Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Clemson University

Lab Report
Experiment 3: Operational Amplifiers

ECE 2120
Electrical Engineering Lab II
Spring 2025

submitted by: Levi Cunningham

GTA: Mr. Chris Weller
Instructor: Dr. Tehseen Zara Raza
1) Abstract
In experiment 3, Op Amps II, we constructed and analyzed three different circuits built
around an op-amp. The initial circuit constructed was a non-inverting amplifier, using a 2kΩ
resistor, a 1kΩ resistor, a waveform generator, and a uA741 operational amplifier, designed to
amplify the input signal while preserving its original polarity, ensuring that the input and output
signals remain in phase. The second circuit developed was a difference amplifier, which utilized
two 10kΩ resistors, two 20kΩ resistors, a waveform generator, and a uA741 operational
amplifier. The primary function of this circuit is to produce an output that represents the
difference between its two input signals. Finally, we assembled an inverting summing amplifier,
which included three 10kΩ resistors, a 20kΩ resistor, a waveform generator, and a uA741
operational amplifier. Overall, this experiment helped give us experience with more uses of the
operational amplifier, like difference amplifiers, summing amplifiers, and the concept of output
saturation

2) Introduction
We were tasked with testing our understanding of the operational amplifier as well as a
few of its numerous applications in this experiment. From our previous experiment, we observed
the output saturation of the non-inverting amplifier. We then examined the output and
application of a difference amplifier circuit, and observed the output and application of an
inverting summing amplifier. This lab’s primary focus was to allow us to gain more practice with
operational amplifiers, growing comfortable with implementing them into a circuit paired with
waveforms generators, Power supplies, and oscilloscopes.

3) Theory and Procedure

Theory:
In terms of theoretical methods, we utilized our knowledge of equipment to successfully
construct our three circuits. We were only able to do this by using knowledge of how to modify
input voltage on the waveform generator, as well as the intricacies of the DC power supply,
which both always have to be properly grounded with secure contact for power and ground. We
also used Vo=(1+Rf/R1)Vi and Vo=(1+Rf/R1)Vi, where RfR and R1 define the circuit's gain
within our calculations for a non-inverting amplifier.

2
Hand Calculations:
The only calculations required during this experiment were completed for the pre-lab, in
which we were tasked with determining appropriate resistor values to satisfy our circuit
parameters for difference and inverting summing amplifier circuits.

G = 1+ (2k/1k) = 3, V in = V out/G = 5/3 = 1.67 Vpk

3
Given the equation V0 = (R2/R1)(V2 – V1) and V0 = 2(V2 – V1), we can determine values for
both resistors that allow for both equations to be true. 2 = (R2/R1), therefore one possible
solution possible within our lab (using a resistor for our first resistor and decade box for our
second) is R1=1kΩ, R2=2kΩ.

4
 Procedure:
I. Familiarize yourself with the layout of our operational amplifier IC uA741
II. Construct the non-inverting amplifier circuit, using the appropriate values for resistors found in
the Pre-Lab. Ensure to power the Operational Amplifier IC with +5V in pin 7 and -5V in pin 4,
using the DC power supply.
III. Using CH1 of the waveform generator, apply a 1V peak, 1kHz sinusoidal voltage input to pin 3
of the Operational Amplifier IC.
IV. Connect CH1 of the oscilloscope across the input voltage and connect CH2 of the oscilloscope
across the output voltage.
V. Alter the input voltage on the waveform generator little by little until the output voltage
saturates. (i.e. until it reaches its maximum possible values displayed on the oscilloscope)
VI. Once saturation is reached, make a note of the saturated output voltage and the input voltage that
it reached saturation at
VII. Construct Circuit seen in Figure 2, ensuring +- 5V are connected to the power rails
VIII. Using CH1 of the waveform generator, apply a 1V peak, 1kHz sinusoidal voltage input to pin 2
of the Operational Amplifier IC and using CH2 apply a 2.5V peak, 1kHz sinusoidal voltage input
to pin 3 of the Operational Amplifier IC.
IX. Connect CH1 of the oscilloscope across the first input voltage, connect CH2 of the oscilloscope
across the second input voltage, and connect CH3 of the oscilloscope across the output voltage.
X. Make a note of the two input voltages and the output voltage.
XI. Construct the Circuit in Figure 3, ensuring power rails are supplied with +- 5V
XII. Using CH1 of the waveform generator, apply a .25V peak, 1kHz sinusoidal voltage input to pin
2 of the Operational Amplifier IC, using CH2 apply a 2.5V peak, 1kHz sinusoidal voltage input
to pin 2 of the Operational Amplifier IC, and connect the third input voltage to ground.
XIII. Connect CH1 of the oscilloscope across the first input voltage, connect CH2 of the oscilloscope
across the second input voltage, and connect CH3 of the oscilloscope across the output voltage.
XIV. Make note of the phase difference between the input voltage and output voltage.

5
Discussion of Results:
Task 1: In our first task, we observe a non-saturated non-inverted input. We then increased the
output voltage until we observed saturation, which we found to occur at 3.12 V

Figure 2: Circuit 1 Unsaturated O-Scope Figure 3: Circuit 1 Saturated O-Scope output

Task 2: In our second task, we recorded a V1 = 2.32, V2 = 4.8, and V0 = 4.88, which is similar to
our estimated 4.96 V, ensuring us that our simulation was not far off.

Figure 4: Circuit 2, 2 Input Voltages (blue, purple) with output voltage (yellow)

6
Task 3: In task 3, we observe 3 different input voltages, V1 = 456mV, V2 = 900mV, V3 = 0V (not
displayed because source was grounded) and V0 = 2.44 V. The calculated value of output voltage
is around 2.5 V, which supports our observations with circuit 3 (inverting summing amplifier).

Figure 5: Circuit 3, O-Scope display with output (yellow) and input voltages
(purple, blue)

5) Conclusions
Bringing Experiment 3 to a close, we discovered that the difference amplifier and
inverting summing amplifier were two very different, yet equally applicable functions of an
operational amplifier, though many more uses have yet to be applied to our experiments.
Difference amplifiers are useful in any circuits that require precise measurement of the
difference in amplitude between two separate signals, while summing amplifiers are very useful
in the audio industry. Overall, the knowledge gained from our practice of these configurations
will be a great foundation for use of them in the future.

7
6) Post Lab Questions
Question 1: For the subtask (c) of Task 1 for non-inverting amplifier, compare the pre-lab
answer(s) to the experimental trend of output saturation, and comment on any differences.
The calculated voltage falls around 3.34 Vpp while our experimental value was 3.12 Vpp. These
measurements prove to be consistent with our calculations, confirming our familiarity with
amplifiers and ensuring our setup was correct. The deviation can be attributed to imperfect
connections within the circuits.

Question 2: For the subtask (c) of Task 2 for the difference amplifier, compare the pre-lab
design specifications (of the pre-factor of 2) to the experimental trend, and comment on the
variations between the theoretical pre-factor of 2 and experimentally observed pre-factor,
if any.
Using our data, we can calculate the pre-factor as Pf = VO/(V2-V1) = 1.96 using our observed
values, which is extremely close to the theoretical value of 2, supporting our discoveries.

Question 3: Compare the observed phase difference between the output voltage and input
voltages in the subtask (d) of Task 3 and explain the observed phase difference. (Hint)
Think about which input terminal the input voltages are being applied to, through resistors
indeed.
Our measured phase difference between input and output voltages within this task was 180◦,
which aligns with the theoretical value of 180◦, as an inverting summing amplifier produces an
opposite phase output in reference to the input, or a shift of 180 degrees.