How to Approach Operational Amplifier Design Project for Intro to Circuits Class?

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#1 21681127 21 Nov 2018 04:35

James Matthews James Matthews

Anonymous
Post #1
21681127 21 Nov 2018 04:35

Hello!

Currently I am an undergraduate electrical engineering student and I have been given a design project (attached below).

This is an introduction to circuits class and listed in the project are elements and components that the class has not covered. I have googled each of the components and I now have a decent understanding of what each part does however the entire design still proves challenging to conceptualize.

In addition, I have attached a rough sketch of what my group members and I believe how the circuit should work and look like

Please reply with any questions, advice, or help you can give. It will all be greatly appreciated.

Attachments:

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#2 21681128 22 Nov 2018 08:32

Rick Curl Rick Curl

Anonymous

Post #2
21681128 22 Nov 2018 08:32

Hi James-It's pretty tough to follow your drawing. It would be much easier for us to understand your thinking if you used standard schematic symbols. There are a number of free online schemaitc capture tools like this one: Schematics.com. Also, you could download the free version of Diptrace, which includes schematic capture.Please have another go at it and post a new diagram. We'll be happy to offer comments.-Rick
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#3 21681129 22 Nov 2018 15:22

Conrad Mannering Conrad Mannering

Anonymous

Post #3
21681129 22 Nov 2018 15:22

Hi James,I got to understand Operation Amplifiers some 40 years ago with the 471 and found at that time that George Claytons little book on Op Amps was all I needed to understand and get to grips with the chips.I just googled George Clayton and the book is in it's 5th edition and has the following write up. (By the way you do not need a degree to understand these scamps).George Clayton's Operational Amplifiers is a well established undergraduate text - offering full coverage of the subject for HNC/HND electronic engineering as well as first and second year degree modules. It has also proved popular in industry as a reference text.
#4 21681130 30 Dec 2018 06:34

David Ashton David Ashton

Anonymous

Post #4
21681130 30 Dec 2018 06:34

I have to thank you Crusty, I had not heard of Clayton's book previously but it seemed a good addition to any electronics library, so I got one for A$12 on Ebay (used, but excellent condition). It is indeed a mine of information on this subject.
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#5 21681131 30 Dec 2018 14:04

Conrad Mannering Conrad Mannering

Anonymous

Post #5
21681131 30 Dec 2018 14:04

Hi David,My battered but still serviceable copy sits in my reference library, It has just the balance of theory to practical to make it a got to book.Sadly I never had the chance to meet the George Clayton and thank him for being such a good home teacher. I wonder if Max new him, as George Clayton was a professor at Sheffield University?Best of the new year to you, and all at EEWeb.
#6 21681132 30 Dec 2018 14:35

David Ashton David Ashton

Anonymous

Post #6
21681132 30 Dec 2018 14:35

Crusty, all the best to you and the missus for 2019. I'm hoping to get over to UK in 2019 so we just might be able to meet (yeah I know i have been saying this the past couple of years now... .
#7 21681133 03 Jan 2019 23:43

Max Maxfield Max Maxfield

Anonymous

Post #7
21681133 03 Jan 2019 23:43

@Conrad. (a.k.a. Crusty): "...I wonder if Max new him, as George Clayton was a professor at Sheffield University?..."I don't recall the name, but there are two universities in Sheffield -- Sheffield University and Sheffield Hallam University (I went to the latter, which was obviously the best LOL) -- maybe George was at the other one.
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#8 21681134 09 Apr 2019 16:38

Sean Jones Sean Jones

Anonymous

Post #8
21681134 09 Apr 2019 16:38

A DC-coupled high-gain electronic voltage amplifier with a differential input and, usually, a single-ended output vidmate apk.
#9 21681135 24 Apr 2019 14:19

Wilson Jones Wilson Jones

Anonymous

Post #9
21681135 24 Apr 2019 14:19

The circuit of the battery voltage monitor is implemented using an operational amplifier IC which is used as a comparator.
#10 21681136 26 Apr 2019 15:43

Lucinda ytr Lucinda ytr

Anonymous

Post #10
21681136 26 Apr 2019 15:43

For our final project we are going to be designing and laying out an Op-Amp using CMOS. The op-amp is the functional building block of analog integrated bluestacks
#11 21681137 28 Jun 2019 14:02

Wilson Jones Wilson Jones

Anonymous

Post #11
21681137 28 Jun 2019 14:02

The circuit of the battery voltage monitor is implemented using an operational amplifier IC which is used as a comparator.
#12 21681138 02 Jul 2019 12:55

Daly Jones Daly Jones

Anonymous

Post #12
21681138 02 Jul 2019 12:55

I never had the chance to meet the George Clayton and thank! him for being such a good home teacher.
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Topic summary

✨ An undergraduate electrical engineering student seeks guidance on an operational amplifier (op-amp) design project for an introductory circuits class, facing challenges due to unfamiliar components and difficulty conceptualizing the overall circuit. Respondents recommend using standard schematic symbols and free schematic capture tools such as Schematics.com and Diptrace to improve clarity of circuit diagrams. The discussion highlights George Clayton's "Operational Amplifiers" textbook as a valuable resource for understanding op-amp theory and practical applications, suitable for beginners and industry reference. Additional comments mention the use of op-amps as comparators in battery voltage monitor circuits and the design of CMOS op-amps for integrated analog applications. The conversation also touches on the educational background and legacy of George Clayton in electronics education.

FAQ

TL;DR: Stuck on your intro op-amp project? A mentor learned op-amps "40 years" ago and calls Clayton’s book a "well established undergraduate text"—it’s now in its 5th edition. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681129]

Why it matters:** This FAQ turns a vague brief and rough sketch into a workable op-amp plan for students.

Quick Facts

Use standard schematic symbols and a capture tool like Schematics.com or DipTrace to clarify intent. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681128]
Op-amp: DC‑coupled, high‑gain, differential input, single‑ended output device. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681134]
Comparator use-case: simple battery monitor built from an op‑amp. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681135]
Study aid: George Clayton’s “Operational Amplifiers,” 5th edition, suits first/second‑year modules. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681129]
Typical cost insight: used copies reported at about A$12. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681130]

How should I start an op-amp design project for an intro circuits class?

Redraw your concept using standard schematic symbols in a capture tool. Clear schematics make peer and mentor feedback fast and actionable. Tools like Schematics.com or DipTrace help you place op-amps, label nodes, and check connections before breadboarding. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681128]

What is an operational amplifier in plain terms?

An op-amp is a DC‑coupled, high‑gain voltage amplifier. It compares two inputs (differential) and drives a single‑ended output proportional to their difference. This model underpins filters, amplifiers, and comparators you will build. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681134]

Can I use an op-amp as a simple comparator for a battery monitor?

Yes. Configure one input to a reference voltage and the other to the battery sense voltage. The op‑amp acts as a comparator and indicates under‑voltage when the sense drops below the reference. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681135]

What resource helps me grasp op-amp basics fast?

George Clayton’s “Operational Amplifiers” is praised as a well‑established undergraduate text. A contributor learned op‑amps decades ago and still recommends it for balanced theory and practice. "A go‑to book" sums it up. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681129]

Any budget-friendly way to get that book?

Yes. One participant reports finding a used copy for about A$12 in excellent condition. Check used marketplaces or library reserves to minimize cost while gaining a solid reference. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681130]

Our hand sketch confuses reviewers—what’s the fix?

Replace the hand sketch with a proper schematic. Use op‑amp triangle symbols, label pins, and show power rails. Reviewers highlighted how unclear drawings block understanding and delay help. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681128]

What’s a realistic project scope for a student op-amp?

Scope examples include a CMOS op‑amp layout as a final project. Keep goals aligned with course level—functional blocks, biased stages, and verified gain/CMRR targets, then layout. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681136]

How do I move from sketch to a clean schematic (3 steps)?

Capture the circuit in Schematics.com or DipTrace using standard symbols.
Label inputs/outputs, power pins, and reference nodes clearly.
Run ERC checks, export PDF, and share for feedback. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681128]

Why do instructors insist on standard symbols?

Standard symbols communicate intent without ambiguity. A reviewer found a freehand, nonstandard diagram "pretty tough to follow," which stalled useful feedback. Clarity accelerates design reviews. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681128]

Is there a quick definition of a comparator vs. amplifier mode?

Amplifier mode keeps feedback to linearize gain. Comparator mode removes linear feedback to switch output high/low around a threshold. Battery monitors often use comparator mode for a clean indicator. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681135]

Any expert perspective to stay motivated while learning op-amps?

One mentor said you don’t need a degree to understand these chips, praising Clayton’s book as a strong teacher. That perspective encourages hands‑on practice with guided reading. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681129]

What common pitfall should beginners avoid first?

Avoid submitting unclear schematics. Reviewers can’t verify your concept or offer corrections without standard symbols, labeled nodes, and legible structure. That alone can stall your project timeline. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #21681128]