Queens Academic Group

Diploma in Electronics and Telecommunications L7 (DET7)

About the Programme

This 240-credit programme is approved and accredited by NZQA. It offers advanced skills in electronic circuitry and telecommunications engineering technology. It provides a complex technical competence in electronic devices, electronic communications technologies such as radio, integrated electronics systems, and software that governs the application of this technology.

This programme is approved and accredited by NZQA.

Entry Criteria

minimum of a Level 5 qualification in the field of Electronics/Telecommunications (or equivalent skills and knowledge)
IELTS band score of at least 6.0 (Academic); or TOEFL score of 550 or equivalent knowledge and skills.

If you are a New Zealand student under 20 years of age, there are additional entry requirements. Please contact us for further information.

Core Papers

DET500* Engineering Mathematics
DET510* Electrical Principles, Circuits & Electrical Devices
DET600* Digital Electronics
DET610* Electronic Communication Systems
DET620* Data Communications and Networking
DET630* Antenna and Wave Propagation
DET700 Control Systems
DET710 Cellular and Mobile Communications
DET720 Microwave and Radar Engineering DET730 Broadband Communications

Electives (any two of the following)

DET740 Positioning Communication Systems
DET750 Power Electronics
DET760 Digital Control Systems
DET770 Microprocessor

*Applicants who have studied these papers as part of the Queens Academic Group Diploma in Electronics and Telecommunications (DET6) Level 6 qualification will be able to transfer any or all of these credits (120) to this Level 7 qualification.

Further Study

Higher level qualifications specialising in Electronics / Telecommunications

Job Opportunities
Graduates of this diploma may pursue career opportunities in a wide range of entry level roles in the electronics and telecommunications industries eg. operations and maintenance technician, electronics sales/service representative, telecommunications technician, communication systems installer, or field service representative.

Paper Summaries

DET500 Engineering Mathematics
Level 5
Credit 20
Version 1
Introduced 2009
Prerequisite Nil

Aim: This paper covers vector algebra and geometry: equations of lines and planes. Linear algebra: matrix operations, systems of linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Calculus: logarithmic differentiation, improper integrals, integration by parts. Sequences and series: convergence, power series, Taylor polynomials. Ordinary differential equations: first order, second order with constant coefficients, boundary value problems, systems of ODEs. Multivariable calculus: partial derivatives, directional derivatives, chain rule, maxima and minima. Laplace and Z- Transforms; Fourier Series and Transforms; Optimization; and Statistics and Probabilities

DET510 Electrical Principles, Circuits & Electronic Devices
Level 5
Credits 20
Version 1
Introduced 2009
Prerequisite Nil

Aim: This paper introduces semiconductor-based devices such as diodes, bipolar transistors, FETs, and related components. Emphasis is on analysis, selection, biasing, and applications in power supplies; small signal amplifiers; and switching and control circuits. It also covers DC and AC electricity with emphasis on circuit analysis, measurements, and operation of test equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to construct, analyze, verify, and troubleshoot discrete component circuits using appropriate techniques and test equipment. Students should also be able to interpret circuit schematics; design, construct, verify, and analyze DC/AC circuits; and properly use test equipment.

DET600 Digital Electronics
Level 6
Credits 20
Version 1
Introduced 2009
Co-requisite DET510

Aim: This paper covers combinational and sequential logic circuits. Topics include MSI and LSI circuits, AC/DC converters, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to construct, analyze, verify, and troubleshoot digital circuits using appropriate techniques and test equipment.

DET610 Electronic Communication Systems
Level 6
Credit 20
Version 1
Introduced 2009
Prerequisite DET510

Aim: This paper introduces the fundamentals of electronic communication systems. Topics include the frequency spectrum, electrical noise, modulation techniques, characteristics of transmitters and receivers, and digital communications. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret analog and digital communication circuit diagrams, analyze transmitter and receiver circuits, and use appropriate communication test equipment.

DET620 Data Communication and Networking
Level 6
Credit 20
Version 1
Introduced 2009
Prerequisite DET600

Aim This paper introduces the following: (1) Analysis and design of computer networks; (2) Layered architecture of Internet; (3) Protocol layers and their service models; (4) Principles of network applications and application protocols such as HTTP, FTP, and SMTP; (5) Principles of transport layer services and transport-layer protocols such as TCP and UDP; (6) Virtual-circuit networks(7) Broadcast and multicast routing. Introduction to link-layer and its services; (8) Network architectures: cellular networks, ad hoc networks; access protocols; (9) Radio and network resource management; (10) Mobility and location management; (11) Routing; (13) Mobile-IP; (14) Current wireless technologies for personal, local and satellite networks.

DET630 Antenna and Wave Propagation
Level 6
Credit 20
Version 1
Introduced 2009
Co-requisite DET610

Aim: This paper examines the fundamental solutions of time-varying Maxwell’s equations and applies them to design antennas and understand radio wave propagation phenomena in modern communication and radar systems. Three major topics will be covered: 1) fundamentals of electromagnetic radiation with application to antenna theory and design, 2) electromagnetic wave propagation, scattering and diffraction, with application to understanding wireless communication channels, and 3) numerical and asymptotic methods for simulating complex electromagnetic wave interactions in real-world scenarios.

DET700 Control System
Level 7
Credits 20
Version 1
Introduced 2009
Prerequisite DET510, DET600, DET610

Aim: This course covers the elements of classical control. A good grounding in the understanding of the dynamic behaviour of systems is followed by a study of the elements that make up some control systems. Standard techniques for modifying the behaviour of control systems are examined. Particular studies of real world control systems are used to bring together the topics previously covered.

DET710 Cellular and Mobile Communications
Level 7
Credits 20
Version 1
Introduced 2009
Prerequisite DET630,DET600, DET620

Aim: This paper introduces a broad overview of cellular radio systems as it examines the elements of cellular radio system design, interference, cell coverage for signal and traffic, cell site and mobile antennas. Topics also cover tradeoff between capacity and coverage in a cellular system and the role of frequency reuse, cell sectorization, and cell splitting. It explores the importance of wireless data in mobile wireless systems. The major standards are examined and an introduction is provided to 3G systems (CDMA2000 and UMTS).

DET720 Microwave and Radar Engineering
Level 7
Credits 20
Version 1
Introduced 2009
Prerequisite DET620

Aim: This paper deals with phenomena that occur when the wavelength of an electromagnetic field. It covers the following topics: waveguides, microwave components, microwave tubes, microwave solid state devices, microwave measurements, and introduction to radar.

DET730 Broadband Communications
Level 7
Credits 20
Version 1
Introduced 2009
Prerequisite Nil

Aim: This paper provides a broad working knowledge of the broadband communication technologies that permeate today's society and to provide the learners with the tools to address the numerous opportunities that abound in this field. It provides the fundamental knowledge about X.25 and frame relay, synchronous optical network (Sonet), virtual private network (VPN), digital subscriber line (DSL), integrated service digital network (ISDN) and broadband ISDN (B-ISDN), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), switched multimegabit digital service (SMDS), wireless data services, personal communications service (PCS), and fibre channel. It concludes with installation, configuration, testing, troubleshooting and analysis of wireless broadband networks. It also covers the essential knowledge required to implement the type of network for integration of data, voice and video and will cover the latest technology advancements in broadband communications.

DET735 Positioning and Communication Systems
Level 7
Credits 20
Version 1
Introduced 2009
Prerequisite Nil

Aim: This paper provides the basic understanding of the global positioning system (GPS) and geographic information systems (GIS). The focus is primarily on the application, uses, management, implementation, and benefits of these systems and the theory and the technical details of how GPS and GIS actually work. The course topics includes: Cellular Wireless Networks, Cellular Concept , Mobile Channel, GMS, GPRS and 3G Standards, and Access and Wireless Networking.

DET740 Power Electronics
Level 7
Credits 20
Version 1
Introduced 2009
Prerequisite DET700

Aim: This paper introduces the power electronic devices and solid state drive packages. It also includes the study of converter and inverter circuits which comprise the power and control for these drive packages. Hands-on experience on operation and troubleshooting of typical commercial AC and DC drive systems will also be provided through laboratory exercises.

DET745 Digital Control Systems
Level 7
Credits 20
Version 1
Introduced 2009
Prerequisite DET700

Aim: This paper covers the following topics: review of sampling process; discrete time linear systems analysis; Z-transforms; discrete time and sampled data state variable analysis; stability analysis; time-domain, and frequency-domain analysis and design; and computer implementation of digital algorithms and control systems.

DET750 Microprocessors
Level 7
Credits 20
Version 1
Introduced 2009
Prerequisite DET720

Aim: This paper introduces microprocessor architecture and microcomputer systems, including memory and input/output interfacing. Topics include assembly language programming, bus architecture, bus cycle types, I/O systems, memory systems, interrupts, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret, analyze, verify, and troubleshoot fundamental microprocessor circuits and programs using appropriate techniques and test equipment.