Illuminating electronics problem solving with the Cal Poly MoHat technique

This paper describes a Cal Poly version of circuit analysis to assist both students and instructors. The primary focus of the technique is helping students perform hand analysis, particularly the type of hand analysis that clarifies the student´s understanding of circuit operation in a manner that can benefit subsequent design decisions. The technique nicely complements graphical solution techniques such as load-line analyses and computer aided circuit simulation. MoHAT, an abbreviation of Model-Hypothesize-Analyze-Test, provides students with a roadmap to use, when analyzing even relatively complex circuits containing diodes and transistors. This paper emphasizes the pedagogy of MoHAT and describes a web-based software tool developed to help students visualize circuit operation.