FE Electrical & Computer study plan

Refresh number systems and Boolean algebra: convert between binary, octal, hex, and two's complement, and simplify switching expressions with Karnaugh maps and DeMorgan's laws until you can do each without notes.

Design combinational building blocks from truth tables: multiplexers, decoders, adders, and comparators, then hand-trace propagation delay through a two-level gate network.

Solve 25 practice problems on combinational logic and number representation, logging every error with the underlying concept it exposed.

Set up a formula sheet and error log in a spreadsheet that you will append to every week for the rest of the plan.

Analyze sequential circuits: derive next-state and output equations for flip-flop-based machines, build state tables and state diagrams, and identify Mealy versus Moore behavior.

Compare SR, JK, D, and T flip-flops on excitation tables and timing, and convert one design from one flip-flop type to another.

Work through computer-architecture fundamentals: instruction formats, addressing modes, pipelining hazards, cache mapping (direct, set-associative, fully associative), and hit/miss calculations.

Compute cache performance metrics (hit ratio, AMAT) and CPI for given instruction mixes in at least 10 problems.

Cover embedded-system and software topics for computer engineering: microcontroller peripherals, interrupts, memory-mapped I/O, and basic data-structure and algorithm complexity (Big-O) questions.

Review digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion: sampling theorem, quantization error, resolution, and Nyquist criteria with numeric examples.

Begin electronics review by deriving operating points for diode circuits (ideal, constant-drop, and small-signal models) and Zener regulator designs.

Solve 20 mixed problems spanning computer engineering and basic electronics to test retention across domains.

Analyze BJT and MOSFET amplifier configurations (common emitter/source, emitter/source follower, common base/gate) for gain, input and output resistance, and phase.

Apply small-signal models to compute midband gain and identify the dominant pole qualitatively in a single-stage amplifier.

Review op-amp circuits: inverting, non-inverting, summing, difference, integrator, differentiator, and comparator behavior, including slew rate and gain-bandwidth limits.

Solve 25 amplifier and op-amp problems under a timed 45-minute block to build speed.

Master linear-system analysis: Laplace transforms, transfer functions, pole-zero plots, Bode magnitude and phase sketches, and stability via Routh-Hurwitz.

Compute transient and steady-state responses of first- and second-order circuits (RC, RL, RLC) including damping ratio and natural frequency.

Review signal and filter fundamentals: Fourier series concepts, ideal filter types, and bandwidth calculations, plus basic communications concepts such as modulation and SNR.

Work 15 control-systems and 15 signals/systems problems, then tabulate which subtopics still cost you the most time.

Review three-phase power: per-phase equivalent circuits, wye-delta conversion, real/reactive/apparent power, power factor, and balanced-load calculations.

Analyze transformers: ideal and non-ideal models, referred impedances, efficiency, and voltage regulation with numeric examples.

Cover transmission-line parameters, voltage drop, and power-flow basics, including per-unit calculations on a simple radial feeder.

Solve 20 three-phase and transformer problems, verifying each answer with a unit and magnitude sanity check.

Study electric machines: DC machine torque and speed relations, induction motor slip and equivalent circuit, and synchronous machine basics, solving at least 10 numeric problems.

Review power electronics: rectifiers, DC-DC converters (buck, boost, buck-boost), and inverters, including duty-cycle and ripple calculations.

Tie power back to electronics by reviewing protection devices, grounding, and power-factor correction with capacitor banks.

Take a 30-question mixed quiz across all three domains and record per-domain accuracy.

Re-drill every item in your error log from weeks 1 through 7 until each is solved correctly twice in a row without notes.

Take two full-length timed practice exams under exam conditions (no pauses, reference sheet only) and score each by domain.

Convert exam-day logistics into a checklist: approved calculator, reference handbook familiarity, ID, and time-per-question pacing targets.

Review the highest-frequency formulas from each domain for 20 minutes daily to keep them fresh.