A) OBJECTIVES

The objective of this laboratory experiment is to design a cascaded amplifier using the
operational amplifiers (Op-Amps).

INTRODUCTION
By combination of a few Op-Amps, we can also change the magnitude of the input signal to
the required output. Such combinations will include an inverting amplifier in cascaded with a
noninverting amplifier or vice-versa so that the gain for each amplifier can be independently
selected in order to obtain the overall gain.
In this experiment, the student can refer to all the Op-Amp circuits in Experiment 6 as
references for assembling the inverting and non-inverting amplifiers.
As an example, an inverting amplifier cascaded with a non-inverting amplifier is shown in
Figure 7.1. For this circuit, the overall gain, G is given by G = G1 G2
(1)

where G1 = Vo1/Vi1 = -Rf1/Ri1 for inverting amplifier,

G2= Vo2/Vi2= (1+Rf2/Ri2) for non-inverting amplifier.

Here, Vi1 = Vi is the input signal and Vo2 = Vo is the output signal of this cascaded amplifier.

Figure 7.1

B) PROCEDURE
1. Circuit Assembly

a. Place the op amp in the lower central portion of the protoboard. Position the notch so
that pin 1 is at the top left . Ensure that each pin of the op-amp is inserted into a
separate hole.

Figure 7.2: Positioning of Op-Amp on Protoboard

b. Measure using DMM and record the resistance of RS and Rf in Table 7.1.
Table 7.1: Measured Resistance
Nominal
Actual
Resistor
()
()

c.

Ri 1

1k

0.9757k

Rf 1

1k

0.9813k

Ri2

2k

1.9940k

Rf2

22k

21.716k

Use the DMM to set the Tektronix DC power supply voltages at +15V and 15 with respect
to ground.

d. Build the cascade amplifier shown in Figure 7.3.

Figure 7.3
e. Apply a 1V peak-to-peak 1 Hz sine wave as input VS.
C) RESULTS

a. Record the result of Vi, Vo in table 7.2

Resistor
Ri1
Rf1
Ri2
Rf2

Nominal () Actual()
1k
0.9757k
1k
0.9813k
2k
1.9940k
22k
21.716k

Vi (input)
1V

Vo (output)
-1V

-1V

-12V

Table 7.2
b. Sketch waveforms for Vi and Vo

Waveforms Vi(input)

Waveforms Vo(output)

D) CALCULATION ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

Calculation:
G1= -Rf1/Ri1

G2= (1+Rf2/Ri2)

= -1k/1k

= (1+22k/2k)

= -1

= 1+11
= 12

Overall Gain:
G = G1*G2
= -1*12
= -12

Vi = 1V
Vo = -12*1V
= -12V

Discussion:
By combination of a few Op-Amps, we can also change the magnitude of the input signal to
the required output. Such combinations will include an inverting amplifier in cascaded with a
noninverting amplifier or vice-versa so that the gain for each amplifier can be independently
selected in order to obtain the overall gain.
As an example, an inverting amplifier cascaded with a non-inverting amplifier is shown in
Figure 7.1. For this circuit, the overall gain, G is given by G = G1 G2
(1)

where G1 = Vo1/Vi1 = -Rf1/Ri1 for inverting amplifier,

G2= Vo2/Vi2= (1+Rf2/Ri2) for non-inverting amplifier.

Here, Vi1 = Vi is the input signal and Vo2 = Vo is the output signal of this cascaded amplifier
E) Conclusion

1) We learn how to design a cascaded amplifier using operational amplifiers.

2) We learn how to calculate the overall gain and Vo (output).
3) We learn how to design a cascaded amplifier using LTSPICE.

F) Discussion on sustainable application of operational amplifier

The operational amplifier is a complex device containing many components. Yet, its terminal
behavior may be studied without understanding its complex circuitry.
In the operational amplifier circuits studied in this course, a circuit element is connected
between the output terminal and the inverting input. Such an op amp circuit is said to have
negative feedback. If the op amp with negative feedback is operating in its linear region,
then the assumptions of V1 = V2 and i1 = i2 = 0 may be made in circuit analysis.

The inverting amplifier, shown in Figure 6.3, will have a gain of

with the output
being 180 out of phase with respect to the input. Rf must be larger than RS to result in
amplification of the input signal.

The output equation for an inverting amplifier is:

The output equation for a non-inverting amplifier is:

Appendix 7A: List of Available Resistors in the Lab

100
180
220
330
1k
2k
2.1k
2.2k
3.3k
4.7k
6.8k
10k
22k
33k
47k
68k
100k
180k
1.2M
Variable Resistor 1k.