EdX

AC and Switching Circuits (edX)

AC and Switching Circuits (edX)

In this course, you will learn all about circuits with alternating current (AC). The course shows how to design and analyse AC circuits, and concepts like phasors and power factor are explained. We also cover transformers, fuses, relays, and the use of transistors as switches. The course is the second in our series on electronics and a working knowledge of DC circuits is assumed.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see EdX's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Alternating current (AC) is the type of electricity commonly used throughout the world to connect power plants, homes, and businesses. This course will give you an understanding of why AC is used and will allow you to design and analyse circuits which use AC electricity.
You will learn how to calculate voltages, currents and power in circuits with AC sources, how to calculate RMS voltage and current, how to handle both sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal sources, how to use relays and transistors as switches, how to design circuits with transformers, how to model realistic, non-ideal transformers, how to design and build simple DC power supplies and rectifiers, and we will explore concepts of maximum power transfer with AC circuits. In terms of sequencing, this course would be suitable for students who already have a working knowledge of basic DC circuits (such as our other MOOC Circuits for Beginners).

What you'll learn
At the end of this MOOC, learners will be able to discuss:

  • how to calculate voltages, currents and power in circuits with AC sources
  • how to calculate RMS voltage and current
  • how to handle both sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal sources
  • how to use relays and transistors as switches
  • how to design circuits with transformers
  • how to model realistic, non-ideal transformers
  • how to design and build simple DC power supplies and rectifiers
  • concepts of maximum power transfer with AC circuits

Syllabus

Week 1:- Introduction to AC Circuits
Week 2: Phasors
Week 3: Non-Sinusoidal AC Circuits
Week 4: Transformer Circuits
Week 5: AC-DC Conversion
Week 6: Switching Circuits

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Introduction to the Internet of Things (edX) EdX
Universitat Politècnica de València,UPValenciaX

Introduction to the Internet of Things (edX)

This is a preliminary course in which we deal with the basics of electronics and programming using Arduino and ESP boards. Internet of Things (IoT) is the present and the future of technology. Either, if you have none, few or some experience with electronics and you want to develop it projects this course will give you the necessary kick start to start creating amazing devices capable of sensing, controlling physical signals.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Fundamentals of Audio and Music Engineering: Part 1 Musical Sound & Electronics (Coursera) Coursera
University of Rochester

Fundamentals of Audio and Music Engineering: Part 1 Musical Sound & Electronics (Coursera)

In this course students learn the basic concepts of acoustics and electronics and how they can applied to understand musical sound and make music with electronic instruments. Topics include: sound waves, musical sound, basic electronics, and applications of these basic principles in amplifiers and speaker design.

Nov 23rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Semiconductor Process 2 (Coursera) Coursera
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology - KAIST

Introduction to Semiconductor Process 2 (Coursera)

This course aims to provide a general understanding of semiconductor process. This course explores the principles and basic theory of semiconductor device and process. Furthermore, the students will learn the overall semiconductor process such as oxidation, diffusion, ion implantation, lithography, etching, thin film deposition, plasma, metallization, and packaging.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Distribución de la energía eléctrica (edX) EdX
Tecnológico de Monterrey,TecdeMonterreyX

Distribución de la energía eléctrica (edX)

Aprende las formas en que la energía eléctrica se distribuye al usuario final por medio de la infraestructura eléctrica existente. Conoces los procesos que se requieren para llevar la energía eléctrica desde el lugar donde se genera (plantas eléctricas) hasta el lugar donde la necesitas?, ¿sabes cómo funciona una red de distribución? En este curso en línea obtendrás las respuestas, ya que conocerás las formas en las que la energía eléctrica se distribuye al usuario final por medio de la infraestructura existente.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Circuits and Electronics 2: Amplification, Speed, and Delay (edX) EdX
MIT,MITx

Circuits and Electronics 2: Amplification, Speed, and Delay (edX)

Learn how to speed up digital circuits and build amplifiers in the design of microchips used in smartphones, computers, and the Internet. Want to learn how to construct an amplifier for mobile phones? Wondering how energy storage elements like capacitors and inductors work, or how to make microchips run faster? This free circuit course taught by edX CEO and MIT Professor Anant Agarwal and colleagues is for you.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Nanomaterials for Civil and Environmental Applications (edX) EdX
Purdue University,PurdueX

Nanomaterials for Civil and Environmental Applications (edX)

Learn about the field of nanotechnology with a special emphasis on nanomaterials synthesis, characterizations and their applications in civil and environmental engineering. This course will introduce students to the field of nanotechnology with a special emphasis on nanomaterials synthesis, characterizations and their applications in civil and environmental engineering.

Sep 27th 2021
5-12 Weeks
Designing Electronics for Recycling in a Circular Economy (edX) EdX
Delft University of Technology,DelftX

Designing Electronics for Recycling in a Circular Economy (edX)

Discover the latest developments in Design for Recycling (DfR) of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and the application of recycled plastics into new products. Electronic products bring countless benefits to society, but their production and waste treatment also lead to numerous negative environmental and economic impacts. Since E-waste is the world’s fastest growing waste stream, governments are setting ambitious targets to help this industry transition towards a circular economy.

Self Paced
4 Weeks
Circuitos Eléctricos en Corriente Alterna (edX) EdX
Galileo University,GalileoX

Circuitos Eléctricos en Corriente Alterna (edX)

Curso introductorio de análisis de circuitos resistivos en AC. Aprende la base fundamental de Instalaciones Eléctricas. Este curso trata la teoría básica de circuitos eléctricos en corriente alterna. Un sólido conocimiento de esta teoría es clave para diseñar instalaciones eléctricas y sistemas de potencia.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Graphene Science and Technology (edX) EdX
Chalmers University of Technology,ChalmersX

Graphene Science and Technology (edX)

Graphene: its practical applications and how it offers new insights into quantum physics. Graphene is the world’s first 2-dimensional material and is the thinnest, strongest, and most flexible material known to exist. Graphene, a special form of carbon,,can conduct electricity and heat better than anything else.

No sessions available
5-12 Weeks