What This Document Is
This is a detailed laboratory experiment guide for Microelectronic Devices and Circuits (ELENG 105) at the University of California, Berkeley. Specifically, it focuses on the practical application and analysis of differential amplifiers – a fundamental building block in analog circuit design. This guide provides a structured approach to understanding the behavior of these amplifiers through hands-on experimentation and observation. It’s designed to complement theoretical coursework and build essential skills in circuit analysis and measurement.
Why This Document Matters
This experiment is crucial for students seeking a deeper understanding of differential amplifier operation beyond theoretical concepts. It’s particularly beneficial for those preparing for more advanced coursework in analog integrated circuit design, signal processing, or related fields. Students will gain valuable experience in circuit construction, signal generation, and the use of common laboratory equipment like oscilloscopes. This guide is most useful when used *during* a lab session, providing a roadmap for completing the experiment and interpreting results.
Topics Covered
* Differential Amplifier Fundamentals
* Common-Mode and Differential-Mode Gain
* Common-Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR)
* Inverting Amplifier Circuits
* Differential Pair Configurations (with resistive and active loads)
* Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) Characteristics in Amplifier Circuits
* Signal Inversion Techniques
* Oscilloscope Measurement Techniques
What This Document Provides
* Detailed circuit schematics for various differential amplifier configurations.
* Component lists and transistor properties for accurate circuit implementation.
* A step-by-step procedure for building and testing differential amplifier circuits.
* Guidance on generating and applying differential input signals.
* Instructions for using an oscilloscope to measure key performance parameters.
* Points for comparison between experimental results and theoretical calculations.
