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Module Overview

In this module, the operational amplifier, more commonly called the op amp is introduced and used as a circuit element. While the op amp is not a fundamental circuit element, practical op amps display nearly ideal behaviour, thereby allowing one to construct many useful circuits with relative ease. Consequently, there are two motivations for studying the ideal op amp and common op amp circuits; Firstly, op amp circuits provide practical examples to practice the many circuit analysis techniques learned in the other modules. Secondly, op amps provide an easy way to implement many useful circuits. This module aims to cover the op amp at a level compatible with these two goals.

Introduction

In many first courses on linear circuits there is a short component on the operational amplifier, more commonly called the op amp. While the op amp is not a fundamental circuit element, practical op amps display nearly ideal behaviour, thereby allowing one to construct many useful circuits with relative ease. Consequently, there are two motivations for including a short study of the ideal op amp and common op amp circuits in a first course on linear circuits; Firstly, op amp circuits provide practical examples to practice the many circuit analysis techniques learned in the course. Secondly, op amps provide an easy way to implement many useful circuits providing motivation for many students. This module aims to cover the op amp at a level compatible with these two goals.
 
This module consists of a sequence of 12 short videos interspersed with self-assessment questions. The videos provide an alternative to in-class lectures and reading the textbook. The videos can be assigned in place of regularly scheduled lectures or as additional material. It is expected that the course instructor, will supplement the module with additional questions and perhaps one or two laboratory exercises. 
 
Prerequisites
 
Before starting this module, it will be helpful to be familiar with;
  • common circuit elements such as resistors, voltage sources and current sources, 
  • circuit laws such as Ohm’s Law and Kirchhoff’s Voltage and Current Laws, 
  • circuit analysis techniques such as Nodal Analysis and perhaps Mesh Analysis ,
  • finally Superposition, is particularly useful for analyzing op amp circuits.
 

Learning Outcomes

With careful study, by the end of this module, one should be able to;

  • identify the characteristics of an ideal op amp and model the ideal op amp for circuit analysis.
  • analyze commonly used single-op amp circuits that perform useful functions such as precisely amplifying signals, combining signals and separating signals.
  •  analyze circuits containing multiple op amps.

Explore Module

Please note that this preview is intended for exploration purposes only. If you'd like to use this interactive module in one of your courses,to ensure playback and tracking, you must upload the SCORM package (downloadable below) to your institution's Learning Management System (ex. Blackboard, D2L, Moodle, etc). 

PROJECT FILES
Type: Glossary
Title Author Description
Introduction to The Operational Amplifier - Glossary | Download File (70.5 KB) Dr. David G. Nairn
Glossary | Download File (84.59 KB) Dr. David G. Nairn

This glossary contains definitions for the modules: Operational Amplifier (opamp) Circuits, First Order Step Response, and Sinusoidal Steady State Analysis.
Type: Instructor Guide
Title Author Description
Introduction to The Operational Amplifier - Facilitator's Guide | Download File (11.75 KB) Dr. David G. Nairn

This document is designed to assist instructors who are interested in using this module as part of their course. It details what is included in the module as well as prerequisites and outcomes.
Type: Modules
Title Author Description
V1_2015_Operational Amplifier (opamp) Circuits (Storyline File) Dr. David G. Nairn

This is the file that you can download and then upload to your LMS.
V1_2015_Operational Amplifier (opamp) Circuits (Storyline File) Dr. David G. Nairn

This Storyline File can be downloaded and modified to your specific learning objectives (within the bounds of the creative commons licensing selected for this file. This is encouraged, but any technical issues are not supported by the University of Toronto.
V1_2015_Operational Amplifier (opamp) Circuits (Storyline SCORM Package) Dr. David G. Nairn

This Articulate Storyline SCORM package can be uploaded into your institution's Learning Management System.
V2_2021_Operational Amplifier (opamp) Circuits (Rise SCORM Package) Prof. Belinda Wang

This Articulate Rise SCORM package can be uploaded into your institution's Learning Management System
Type: Video Links
Title Author Description
The Inverting Configuration | The Inverting Configuration Dr. David G. Nairn
Operational Amplifier (opamp) Circuits - Introduction | Operational Amplifier (opamp) Circuits - Introduction Dr. David G. Nairn
Example: The Inverting Configuration | Example: The Inverting Configuration Dr. David G. Nairn
The Weighted Summer | The Weighted Summer Dr. David G. Nairn
The Weighted Summer Using Superposition | The Weighted Summer Using Superposition Dr. David G. Nairn
The Non-Inverting Configuration | The Non-Inverting Configuration Dr. David G. Nairn
The Differential Configuration | The Differential Configuration Dr. David G. Nairn
Example: Using the Differential Configuration | Example: Using the Differential Configuration Dr. David G. Nairn
Circuits with Multiple Op Amps | Circuits with Multiple Op Amps Dr. David G. Nairn
Example: A Cascade of Op Amps | Example: A Cascade of Op Amps Dr. David G. Nairn
Example: A Two Op Amp Circuit | Example: A Two Op Amp Circuit Dr. David G. Nairn
Example: A Two Op Amp Circuit Using Nodal Analysis | Example: A Two Op Amp Circuit Using Nodal Analysis Dr. David G. Nairn
Back to Parent Project
Electromagnetics and Circuits

This project is a set of 12 learning modules that support the teaching of foundational level electromagnetics and circuits in engineering programs. These modules could be used for an inverted or hybrid delivery of a first year course, or courses. We envision these modules partially or fully replacing in-person lectures, and being paired with in-person laboratories and other hands-on experiential learning activities to create an effective, active learning experience.

Project Lead(s): Prof. Belinda Wang
Project Collaborator(s): Dr. David G. NairnDr. Ajoy Opal
Project Team Members: Sean McAlary
Details
Used in:
ECE110

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