Preface
This book presents a study of analog electronics as a stand-alone course or as a course to be augmented by one of the many complete undergraduate textbooks on the subject. Theory and closely coupled laboratory projects, which are based entirely on computer-based data acquisition, follow in a sequential format. All analytical device characterization formulations are based exactly on SPICE.
In addition to traditional curricula in electrical engineering and electronics technology, the course is suitable for the practicing engineer in industry. For the engineer with a general undergraduate electronics background, for example, the course of study can provide an upgrade in basic analog electronics. Under these or similar circumstances, it can be taken as self-paced or with minimum supervision.
Two course sequences are possible, depending on the emphasis desired:
For a course that stresses MOSFET characterization and circuits, beginning with Unit 1 and following the sequence is recommended. A brief review of relevant circuit analysis and the most rudimentary basics of electronics are presented initially, with associated projects. The projects include an introduction to LabVIEW programming along with the measurements of basic circuits. The programming aspects are directly relevant to the thrust of the course; they emphasize the measurement of analog electronics circuits. The student is thus provided with a basic understanding of LabVIEW concepts used throughout the projects.
If, on the other hand, interest is directed more toward LabVIEW and computer data acquisition, device characterization, and circuit simulation, the appropriate beginning sequence is Units A through C. The associated projects are Project A, Projects B, Project C1, and Project C2. Project A is a programming and measurement exercise that emphasizes and explores the use of LabVIEW DAQ software, the discrete nature of analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversions, LabVIEW-based voltmeters with autoranging, ac voltmeters, and simultaneous sending and receiving of waveforms initiated with a function generator. This is followed with projects on transistors and transistor circuits, which are based on the bipolar junction transistor. Although the BJT is losing ground as the most important transistor in electronics (compared to the MOSFET), its inherently more complex behavior provides for a rich array of circuit simulation formulations and design challenges. The projects include the mix of NPN and PNP devices in a single amplifier. The transistors recommended are the complementary pair NTE 186 (2N6288) and NTE 187 (2N62xx). The transistors are rated at 3 A and are therefore almost indestructible. At the much lower current levels of the projects, device heating is negligible, which is important, as all measurements assume that the circuit is at room temperature. Also, highlevel model effects are avoided, whereas low-level effects abound.
With both approaches, all the measurement LabVIEW programs are provided. Many of the extraordinary features provided by LabVIEW are included in the programs. The programs therefore may serve additionally as a tutorial in advanced aspects of LabVIEW. The basics of operational amplifiers and their applications are treated in two units and two projects.
The book format consists of one or more units of background material for each laboratory project. A given set of theoretical units and the associated project have a related Mathcad problems file (Problemxx.mcd) and Mathcad exercise file (ExerciseXX.mcd), relating to the theory and project, respectively. The files are also in a pdf format (ProblemXX.pdf, ExerciseXX.pdf). A Mathcad file (ProjectXX.mcd) for evaluating the results of the projects is included with each project. Accompanying each Mathcad project file are SPICE simulator files based on PSPICE. The SPICE models for the simulations use, in each case, the parameters for the devices obtained in laboratory projects. Since the Mathcad projects use the exact SPICE formulations, the results from Mathcad and SPICE are identical in the case of the use of basic simulation levels.
Samples of all of the projects have been completed and are included. These provide for either demonstrations or simulated results without actually running the programs with circuits. The measured data are stored in LabVIEW graphics and can be extracted to obtain data files in the same manner as actually making the measurements. In some cases, the simultaneous taking of data, plotting and curve fitting is simulated. Units 13 and 14 are theoretical only but each has Mathcad problems on the topic of these respective units.
Special features of the lab experience are as follows:
The lab projects are based entirely on computer data acquisition using LabVIEW and a National Instruments data acquisition card (DAQ) in the computer for interfacing with the circuit board.
Each device category has an associated project for evaluating SPICE parameters in which device model parameters are obtained. Subsequent amplifier projects use the parameters in performance assessment.
No external instrumentation is required. The function generator, voltmeters, and oscilloscopes are virtual and provided by LabVIEW and a DAQ card in the computer. The projects on the current-mirror load common-source amplifier and the operational amplifier require an external power supply.
Circuits are constructed on a special circuit board. The board is connected to the computer DAQ card through a National Instruments shielded 68-pin cable. The circuit board allows expedient, error-free construction of the circuits, as connector strips for the respective output and input channels and ground are available directly on the board.
Topics included in this course treat many of the most relevant aspects of basic modern analog electronics without straying into peripheral areas. The course essentially streamlines the study of analog electronics. There is not a unit on, for example, feedback per se, but most basic types of feedback are addressed at some point. The role that the device plays in frequency response is omitted. This is consistent with the fact that to a large extent, the intension is that theory and measurements can be connected.
Students of electrical engineering or electronics engineering of today have a vast array of subjects to attempt to master; it is not reasonable to expect them to labor through a classical extensive study of the subject of analog electronics, although some basic knowledge should be required. Specialization can come at a later stage, if desired.
As mentioned, many LabVIEW features are utilized in the projects. To some extent, the goal of demonstrating the extensive array of the capabilities of LabVIEW influences the design of the various projects. This includes sending voltages (including waveforms), receiving voltages (including autoscaling), scanning, graphics, reading data files, writing data files, computations such as extraction of harmonic content of a signal, assembling data in a composite form, along with a host of array manipulation processes and data curve fitting.