Integrated Electronics

Experiment 8

Waveform Generators using Opamp

A. Wien Bridge RC Oscillator

1. Assemble the oscillator circuit given in Fig. 10.1, with R = 10 k, C = 0.01 F and
the other resistors as indicated. Note that R2 consists of a series combination of a 15
k resistance and a 10k potentiometer and hence can be varied over the range 1525 k by adjusting the potentiometer. Thus with R1 = 10 k, the gain Av of the noninverting amplifier (VCVS) can be varied from 2.5 to 3.5, which covers the
theoretically required value 3.
2. Set R2 at its minimum value (15 k) and observe the output voltage vo on the CRO.
The output should show just a d-c level ( zero), as no oscillations are possible
unless the gain exceed the minimum required value. Increase R2 by adjusting the
potentiometer until sinusoidal oscillations appear. Increase R2 further until the
waveform gets flattened both at the top and at the bottom, at the opamp saturation
levels. Now reduce the value of R2 slowly, and observe how the shape of the
waveform changes, gradually approaching a nearly perfect sine wave, until finally the
oscillations cease. Now increase R2 very slowly and note how sharply the oscillations
start. Set the value of R2 for the best possible sinusoidal waveform.
3. Measure the frequency of oscillation and verify the frequency of oscillation:
o = 1/ CR.
4. Switch off the d-c power supply and take out the resistors constituting R1 and R2,
taking care not to disturb the final setting of the potentiometer for best sinusoidal
waveform. Measure the exact values of R1 and R2 (10 k + the potentiometer in its
final setting) with the multimeter, and calculate the value of the ratio R2/R1. Compare
this experimentally obtained value with the theoretically expected value 2.
R2
10 k

15 k

10k Pot

R1

+
R

C
vo

R
_

Fig. 10.1

B. Schmitt Inverter using Opamp

1. Set up the Schmitt Inverter using an opamp shown in Fig. 10.2. Note that R1 consists
of a series combination of a 1 k resistance and a 10k potentiometer and hence
can be varied over the range 1-11 k by adjusting the potentiometer. With the
potentiometer adjusted so that R1 = 11 k, apply a sinusoidal voltage with maximum
possible amplitude and frequency = 100Hz from the Function Generator as vi and
display the vo vs vi transfer characteristic of the Schmitt Inverter, using the CRO in
the x-y mode. Compare the observed characteristic with Fig. 10.3.
2. Sketch the transfer characteristic, and measure the values of VOH, VOL, VIH and VIL.
VOH and VOL should be the same as the saturation voltages of the Opamp.
3. Decrease R1 gradually by turning the potentiometer and note the effect on the
transfer characteristic. Repeat step B.2 with R1 = 1 k.
4. Verify, for both values of R1, the theoretically expected relationships
R1VOH

R1VOH

VIH =

and

VIH =

R1 + R2

.
R1 + R2
+

vo

VOH
R2 = 12 k

vo

vi

1 k

vi

VIL

R1
_

R2 = 12 k

vo

10k
Potentiometer

1 k

10k
Potentiometer

VIH vi
R1

VOL
_
Fig. 10.3

Fig. 10.2

Fig. 10.4
C. Square Wave Generator using a Schmitt Inverter
1. The circuit of a square wave generator using a Schmitt Inverter made with an Opamp
is shown in Fig. 10.4. Assemble the circuit, with R = 10 k and C = 0.01 F.
2. With the potentiometer adjusted so that R1 = 11 k, display and sketch the
waveforms of vi and vo. Verify that the maximum and minimum points on the
waveform of vi match with the values of VIH and VIL measured in step B.2.
3. Measure the values of TH and TL and verify the theoretically expected relationships
VOH VIL
TH = RC ln

VIH VOL
TH = RC ln

VOH VIH

VIL VOL

4. Decrease R1 gradually by turning the potentiometer and note the effect on the
waveforms. Repeat steps C.2 and C.3 with R1 = 1 k.