ECE Undergraduate Laboratory
ECE 371 - Electronic Circuits Design
Analog electronics is a major part of the world of electronics. This lab manual is designed for junior students chossing to understand the fundamental principles and practical applications of analog circuits. In this course, you will explore the core concepts of analog electronics, including Basic OpAmp Circuits, Active Filters, Sallen-Key Filters, Basic Comparator-Based Applications, Schmitt Triggers, Bargraph Design, Basic BJT and MOSFET stages, Multistage amplifiers, Wien-Bridge Oscillator, and 555 Timer Applications. Through hands-on experiments and guided exercises, you will gain a deeper understanding of circuit design, analysis, and troubleshooting techniques. The labs are structured to build your confidence and skills progressively, preparing you for more advanced topics in electronics and electrical engineering.
In each lab session, you will engage in a variety of activities that emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. By the end of this course, you will have a solid foundation in analog electronics, empowering you to tackle complex circuits and projects with confidence. We encourage you to ask questions, experiment, and fully immerse yourself in the exciting world of analog electronics.
The purpose of this lab manual is to provide students with a comprehensive, hands-on experience that complements their theoretical knowledge of electronics. By engaging in these carefully chosen experiments, students will gain practical insights into the behavior, design, and analysis of various electronic circuits.
The lab manual is organized into distinct sections, each focusing on a specific type of electronic circuit or application. Each section includes detailed experimental procedures, theoretical background, circuit diagrams, and step-by-step instructions to ensure that students can easily follow along and grasp the core concepts. The experiments are designed to build upon one another, progressively increasing in complexity and encouraging students to apply what they have learned in previous sections.
Basic OpAmp Circuits:
Operational amplifiers are the building blocks of many electronic systems. This section introduces students to the basic configurations of OpAmp circuits, including inverting and non-inverting amplifiers, summing amplifiers, and differential amplifiers. Students will learn how to design and analyze these circuits, understanding their behavior through practical experimentation.
Active Filters:
Filters are essential in signal processing. This section covers the design and implementation of active filters, including low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-stop filters. Students will explore the frequency response of these filters and learn how to tailor them for specific applications.
Design of a Sallen-Key Filter:
The Sallen-Key topology is a popular method for constructing high-order filters based on second-order stages. This experiment guides students through the design and testing of Sallen-Key low-pass, emphasizing the importance of component selection and stability in filter design.
Basic Comparator-Based Applications:
Comparators are fundamental in creating digital logic from analog signals. This section covers basic comparator circuits, including simple amplifiers and window comparators. Students will gain an understanding of how comparators are used in various electronic applications.
Schmitt Triggers:
Schmitt triggers are used to convert noisy signals into clean digital outputs. This experiment demonstrates the hysteresis behavior of Schmitt triggers and their applications in various applications and signal conditioning.
Bargraph Design:
Visual indicators like bargraphs are widely used in electronics. This section involves designing a bargraph display using comparators and LEDs, teaching students about threshold detection and visual signal representation.
Common-Emitter, Source, Collector, Drain Amplifiers:
Amplifiers are crucial in boosting signal strength. This section explores various amplifier configurations for both bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and metal-oxide-semiconductors field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). Students will analyze the gain, input, and output characteristics of these amplifiers.
Design of a 3-Stage Amplifier:
Combining multiple amplifier stages can achieve higher gain and better performance. This experiment focuses on designing and testing a three-stage amplifier, highlighting the importance of inter-stage matching and overall stability.
Wien-Bridge Oscillator:
Oscillators are vital for generating periodic signals. This section covers the design and implementation of a Wien-Bridge oscillator, a popular circuit for producing sine waves. Students will learn about frequency stability and amplitude control in oscillators.
555 Timer Applications:
The 555 timer is a versatile integrated circuit used in various timing and pulse generation applications. This section presents several experiments involving the 555 timer, including astable and monostable configurations, pulse width modulation, and frequency generation.
The primary learning objectives of this lab manual are:
Before beginning these experiments, students should have a basic understanding of electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors), Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's laws, and basic circuit analysis techniques. Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and function generators is also beneficial.
Safety is paramount in any laboratory setting. Students are expected to follow standard safety protocols, including:
By adhering to these safety guidelines and diligently following the instructions provided in this manual, students will be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and rewards of experimenting with electronic circuits.
This lab manual is more than a collection of experiments; it is a foundational tool that will equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field of electronics. As students progress through the experiments, they will not only reinforce their theoretical understanding but also gain the confidence to design and innovate. Welcome to the exciting world of analog electronics.