Simulation versus real world of operational amplifier circuits

This paper present a virtual instrumentation system for learning the Operational Amplifiers (Op Amps) circuits function, design and analysis. By combining the schematic diagram and simulation tools with the multifunction data acquisition board (DAQ) and measurement features provided by LabVIEW, the real analog signals are easily sampled and then compared with the signals of simulated Op Amp circuits. With the proposed system can be studied Op Amp circuits in different configurations: inverting, adder and integrator amplifier. With minimal modifications can be added other circuits´ configurations as: no inverting, subtraction, differential or other nonlinear circuits. Simulated Op Amp circuits have models that are based on the electrical characteristics of their components. Experimental platform consists of integrated circuit Op Amp, related components configured diagram and power supply. Voltage signals applied to the input of the circuit come from an external source or signal generator or are generated using DAQ module. The generated signals from DAQ module can be in the form of DC voltage, sinusoidal, triangular or rectangular; these signals parameters can easily be adjusted by software. All parameter values are measured using DAQ module and specially designed virtual instruments. The output signal values from DAQ module may be manually applied, point by point to the input of the circuit test or can be applied automatically.