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A Custom Printed Circuit Board Differential Amplifier For Instruction In Undergraduate Analog Electronics Kenneth J. Soda

Department of Electrical Engineering United States Air Force Academy

Abstract

Instruction in the theory and operation of analog electronic circuits remains an essential element of contemporary electrical engineering curricula. While computer based simulation of these circuits is extremely helpful to mastery of essential topics, hardware implementation of these circuits in the undergraduate electronics laboratory best reinforces theoretical explanations and solidifies understanding. However, hardware reinforcement of more advanced topics such as component dependent frequency response, feedback and pole compensation is more difficult to achieve. Hardware circuits implemented by students will inevitably possess anomalies and errors which thwart the achievement of a laboratory’s teaching objectives. After some years of development, we have found that a prepared custom differential amplifier presented on small custom printed circuit board (PCB) can greatly improve the undergraduate laboratory experience with advanced analog amplifier circuits. This circuit performs in a predictable, repeatable manner since correct component connections and biasing has been established and parasitic circuit elements are fixed. Components within the circuit remain accessible to test equipment so students may verify circuit condition. External components chosen by the student can be easily added to illustrate important behaviors. Furthermore, additional stages can be added to this circuit, presenting additional opportunities for student design. We fabricate these circuits in sufficient numbers that inevitable student mis-application of these PCBs is easily remedied. This paper discusses the objectives of instruction, theory of operation, implementation details, robustness and student experience related to this circuit. Sufficient detail is provided so that interested faculty may easily reproduce our design.

Introduction

Instruction in the theory and operation of analog electronic circuits remains an essential element of contemporary electrical engineering curricula. While computer based simulation of these circuits is extremely helpful to mastery of essential topics, hardware implementation of these circuits in the undergraduate electronics laboratory best reinforces theoretical explanations and solidifies understanding. However, hardware reinforcement of more advanced topics such as component dependent frequency response, feedback and pole compensation is more difficult to achieve. Hardware circuits

Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition Copyright © 2005, American Society for Engineering Education

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Soda, K. (2005, June), A Custom Printed Circuit Board Differential Amplifier Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--14409