Objective:

Develop a better understanding of Amplifiers, applications, and various performance specific amplifiers.

Online Seminar:

The Use and Abuse of Amplifiers, December 5, 2002, Bob Pease
Some of the topics in this seminar are intermediate and others advanced. Some topics might go over your head, but if you can make sense of at least half, you are doing pretty well!

Different techniques are needed for successfully designing with low noise, precision, and wide-bandwidth op amps. Bob will use examples of selected amplifier application circuits, showing how they work (or don't work). He also includes solutions to various circumstances.

Reading Assignment:

To look at various operational amplifiers in numerous applications, read "An Applications Guide for Op Amps".

Additional Resources

• For more information on op amps (typical characteristics), linear operation, regulators and further applications refer to the following application note: AN-211.         
• For more information on application, design and operation of wide-
  band buffer amplifiers refer to the following application note: AN-227.         
• Some questions will be referring to the following datasheets: LM107, LF411, LMC6081.

Research Assignment:

Use application note AN-20 to solve the following questions as well as National Semiconductor's website:

• The LM107 amplifier is the National Semiconductor part used in all the applications found in AN-20. If you wanted to buy 60 parts of the TO-5 (H08C) package, how much would each part be? Are there any samples available? If so, what kind of package do the samples come in? check answer         
• The LM107 is an old operational amplifier. When it was introduced, it was one of the best operational amplifiers in the world. The LF411 is a newer op amp with lower offset current. On top of the LM411 product folder there is an upgraded part with improved input bias current and input voltage, which part is this? What is the most inexpensive, 1K unit cost for each part? check answer         
• The LF411 can be used in many LM107 applications. However, the LMC6081 can be used in some LM107 applications, but not others. Why not?   check answer         
• The LF411 and LM107 can be used for some LMC6081 applications, but not others. Why not? check answer         
• The compensation trade off is discussed in the Inverting Amplifier and non-inverting amplifier application for the LM107, which normally uses an external compensation capacitor. What is the advantage of having a higher value of a compensation capacitor? What is the advantage of having a SMALLER value of a compensation capacitor? check answer

Program Coordinator/Professor

Bob Pease
Bob Pease obtained a BSEE from MIT in 1961 and is Staff Scientist at National Semiconductor Corp., Santa Clara, California.

Quiz:

Take a quiz to check your understanding of this subject. Click here.
Answer all questions correctly to receive a certificate from Dean Bob Pease.