Op Amp Discovery Bd

Fast & Flexible Prototyping & Experimenter PCB

The Op Amp Discovery Board can help students, engineers and DIYers quickly build and learn a variety of op amp configurations. Hands-on prototyping and experimenting boosts understanding and intuition.

• Easy-to-use hybrid (solderless breadboard + PCB).
• Explore 20+ classic op amp circuits
• Create your own circuits
• Supply Rails & Signal Source Included on-board

Fast & Flexible Prototyping

Quickly build and explore classic op amp circuits. Serves as a Trainer Board as well as an Evaluation Module. Follow Self-Directed or Guided Learning.

• Flexible - easily install Rs, Cs or jumpers across any headers.
• Fun problem solving - How-to-build circuit on headers?
• Configurable signal - DC, AC, square-wave, level trimpot

Why this PCB?

• Standard breadboards have been frustrating for me:
  • Prone to opens, shorts, intermittent connections
  • Confusing, difficult to probe and debug
  • Requires expensive, bulky supplies and signal generators
• Op Amp Discovery:
  • PCB provides solid, versatile connections, supplies, signal source.
  • Layout arranged like schematic to reinforce learning.
  • Minimal cost and PCB space - an affordable & portable learn-anywhere lab.
  • Learning possible with a $10 DMM.
    

 

User's Guide

User's Guide (PDF)

• Quick Start Guide
• Description, Schematics, BOM
• Proto-Area Schematic, Bonus Sections
  

Op Amp Circuit Examples

Example Circuits for Guided Learning (PDF)

• A walk-thru of classic op amp configurations
• Define It, Design It, Build It, Test & Learn It

Proto-Area Schematic Sheets

Proto-Area Schematic Blanks and Test Sheets (PDF)

• Solve the how-to-build it with blank proto-area sheets.
• Easy-to-use Design, Test & Learn sheets.

Open-Source Project

This op amp trainer board is Open Source - anyone can inspect, make, modify and distribute the project.

• Check out detailed article on Instructables.
• Download PDFs and KiCAD files (schematic, PCB, etc.) available from Github.

 

Excel Op Amp Design Calculator

Here's an Excel Toolkit of Design and Analysis Calculations created for the Op Amp Discovery Board.

 - Quick calculations for 20 classic op amp circuits
 - Handy circuit theory & equation reference
 - Apply, modify or customize as needed

Feedback Form

• What aspects do you find helpful?
• Questions, comments, suggestions?
• Use the eCircuit Center Feedback form.

 

First Example!

Let’s jump in with the Non-Inverting Amplifier. From the circuit diagram, how can you build the amplifier on the Op Amp Discovery board?

First, sketch out a possibility on the proto-area schematic.

 

Then, install the resistors and wire jumpers - and the circuit is ready to explore.

 

Advanced Circuit

Let’s try a circuit that's a bit more complex - the Wien-Bridge RC Oscillator.

First Sketch out a possible way to build on the proto-area schematic, then install the components and explore.