transistors are designed and analysed in relation with transistor theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The operation of a transistor as a switch is explained with the aid of a circuit diagram. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. The operation of a transistor as an amplifier is explained with the aid of a circuit diagram. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Understand the principles of opto-electronics and its applications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The operation of photo-emissive and photo-conductive devices are explained within the context of opto-electronic principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The operation of a photo-conductive cell is explained within the context of opto-electronic principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The characteristic curve for a photo diode is drawn and the shape explained within the context of opto-electronic principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The difference between photodiodes and light emitting diodes are explained within the context of opto-electronic principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The operation of a solar cell is graphically illustrated and explained within the context of photovoltaic power systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. The number of solar cells required to deliver a particular current and voltage is calculated within the context of photovoltaic power systems. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.

    2. Any provider offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as provider through the relevant ETQA.

    3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Knowledge that will help me understand and that I will be able to explain:
  • A basic understanding of physics.
  • A basic understanding electronic theory and application thereof. 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems (Identify factors which impact on the performance of electronic devices). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself (Understand and manage electronic concepts and principles) 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate (Describe basic electronic principles). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology (Understanding electronic theory and principles). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems (Understand electronic theory and principles in relation to other disciplines). 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 258977, which is "Understand basic electronic theory and components", Level 3, 4 credits.

    Supplementary information:

    Specified requirements
    None

    A glossary of terms about the terminology of:

    Context specific 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  74530   National Certificate: Measurement, Control and Instrumentation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  48973   National Certificate: Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather (CTFL) Mechanician Processes  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2015-06-30  FPMSETA 
    Core  49056   National Certificate: Domestic Appliance Repair  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  EWSETA 
    Core  20419   National Certificate: Electrical Engineering  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered" 
    2004-02-10  Was EWSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  48475   National Certificate: Electrical Engineering  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2009-02-18  Was EWSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  58288   National Certificate: Electro-Mechanics  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  59569   National Certificate: Electronics  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Core  49067   Further Education and Training Certificate: Railway Signalling: Fault-finding and Repair of Equipment  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  TETA 


    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. ATTI (Advanced Technonogy Training Institute) 
    2. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    3. DEVOLTAGE TRAINING CENTRE 
    4. EARTH CHILD CONSULTING (PTY) LTD 
    5. ERGO WATER WORKS CC 
    6. ESKOM DISTRIBUTION NORTHERN REGION 
    7. ESKOM GENERATION - PALMIET PUMP STORAGE GRABOUW 
    8. ESKOM KOEBERG - EE - GENERATION & TRADE TEST CENTRE 
    9. Gert Sibande FET College 
    10. GG SQUARED PROJECTS 
    11. Imbokodo General Trading cc 
    12. INDUSTRIES EDUCATION & TRAINING INSTITUTE - PE TTC 
    13. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    14. KHOSITHI TRAINING 
    15. KP ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    16. MARULENG TRAINING ACADEMY 
    17. NEW HOPE REVIVAL ORGANISATION 
    18. NTLEMO PROJECTS 
    19. Paramixed Pty Ltd 
    20. POWER SYSTEMS TRAINING, CAPE TOWN 
    21. SABS NATIONAL ELECTRICAL TESTING FACILITY OLIFANTSFONTEIN 
    22. Schauenburg Systems Pty Ltd 
    23. STUDIO 05 HOUSE OF FASHION 
    24. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    25. WILLIAM CULBERT CONSULTANT 



    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.