Hobbies And Interests
Unity Gain Buffer
A unity gain buffer is a simple circuit based around an operational amplifier. A voltage is applied to the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier, and the output of the operational amplifier is connected to the inverting input of the operational amplifier. The result is a high-impedance buffer with a gain of 1. Unity gain buffers are used extensively in electronics to protect sensitive equipment. They offer the opportunity for students to learn about operational amplifier characteristics and uses.
Non-Inverting Amplifier
A non-inverting amplifier is a simple amplifier that increases the voltage signal by a particular factor known as the gain. The non-inverting amplifier is based around an operational amplifier. The output from the operational amplifier is fed back into the inverting input of the operational amplifier via a potential divider arrangement. The gain of the non-inverting amplifier is determined by potential divider. The non-inverting amplifier setup is a good opportunity for students to learn about potential dividers.
Current to Voltage Converter
A current to voltage converter is a useful circuit simulation for exploring the difference between current and voltage devices. The current to voltage converter, as its name suggests, converts a given input current into a proportional output voltage.
Differentiator
A differentiator electric circuit measures the rate of change of the input and outputs a proportional voltage. The differentiator circuit requires a capacitor, and it is an effective way to introduce students to the idea of differential, or time-varying, circuit responses.
Comparator
A comparator is an electrical circuit setup that contains an operational amplifier. When the input voltage moves above a certain level, the operational amplifier switches to outputting its maximum output voltage level. When the voltage input moves above this level, the operational amplifier switches to outputting its minimum output voltage level. Comparators often work using upper and lower threshold voltages, rather than a singular point voltage. Simulation of a comparator is a good way to introduce the concept of hysteresis (resistance to change) and electronic memory to electronics students.