Page 12 - Op Amps Design, Applications, and Troubleshooting

PREFACE

What is the value of pi (rc)? Is it 3? Is it 3.1? How about 3.14? Or perhaps you think
3.1415952653589793238462643383279 is more appropriate. Each of these answers
is correct just as each of these answers is incorrect; they vary in their degrees of
resolution and accuracy. The degree of accuracy is often proportional to the com-
plexity or difficulty of computation. So it is with operational amplifier circuits, or
all electronic circuits for that matter. The goal of this text is to provide workable
tools for analysis and design of operational amplifier circuits that are free from the
shrouds of complex mathematics and yet produce results that have a satisfactory
degree of accuracy.
This book offers a subject coverage that is fairly typical for texts aimed at the
postsecondary school market. The organization of each circuits chapter, however, is
very consistent and provides the following information on each circuit presented:

1. Theory of operation. A discussion that describes what the circuit does, ex-
plains why it behaves the way it does, and identifies the purpose of each
component. This section contains no mathematics, promotes an intuitive
understanding of circuit operation, and is based on an application of basic
electronics principles such as series and parallel circuits, Ohm's Law,
Kirchhoff's Laws, and so on.
2. Numerical analysis. Techniques are presented that allow calculation of most
key circuit parameters for an existing op amp circuit design. The mathe-
matics is strictly limited to basic algebra and does not require (although
it permits) the use of complex numbers.
3. Practical design. A sequential design procedure is described that is based
on the preceding numerical analysis and application of basic electronics
principles. The goals of each design are contrasted with the actual circuit
performance measured in laboratory tests.

In addition to presenting these areas for each type of circuit, each circuits
chapter has a discussion of troubleshooting techniques as they apply to the type of
circuits discussed in that particular chapter.

XI