Background
Success in this course requires a good working knowledge of the theorems presented in ET 151 Circuits 1, and the amplifier concepts covered in ET 161 Linear Electronics. Math level is mostly algebra, although some equation proofs do require differential and/or integral calculus. Only one chapter (10) requires the use of calculus for day-to-day problem solutions. For lab, you'll need the standard array of goodies as used in ET151 Circuits 1 and ET161 Linear Electronics (breadboard, DMM, small handtools, hook-up leads, etc.) Unless otherwise specified, all lab exercises require a non-formal report due no later than one week after the exercise. Late penalty is one letter grade for the first half week, two letter grades for the second half week. Reports are not accepted beyond two weeks and receive a grade of 0. Remember, plagiarism is grounds for failure.
Link to on-line companion site (for MultiSim files of the text's examples)
Week-by-week progress and assignments
| 1 |
We begin with an introduction to decibels and Bode plots, something we're going to be using for the rest of the semester.
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| 2 |
This week we complete our study of Bode plots and introduce the differential amplifier. Differential amplifiers comprise the first stage of most op amps.
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| 3 |
We finish diff amps and delve into the inner workings of a typical op amp.
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| 4 |
The concept of negative feedback is introduced. This is a very important topic. There are four basic forms or connections, and we will focus our attention on the two most popular types (series-parallel and parallel-parallel).
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| 5 |
This week we examine some basic op amp circuits including summing amplifiers, single-supply biasing, and current-boosting. Once we finish this section, we'll have our first test.
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| 6 |
Up to now, the op amp has been treated as a fairly ideal device. We now spend some time looking at the practical limitations of op amp circuits including frequency response, slew rate, offsets, drift, and noise.
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| 7 |
We continue with the practical limits of op circuits.
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| 8 |
This week we look at a collection of special purpose op amps including those designed for high power, high current, and high voltage applications, as well as high speed video op amps, OTAs, and Norton amplifiers. This section tends to move rather quickly, and by week's end we'll be looking at non-linear applications such as precision rectifiers.
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| 9 |
We continue with non-linear applications including function approximators. Function approximators (AKA function generators or synthesizers) can be used to correct for transducer non-linearity or to force a waveform into a new shape (such as turning a triangle wave into a sine wave). When this section is completed, we'll have a test.
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| 10 |
Voltage regulation is an extremely useful function, so there should be no surprise at the wide range of regulators on the market. We begin with some simple linear regulators and work up to switching regulators.
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| 11 |
After finishing off regulation, we pick up with oscillators and frequency generators.
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| 12 |
Now we begin something particularly interesting: getting op amps to integrate and differentiate signals. This can be very useful. For example, such circuits allow you to generate velocity information from an accelerometer. Time to brush up on a little calculus! After this, it will be time for a test (perhaps early next week).
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| 13 |
We begin the study of active filters. We will look at several popular forms and applications. This will be more of an overview since a thorough examination of the topic could easily take an entire semester.
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| 14 |
We complete our look at active filters and begin a discussion of analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion.
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A/D and D/A conversion and applications are finished this week. If time permits, we'll have our last test.
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Resources: