Session Overview
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In this session, we will cover operational amplifiers (op-amps). Op-amps provide new functionality to circuits, introduce dependent sources, and allow modularity and abstraction in our circuit designs and diagrams. Op-amps enable us to sample a voltage from a particular subsection of a circuit without disrupting the properties of the circuit in that subsection. This is powerful because it allows us to treat that subsection as independent from the rest of the circuit. The overview handout provides a more detailed introduction, including the big ideas of the session, key vocabulary, what you should understand (theory) and be able to do (practice) after completing this session, and additional resources. |
Session Content
Readings
Read section 6.6 of the course notes.
Lecture Video
Watch the lecture video. The handout and slides present the same material, but the slides include answers to the in-class questions.
About this Video
Circuit design is complicated by interactions among elements, but these interactions can be reduced or eliminated by using an op-amp as a buffer. This lecture covers how to analyze and design op-amp circuits.
Recitation Video
These videos have been developed for OCW Scholar, and are designed to supplement the lecture videos.
Session Activities
The problems in the tables below are taken from the 6.01 Online Tutor, an interactive environment that is not available on OCW. Do not try to answer these questions in the PDF files; answers will not be checked, and cannot be submitted.
Software Lab
- Software Lab 8: Describing Circuits (PDF)
- Code for Software Lab 8 (ZIP) (This ZIP file contains: 2 .py files.)
| PROBLEM # | QUESTIONS |
|---|---|
| 8.1.1 | Describing circuits (PDF) |
| 8.1.2 | Modeling resistors (PDF) |
| 8.1.3 | Modeling op-amps (PDF) |
| 8.1.4 | NodeToCurrents (PDF) |
Design Lab
- Design Lab 8: Turning Heads (PDF)
- Code for Design Lab 8 (ZIP) (This ZIP file contains: 4 .pyc files and 5 .py files.)
Additional Exercises
| PROBLEM # | QUESTIONS |
|---|---|
| 8.3.1 | Name that node (PDF) |
| 8.3.2 | Summer vacation (PDF) |
| 8.3.3 | Op-amp practice (PDF) |
| 8.3.4 | Voltages (PDF) |
| 8.3.5 | Circuits (PDF) |
| 8.3.6 | Period of pole (PDF) |
Check Yourself
Nano-Quiz
Nano-quiz problems and solutions are taken from a previous version of the 6.01 Online Tutor. Do not try to answer these questions in the PDF files; answers will not be checked, and cannot be submitted.
Homework
- Homework 3: Head Light (PDF)
- Code for Homework 3 (ZIP) (This ZIP file contains: 4 .pyc files and 3 .py files.)
| PROBLEM # | QUESTIONS |
|---|---|
| 8.4.1 | Eyes have it (PDF) |
| 8.4.2 | Amplifiers with offsets (PDF) |
| 8.4.3 | Controller gains (PDF) |
| 8.4.4 | Light seeker design (PDF) |