Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
DC and AC circuit configuration may include:
DC circuit:
resistances
single DC voltage source:
battery
DC voltage supply
solar panel
AC circuit:
inductors, capacitors and resistances
single AC voltage source:
AC generator
AC voltage supply
alternator
low voltage AC source.
Safe work practices may relate to:
component tolerances not exceeded - fire risk
correct use of power supply and test equipment
identifying any electrical safety hazards
isolation from main supply
overdrawing of current
power down during set up procedure
well laid out circuitry:
avoid contact with external sources
avoid shorting of components.
Test equipment may include:
digital multimeter
multimeter
ohmmeter
voltmeter.
Calculations may include:
application of Ohm's law
engineering notation
power calculations
power consumption and efficiencies
voltage dividers
voltage, resistance and current calculations.
Electrical quantities may include:
current
power
voltage.
Probable faults may include:
blown fuse
cracked circuit board
failed components
faulty power supply
foreign battery
intermittent faults
loose connections
open circuit
short circuit
short to ground
split pairs
water damage.
Characteristics of an analog
signal and a digital signal may include:
analog signal characteristics:
continuously variable, infinite number of states
intelligence based on recreating exact waveshape
signal to noise ratio increase with amplification
digital signal characteristics:
encryption
error detection and correction
finite number of discrete states
high noise immunity
intelligence based on ability to discern only 2 states
regeneration
type of square wave (complex waveform).
Building blocks may include:
analog:
amplifiers
attenuators
displays
filters
oscillators
transducers
digital:
ADC and DAC
computers
counter
data routers, switches and bridges
digital amplifier
digital display
input and output transducers
multiplexer.
Transmission characteristics may include:
attenuation
balanced
characteristic impedance (Zo)
crosstalk
frequency range
transmission windows for glass optical fibre
unbalanced
waveguide cut-off frequency.
Types of cable may include:
aluminium and copper DC busbars
coaxial cable
multi-pair communications cable
optical fibre
performance data cable CAT 5 and higher
rack and sub-rack alarm and power distribution cables
shielded twisted pair (STP) communications cable
unshielded twisted pair (UTP) communications cable.
Application characteristics may include:
audio
data
digital subscriber line (DSL)
Ethernet
microwave
optical/laser
power
radio frequency (RF)
satellite
video.
Wireless connections may include:
2-way radio
AM, FM
Bluetooth
cellular
infra-red
microwave
optical/laser
satellite
wireless fidelity (WiFi)
worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX).

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
use Ohm's law and fundamental electrical principles to solve basic AC and DC electrical problems
connect and test an AC and DC circuit
evaluate cable and wireless devices
test wireless link.
Context of, and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
appropriate AC and DC testing equipment
manufacturer's documentation and equipment
safety equipment.
Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct observation of the candidate undertaking AC and DC measurements and fault finding
direct observation of the candidate setting up wireless link and transmitting data
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of fundamental concepts of telecommunications networks.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICTTEN2140A Use hand and power tools.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non-English speaking background may have second language issues.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.