Electronics and Computer Hardware Technology
15 courses · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ECHT 11 Introduction to Electronics
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to electronics and provides the basis for further studies in electronics and computer hardware technology. Topics include safety, the basic theory and applications of electricity, analysis of circuit values using a standard scientific calculator, component identification and schematic diagrams, the techniques of electrical measurement and employment opportunities. Also introduced are alternating current measurements and the use of the oscilloscope. Electrical/electronic devices employed in automotive and air conditioning systems are also covered.
ECHT 22 Basic Electronic Fabrication
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Electronics and Computer Hardware Technology 11 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course focuses on the materials and the processes used for fabricating electronic systems. The process includes designing, assembling, testing, and documenting a basic electronic fabrication project. Topics covered will include safety, component identification, schematic diagrams, assembly pictorials, soldering (both printed wire boards and terminals), inspection, sheet metal fabrication, hand-tool use, cabling, wire wrapping, printed circuit board construction and repair, Continuous Improvement Techniques (CIT), and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) awareness. Mass production will be stressed for practical experience in all areas.
ECHT 95 Cooperative Work Experience Education
- Units
- 2-4
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Electronics and Computer Hardware Technology 95abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU
Through a set of learning objectives established by the student, supervisor, and instructor, each student will work with and learn from experts in the Electronics and Computer Hardware Technology field. These experiences will enable students to improve job skills, analyze career opportunities and requirements, and compare them to personal abilities and career expectations.
ECHT 99 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Electronics and Computer Hardware Technology 99abc
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides special advanced studies in a subject field of Electronics and Computer Hardware Technology not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences with the instructor are coordinated with assigned Electronics and Computer Hardware Technology projects (54 hours per unit).
ECHT 110 Introduction to Direct and Alternating Current Circuits
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ECHT 11 with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course examines advanced topics in the principles of direct and alternating current electricity through the correlation of theory and laboratory experiments. Basic circuit analysis forms the core of the course. Included in this class are the use of calculators, computer circuit simulation and many types of electrical/electronic test equipment to perform electrical measurements, and yield analysis.
ECHT 120 Semiconductor Circuits
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Electronics and Computer Hardware Technology 11 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides the student with a background in modern solid-state devices for electronic technician work or troubleshooting. Emphasis is placed on testing devices, combined with study of typical applications. The course of study includes student construction of an Amplitude Modulation (AM) radio and computer simulation.
ECHT 122 Semiconductor Circuits II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Electronics and Computer Hardware Technology 11 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Advisory
- Electronics and Computer Hardware Technology 110 and Electronics and Computer Hardware Technology 120 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course gives the student an advanced background in solid-state devices such as transistors, Field Effect Transistors (FETs) and Silicon Controlled Rectifiers (SCRs). Practical laboratory experience similar to circuitry, used in the electronics industry, is included.
ECHT 124 Operational Amplifiers and Linear Integrated Circuits
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Electronics and Computer Hardware Technology 11 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Corequisite
- ECHT120 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course focuses on linear integrated circuit techniques, including operational amplifiers, comparators, phase locked loops, multiplexers and audio amplifiers. Laboratory activities include telecommunications, instrumentation, industrial electronics and practical measurement methods. In both lecture and laboratory exercises, students study circuits common to electronic systems, in addition to new, novel and useful circuit concepts.
ECHT 130 Digital Systems and Computer Logic I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Electronics and Computer Hardware Technology 11 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is an introductory course in digital logic circuit theory and practice used in contemporary computer, control, instrumentation and security systems. The course begins with the development of simple digital elements, which are combined in increasingly complex functions to perform higher-level logic functions. The laboratory exercises give the student the opportunity to verify the ideas presented in lecture and explore the capabilities and limitations of commonly used logic circuits.
ECHT 140 Introduction to Computer Hardware Systems I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Advisory
- ECHT 11 and CIS 13 or equivalent
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides a general study of computer hardware systems and their underlying operating technologies. Topics covered include an overview of microprocessor-based computer systems, binary and hexadecimal numbering systems, computer system hardware components and peripherals, operating systems, basic hardware failures, and test and verification of proper computer systems operation. Students work in teams to develop analytical skills and techniques.
ECHT 142 CompTIA Server+ Computer Hardware Systems II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Advisory
- ECHT 140 with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides a comprehensive study of advanced computer hardware systems and associated technologies. Topics will include an in-depth analysis of microprocessor-based architectures and their related computer hardware system components and peripheral devices. Installation and configuration of the system hardware, advanced hardware and software integration skills, including conflict resolution, troubleshooting and optimization strategies will be taught.
ECHT 144 CompTIA A+ Computer Hardware Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Advisory
- ECHT 140
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for the student pursuing a career as a computer service technician. Students will develop the skills and knowledge required for passing the CompTIA A+ Certification Core Hardware exam. Topics covered include safety, basics of electricity and electronics, microcomputer hardware and components, Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) settings, printers, portable systems, and network hardware. Note: Letter grade or pass/no pass option.
ECHT 146 CompTIA Network+ Computer Hardware Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Advisory
- ECHT 140 with a minimum grade of C
- Formerly
- Electronics and Computer Hardware Technology 146ab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for the student pursuing a career as a computer service technician. Students will develop the skills and knowledge required for passing the CompTIA Network+ Certification exam. Topics include set up configuration and troubleshooting of networking hardware devices. Other areas explored include networking topology, cabling, wireless devices, network standards, protocols and security.
ECHT 148 CompTIA Security+ Computer Hardware Systems
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Advisory
- ECHT 140 with a minimum grade of C
- Formerly
- Electronics and Computer Hardware Technology 148ab
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for the student pursuing a career as a computer service technician. Students will develop the skills and knowledge required for passing the CompTIA Security+ Certification exam. Topics include information security, system threats and risks, protecting systems, network vulnerabilities, network defenses, wireless network security, security audits and policies, cryptographic methods, and the basics of computer forensics.
ECHT 191 Introduction to Microprocessors and Interfacing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hours lecture, 4 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ECHT 11 or ECHT 130 or ETEC 14 or MTEC 70 with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an introduction to industrial microprocessors as they relate to industrial and consumer equipment. Included are the fundamentals of computer languages, use of software to simulate hardware, digital and analog interfacing, data storage, and troubleshooting.