Lecture 20 - Amplifiers : Part 1

Date: 10/27/16

Summary

Many of the signals we want to measure when doing research are very small and need to be amplified. The most common tool in the engineer’s tool belt is the operational amplifier. In this class we will introduce the ideal operational amplifier and show how to use it as a buffer, amplifier, and comparator.

Class Plan

  • Discuss the need for amplifiers in the laboratory
  • Introduce the ideal amplifier
  • Introduce the concepts of gain and open-loop gain
  • Show a voltage follower (buffer) circuit
  • Comparator
  • Inverting amplifier
  • Non-inverting amplifier
  • Differential amplifier

Activity

Complete the included formative assessments during the lecture.

Assignment

Complete the designing a differential amplifier activity. Due: 11/1/16