This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to solve fundamental electronic communications system problems.

It includes ascertaining correct operation of communications system and solving fundamental system problems as met in engineering support work functions. It also includes working safely, applying problem-solving techniques, using a range of measuring devices, and providing solutions derived from measurements to predictable problems in an electronic communications system.

Permits may be required for some work environments, such as confined spaces, working aloft, near live electrical apparatus and site rehabilitation.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare to solve fundamental problems in electronic communications system

1.1

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements and workplace procedures for a given work area are identified and applied

1.2

WHS/OHS risk control measures and workplace procedures are followed in preparation for electronic communications system work

1.3

Safety hazards not previously identified are risk assessed, noted on job safety assessments and established risk control measures implemented

1.4

Nature of the communications system problem is obtained from documentation or from work supervisor to determine the scope of work to be undertaken

1.5

Advice is sought from work supervisor to ensure the work is coordinated effectively with others

1.6

Tools, testing devices and materials needed to carry out the electronic work are obtained and checked for correct operation and safety

2

Solve fundamental problems in electronic communications system

2.1

WHS/OHS risk control measures and workplace procedures for carrying out the electronic work are followed

2.2

Need to test and measure live work is determined in accordance with WHS/OHS requirements and workplace safety procedures

2.3

Circuits/machines/plant are checked and isolated in accordance with WHS/OHS requirements and workplace procedures

2.4

Fundamental of communication system characteristics, components and transmission media is applied to resolving system problem/s

2.5

Logical approaches are used to solve system problems from measured and calculated values as they apply to communication system configuration

2.6

Unplanned situations are dealt with safely and with the approval of authorised person/s in accordance with workplace procedures in a manner that minimises risk to personnel and equipment

2.7

Electronic problems are resolved without unnecessary damage to apparatus, circuits, the surrounding environment or services using sustainable energy practices

3

Complete electronic work and document problem-solving activities

3.1

WHS/OHS risk control work completion measures and workplace procedures are followed

3.2

Worksite is cleaned and made safe in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3

Reports are written outlining electronic system problem and justifying solutions used

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least two separate occasions and include:

applying fundamental knowledge of communication system characteristics, components and transmission media to resolving system problems

applying measured values in verifying system operation and determining any corrective actions required

applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, workplace procedures and practices, including using risk control measures

applying sustainable energy principles and practices

dealing with unplanned events/situations in accordance with workplace procedures in a manner that minimises risk to personnel and equipment

providing written justification for solutions used

solving predictable system problems

using logical and methodical approaches to solving system problems

using test equipment to measure communication system parameters and modulated signal characteristics.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

analogue and digital modulation applications

communications system principles

notion and application of the decibel ratio (dB)

optical communications system elements and transmission media characteristics

principles of amplitude based (AM), frequency based (FM) and phase based (PM) modulation

radio spectrum fundamentals, including signal and noise considerations

radio frequency (RF) communications system elements and basic antenna principles

relevant manufacturer specifications

relevant WHS/OHS legislated requirements

relevant workplace documentation

relevant workplace policies and procedure

safety considerations for optical and RF communications systems.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in suitable workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in suitable simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, facilities, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry

resources that reflect current industry practices in relation to solving fundamental problems in electronic communications systems

applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the UEE Electrotechnology Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Electrotechnology

Electronics and Communications