Aims

To enable the student to understand how transistors form key analog circuit building blocks – from single transistor amplifiers to OpAmps. To explain the continued and increasing importance of analog circuits and how the course content relates to the student’s day to day life

Outline Of Syllabus

Global perspectives
The importance of analog filtering and amplification circuits. How analog circuits are used in day to day life, and the future of analog systems

Single Transistor Amplifiers
Single transistor amplifiers utilizing both BJT or MOSFET transistors. Key operational relationships of BJT and MOSFET transistors from the perspective of creating analog circuits. BJT: common-base, common-collector, common-emitter, MOSFET: common-gate, common-source, common-drain.

Transistors circuit building blocks
The key building blocks for transistor analog circuits including current mirrors, diode connected MOSFETs, Cascode circuits, active resistors, potential dividers, current mirrors. Operational Transconductance Amplifiers and the construction of Op-amps from individual transistors. Operating principles of a differential amplifier; common-mode and differential mode gain; common-mode rejection ratio; input and output resistance

Power amplifiers and op-amps
Class A, B, AB and C, D power amplifiers. Operational amplifier including summation, differencing, comparator, and integration circuits. Analysis of the gain and frequency response with both direct connection and feedback. Analysis of distortion, noise and common mode rejection.

D-A and A-D conversion techniques
Weighted resistors; ladder network; ramp conversion; successive approximation; synchronisation methods.SAR, Dual weighted, Sigma-Delta, and Flash analog to digital conversion techniques. Voltage summing amplifier as a DAC.

Laboratory Work

Amplifier design
Simulations of common emitter amplifier design utilising SaberRD software tools to study the effect of capacitance on the frequency response of an amplifier

Experimental amplifier testing
To understand the utilisation of Op-Amps for voltage amplification. To explore frequency response Gain -Bandwidth Product, Slew Rate limitations offset voltage and bias current of the operational amplifier. To understand use of operational amplifiers in simple summing and difference circuits.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures provide core material and guidance for further reading, problem solving practice is provided through tutorials. Work is further re-enforced through laboratory sessions.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The examination provides the opportunity for the student to demonstrate their understanding of the course material. The problem solving aspects of the assessment enable students to demonstrate that they are able to apply this understanding and their analysis and synthesis skills to novel situations. The in course assessments provide opportunity for students to demonstrate their abilities under open book conditions. Laboratories provide the opportunity to assess practical skills and the application of theoretical knowledge.

Semester 1 Study Abroad students will be able to sit the final assessment earlier.