EE62 Laboratory

Name: Jeffer N. Fallarcuna ID No.: 2021301417 Date Submitted: November 5, 2023

Online Activity 2

Operational Amplifier

Objective: Testing Operational Amplifier by using multimeter

Procedure:
1. Perform Internet searches on the terms Operational Amplifier or Op Amp or similar terms.
2. Look for the Youtube.com and search the keyword how to test op amp with multimeter
3. Answer the following questions. Keep searching until all questions answered

Questions:

1. Define Operational Amplifier and state some functions of the devices.

Answers:
Operational Amplifier (often abbreviated as "op-amp")
 is an electronic component, or more commonly, an integrated circuit (IC), that
is widely used in electronic circuits for a variety of analog signal processing
tasks. Op-amps are characterized by their high input impedance, high gain,
and differential inputs, which make them versatile and essential components
in many electronic applications. Some of the key functions and characteristics
of operational amplifiers include:

 Amplification: Op-amps are primarily used for amplifying the voltage

difference between their two input terminals (inverting and non-inverting). They
have a very high open-loop voltage gain, typically in the range of 100,000 to
1,000,000 or more, allowing them to amplify small input signals to a much larger
output signal.

 Signal Conditioning: Op-amps can be used to modify the characteristics of

analog signals. For example, they can filter out noise, scale the amplitude of
signals, and perform other signal processing functions.
 Voltage Follower: An op-amp configured as a voltage follower, also known as
a unity-gain buffer, outputs the same voltage as its non-inverting input. This is
useful for impedance matching and isolating a circuit from the load.

 Inverting Amplifier: By configuring an op-amp as an inverting amplifier, the

output is the negative of the input signal, with a gain determined by the
feedback resistor values. It can be used for signal inversion and amplification.

 Non-Inverting Amplifier: In this configuration, the output is proportional to the

input but not inverted. The gain is determined by the resistor values in the
feedback network.

 Summing Amplifier: Op-amps can be used to add or subtract multiple input

signals by configuring them as summing amplifiers. This is useful in
applications like audio mixers and signal processing.

 Integrator: Op-amps can be used to perform integration of input signals, which

is useful in applications like analog computing and filtering.

 Differentiator: Op-amps can be configured as differentiators to perform

differentiation of input signals. This is useful in applications like waveform
shaping and high-pass filtering.

 Comparator: Op-amps can be used as comparators to compare two input

voltages and produce a high or low output based on the comparison result.
This is commonly used in digital applications, such as triggering digital circuits
or creating threshold detectors.

 Oscillators: Op-amps are used in the design of various types of oscillators,

including relaxation oscillators and phase-locked loops (PLLs), for generating
stable and precise frequency signals.

 Active Filters: Op-amps are crucial components in active filter circuits, where
they help implement various types of filters like low-pass, high-pass, band-
pass, and notch filters.
 These are just a few examples of the many functions and applications of operational
amplifiers. Op-amps are fundamental building blocks in electronics and are used in a
wide range of circuits to perform various signal processing and control functions.
2. What are the steps in testing the Operational Amplifier by using multimeter?
Answers: Testing an operational amplifier (op-amp) using a multimeter is a
straightforward process that can help you determine if the op-amp is functioning
properly. Here are the steps to test an op-amp using a multimeter:

 Disconnect Power: Before you begin, ensure that the circuit in which the op-
amp is installed is disconnected from any power source. Safety first!

 Select Voltage Measurement Mode: Set your multimeter to the DC voltage

measurement mode. This is typically denoted by a "V" with a straight line or a
dotted line above it. If the op-amp is powered by dual supplies (e.g., +V and -
V), you may need to set your multimeter to measure both positive and
negative voltages.

 Zero the Multimeter: Ensure that the multimeter reads zero volts when the
probes are not connected to anything. If it doesn't, zero it out by pressing any
zeroing button or adjusting a zero adjustment knob if your multimeter has
one.

 Identify the Op-Amp Pins: Identify the pins of the op-amp you want to test.
The most common pin configuration for op-amps is the 8-pin dual-inline
package (DIP), with pins labeled as follows:

Pin 1: Offset Null (if present)

Pin 2: Inverting Input (-)
Pin 3: Non-Inverting Input (+)
Pin 4: V- (negative power supply voltage)
Pin 5: Offset Null (if present)
Pin 6: Output
Pin 7: V+ (positive power supply voltage)
Pin 8: NC (No Connection)
 Connect Multimeter Probes: Connect the black (negative) multimeter probe
to the ground reference or negative terminal of the op-amp (usually pin 4 or
pin 7, depending on the power supply configuration). Connect the red
(positive) multimeter probe to the output of the op-amp (usually pin 6).

 Power On the Circuit: If the circuit is not already powered, apply power to
the circuit. Make sure the power supply voltage levels are within the op-amp's
specified operating range.

 Read Voltage: The multimeter should now display the voltage at

the op-amp's output (pin 6). This voltage should be measured
relative to the op-amp's ground reference (pin 4 or pin 7).
  Observe the Output Voltage: If the op-amp is functioning correctly, the
output voltage should be within the expected range based on the input signals
and the configuration of the circuit. If the op-amp is part of a larger circuit, its
output voltage may vary based on the input signals and feedback network.

 Check Input and Feedback: If you suspect a problem with the op-amp, you
can also measure the input voltages (pins 2 and 3) and check the feedback
network for any abnormalities.

 Power Off and Disconnect: Once you've completed the testing, power off
the circuit and disconnect the multimeter probes.

If the op-amp's output voltage is significantly different from what you expect, it may
indicate an issue with the op-amp or the circuit it's a part of. In such cases, further
troubleshooting may be necessary to identify and address the problem.

3. In summary, give your opinion, view, or insight of Op Amps.

Answers: Real operational amplifiers have some imperfections compared to an “ideal”
model. A real device deviates from a perfect difference amplifier. One minus one may
not be zero. It may have have an offset like an analog meter which is not zeroed. The
inputs may draw current. The characteristics may drift with age and temperature. Gain
may be reduced at high frequencies, and phase may shift from input to output. These
imperfection may cause no noticable errors in some applications, unacceptable errors
in others. In some cases these errors may be compensated for. Sometimes a higher
quality, higher cost device is required.
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Online Activity 2