Analog Devices’ Textbook

The well-organized textbook includes homework and labs. Each

chapter begins with an introduction and a list of objectives. Worked
Engineering University— examples and exercises for the reader are interspersed throughout
the text, and section summaries reinforce the lessons learned.
Why YOU Should Attend The first semester course—Real Analog: Circuits 1—comprises
12 chapters (which are also presented as a series of videos and
By Ryan Fletcher and Scott Wayne downloadable lecture slides):

Introduction 1. Circuit Analysis Fundamentals

Throughout its history, Analog Devices has always been committed This chapter introduces fundamental concepts of voltage,
to education, as exemplified by its highly trained applications current, and power; basic circuit components including
engineers, online EngineerZone community, and extensive ideal sources and resistors; and analysis techniques such as
portfolio of textbooks, circuit notes, and magazine articles. Kirchhoff’s voltage law, Kirchhoff’s current law, and Ohm’s
Unfortunately, in this age of “digital everything,” many university law. The labs provide the first hint of real-world behavior:
students feel that digital electronics seem modern and exciting, resistance varies around the ideal value of a resistor—and
while analog electronics appear boring and outmoded. Worse yet, the first real-world application of analog circuitry: using a
many university curriculums have modeled the interests of their thermistor to measure temperature.
students, boosting their offerings in digital technology, while
deemphasizing analog design skills.
10k𝛀
The world, however, is analog. Light, sound, temperature, pressure,
and acceleration are all analog quantities, so analog sensors, signal 2N3904
+
conditioning, and data converters will always be required. In – 5V

addition, although broadcast communications are progressively

PHOTOCELL
heading into the digital domain, their RF signals require analog LED
receivers, transmitters, and low-noise amplifiers. Furthermore,
as energy efficiency and a “green” Earth become increasingly
important, analog power-management techniques are needed
more than ever. Figure 1. Chapter 1 lab: dawn-to-dusk lighting circuit.

Rather than fading out, analog technology is flourishing. In 2. Circuit Reduction

fact, more analog circuitry is found in a state-of-the-art high- This chapter employs the techniques presented in Chapter 1
definition TV than in a traditional analog TV; cardiac monitoring to analyze series and parallel combinations of resistors and
uses precision analog signal processing to detect small signals their use as voltage and current dividers. Nonideal sources
buried in noise; modern cell phones require analog power- and nonideal measurement devices provide further examples
management circuitry to prolong battery life; automobiles use of real-world behavior.
microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers and
gyroscopes in electronic stabilization systems; and satellite 4𝛀 4𝛀
communications use RF transmitters to broadcast digital signals in
an analog realm. So, rather than being quaint, analog technology 6𝛀

is now needed more than ever. 25V + 15𝛀 24𝛀

–
Recognizing the gap between the curriculums commonly found
3𝛀 6𝛀
at universities and the industry’s need for engineers trained in
analog circuit design techniques, Analog Devices announced
its Engineering University Program in March 2012. Aimed at Req
revolutionizing the way engineering students learn analog circuit
design, the program provides engineering students and professors Figure 2. Chapter 2 homework: find the equivalent
with an affordable portable analog design kit that will enhance resistance, Req, and the current provided by
their educational experience by allowing them to experiment with the source.
advanced technologies, building, and testing real-world analog
circuits anytime and anywhere. 3. Nodal and Mesh Analysis
In addition to engineering students, the Engineering University This chapter introduces the idea of circuit nodes and meshes—
Program is ideal for practicing engineers who may be well including reference nodes, dependent nodes, super nodes, and
versed in software development or digital technology but find constrained meshes—offering an easy way to analyze circuit
themselves lacking some of the fundamentals of analog circuit voltages and currents.
design, technicians who want to improve their understanding of SUPERNODE
analog circuitry, and hobbyists and inventors who look to acquire 2V
VA VA – 2 8𝛀 VC
new design skills. –
+

The comprehensive program includes a textbook, which features 2A 4𝛀 4𝛀 3A

exercises, labs, and homework; software for control, simulation,
3𝛀
and analysis; and a design kit that enables hands-on learning. An VB
REFERENCE
online community facilitates communication between students, NODE, VR = 0V
professors, and practicing engineers. As of January 2013, Circuits 1,
the first semester course, is available. Future courses, including Figure 3. Worked example from Chapter 3 shows
Circuits 2, Electronics 1, and Electronics 2 are in the works. reference and super nodes.

Analog Dialogue 47-03, March (2013) www.analog.com/analogdialogue 1

 4. Systems and Network Theorems 7. First-Order Circuits
This chapter presents a system-level approach to circuit This chapter features first-order circuits—those that include
analysis, representing a conceptual circuit as a real system a single independent energy storage element and are
with inputs and outputs. It defines the mathematical concept characterized by first-order differential equations. It analyzes
of linearity, explains how to use superposition to analyze the natural response of circuits containing resistors and a
linear systems, and introduces the powerful Thévenin and single capacitor or inductor, as well as their response to a step
Norton theorems that allow complex circuits to be modeled as change of the input voltage or current. The labs demonstrate
simpler equivalent circuits. The lab demonstrates how power how to measure the time constant and step response of active
is transferred from a source to a load and how to match the RC circuits.
load to maximize the power transfer.
C2 IS SOURCE TRIGGER ON FALLING
MAXIMUM TRIGGER MODE OF TRIGGER SIGNAL EDGE OF SIGNAL
POWER

PL

TRIGGER
TIME (t = 0)
TRIGGER
LEVEL

LOAD RESISTANCE RL
TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM
POWER TRANSFER 2V

Figure 4. Plot from Chapter 4 shows load power

versus load resistance.

5. Operational Amplifiers Figure 7. Control panel from Chapter 7

This chapter introduces operational amplifiers (op amps), demonstrates trigger time and level.
so named because they perform mathematical operations
such as addition, integration, and exponentiation. Starting 8. Second-Order Circuits
with ideal behavior, which allows easy analysis of inverting, This chapter expands upon the concepts presented in the
noninverting, and differential circuits, it also explains previous chapter to analyze second-order circuits— those
the effects of real-world behavior, including finite gain, that include two independent energy storage elements and are
finite input impedance, nonzero output impedance, and characterized by second-order differential equations. While
nonzero offset voltage. The labs use op amps to improve the step response of first-order circuits decays exponentially
the temperature measurement system. with time, that of second-order circuits can oscillate, so this
chapter introduces the concepts of natural frequency and
damping ratio, and relates them to the circuit’s rise time,
TEMPERATURE
CHANGE
RESISTANCE
CHANGE
VOLTAGE
CHANGE DIFFERENCE
VOLTAGE
RESPONSE
overshoot, and steady-state response. The labs measure the
WHEATSTONE
THERMISTOR
BRIDGE AMPLIFIER step response of an RLC circuit and analyze why real behavior
differs from the ideal calculations.

OVERALL TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

Im
sin 𝛚t
Figure 5. Block diagram from Chapter 5 lab:
temperature measurement system design.

6. Energy Storage Elements 𝛚t

TIME
This chapter introduces capacitors and inductors, their role as Re t
energy storage elements, and their real-world behavior. While
all circuits presented in earlier chapters could be analyzed
using algebraic equations, these dynamic circuit elements are
governed by differential equations. The text defines transient cos 𝛚t
and steady-state responses, and mathematical concepts such t
as unit-step and decaying exponential functions. The labs
generate and observe time-varying waveforms.
+ vR ( t ) –
i( t )

R +
+
+ RL vRL ( t )
NON-IDEAL –
vIN ( t ) INDUCTOR vL( t )
+
L vLI ( t )
–
–
–
TIME

Figure 6. Circuit from Chapter 6 shows nonideal Figure 8. Illustration from Chapter 8 shows
model of an inductor. relationship between sin ωt, cos ωt, and e jωt.

2 Analog Dialogue 47-03, March (2013)

 9. Introduction to State-Variable Models ELECTRODE WITH DEFLECTED
POSITIVE CHARGE PIEZO MATERIAL
This chapter introduces state-variable modeling, which
establishes the state of the system using the voltages across
the capacitors
ntroduction to State-Variable and the currents through the inductors. The
Models +
+
state completely
his chapter introduces state-variablecharacterizes
modeling,the system
which at each instant
establishes of of the system
the state + + + + + + + + +
time, sothe
sing the voltages across knowing the state
capacitors and at
theany time and
currents the system
through inputs
the inductors. The state –
V –
at all subsequent
ompletely characterizes the systemtimes allows
at each the output
instant to be
of time, so determined
knowing the at state at any –
–
me and the systemany subsequent time. The chapter shows the
howoutput
state-variable
to be determined–at
ELECTRODE WITH
inputs at all subsequent times allows – – – – – – NEGATIVE CHARGE
modeling enables numerical simulations to determine
ny subsequent time. The chapter shows how state-variable modeling enables numerical the
systemthe
mulations to determine response.
systemThe labs in this
response. Thechapter
labs incompare measured
this chapter compare measured
® with MATLAB ® or Octave simulations.
results Figure 11. Vibration sensor from Chapter 11 lab project.
sults with MATLAB or Octave simulations.
 0 0 1  1  12. Steady-State Sinusoidal Power
 x1 (t )   L1   x1 (t )   L1  This chapter covers power transmission using sinusoidal

 x (t )   0  R 1   x2 (t )   0  u (t ) signals and introduces concepts of instantaneous, average,
 2   L2 L2   
 x3 (t )   1  1 0  
 x (t )   0 
and reactive power. It then shows how to correct the power
 C C 
3
  factor from an inductive load.

Figure 9. Matrix Figure

algebra from Chapter
9. Matrix 9 demonstrates
algebra from state-variable analysis of
Chapter 9 demonstrates POWER “AVERAGE” POWER

third-order
state-variable analysis circuit. circuit.
of third-order
1
10. Steady-State Sinusoidal Analysis 2 Vm Imcos(θv – θi )
teady-State Sinusoidal
Analysis
This chapter focuses on the steady-state behavior of dynamic
his chapter focuses on thewith
systems steady-state
sinusoidal behavior of dynamic
inputs, ignoring systems
the system’s with sinusoidal
transient
TIME
puts, ignoring theresponse.
system’sIt transient
shows howresponse.
sinusoidalItsignals
showscanhow sinusoidal signals
be represented in can be
presented in complex exponential
complex exponentialand
andphasor
phasorforms, definesimpedance
forms, defines impedance andand admittance, “REACTIVE” POWER
nd explains how the system’sand
admittance, frequency
explains response expresses
how the system’s the relationship
frequency response between
put and output signals. Thethe
expresses labs measure the
relationship gain and
between inputphase of amplifier
and output signals.circuits. Figure 12. Plot from Chapter 12 shows components
The labs measure the gain and phase of amplifier circuits. of instantaneous power.
Voltage vin(t)
VOLTAGE VIN( t ) Hardware
In addition to theory, the textbook provides practical circuits,
discusses nonideal operation, and provides hands-on experience
through its lab exercises, but the real fun comes from the design kits.
The Analog Discovery™ design kit provides a 2-channel oscilloscope,
a 2-channel arbitrary waveform generator, a 16-channel logic
Time
TIME analyzer, a 16-channel pattern generator, a 2-channel voltmeter, a
network analyzer, and two power supplies, making it a complete,
portable, USB-powered analog design lab that enables students to
VvOUT
out((t)
t) experiment whenever and wherever they have an idea.

Figure 10. Plot from Chapter 10 shows system

igure 10. Plot from Chapter
response 10 shows
to two-tone system
input signal.response to two-tone input signal.

11. Frequency Response and Filtering

requency Response
andchapter
This Filtering
describes how a system’s frequency response
his chapter describes how a system’s
can be used frequency
as a design response
and analysis toolcan
andbe used
how as a design and
signals
nalysis tool and how
can be represented in terms of their frequency content. It content. It
signals can be represented in terms of their frequency
troduces the concepts of signal
introduces conditioning,
the concepts focusing
of signal on low-pass
conditioning, andon
focusing high-pass filters,
nd shows how Bode plots can illustrate a system’s amplitude and phase
low-pass and high-pass filters, and shows how Bode plots can behavior. The
illustrate a system’s amplitude and phase behavior. The labs
include conditioning the output of a MEMS microphone in
an audio application and the output of a vibration sensor to
measure mechanical stress. Figure 13. Analog Discovery design kit.

Analog Dialogue 47-03, March (2013) 3

The design kit is paired with the Analog Parts Kit, which includes analog circuitry, while encouraging innovation and spur-of-the-
resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, sensors, op amps, moment circuit creation. With these powerful resources at hand,
convertors, regulators, and more—plus, a solderless breadboard, students will be able to explore their deepest curiosities while
screwdriver, and assorted lead wires. supplementing the facts learned in their classes.
The online course materials provide some of the program’s most
intriguing resources. Topics presented in the Real Analog textbook
are taught from the perspective of electrical engineers in the
workplace, providing excellent insight into subjects traditionally
written about by academic writers. Clearly articulated video
lectures and PowerPoint slides supplement the written material;
and the step-by-step laboratory work develops essential hands-on
skills using real-world applications. Freely available online,
ADI’s Engineering University coursework is perfectly suited to
supplement existing course content or as an excellent resource
for independent study.
As intellectually stimulating as the online course materials are,
perhaps the most useful resources will be those available via
the virtual classroom. In this open forum, anyone can pose a
question regarding the course materials, technical exercises, or
design platforms. The virtual classroom, a key portion of ADI’s
Engineering University Program, is missing from most other
educational packages. Regularly monitored by the professional
staff at Analog Devices, this community is designed to encourage
collaboration among students. Its ability to foster global
Figure 14. Analog parts kit. communication while offering timely answers to questions will
enhance the efficiency of many students.
The design kit uses WaveForms™, a powerful suite of virtual For me, the most practical portion of the program was the Analog
instruments that provides a clean, easy-to-use graphical interface Discovery design kit. With this platform, along with the free
for each instrument, making it simple to acquire, store, analyze, WaveForms software, I implemented an oscilloscope, an arbitrary
produce, and reuse analog and digital signals. waveform generator, and a power supply—simultaneously from
my computer—enabling a quick and easy start to my circuit
design. Figure 16 shows a screenshot of the above functions
running on my PC. Although I didn’t use them for this project,
the design kit offers many other features—including a logic
analyzer, a pattern generator, static I/O, a voltmeter, and a
network analyzer. The device’s portability and ease of use will
allow students to take creativity and innovation outside of the
traditional lab setting and bring it to dormitories, common
areas, and even home. Including hardware, which is rarely
found as part of an educational package, is an ingenious idea to
combine practical design skills with theoretical learning. I highly
recommend the optional Analog Parts Kit, which proved to be
incredibly useful, providing me with an array of components and
saving me the time and hassle of ordering parts.
Figure 15. Waveforms software.

A Student’s Perspective
For a student project, I am currently prototyping a device to
automatically evaporate condensation from bathroom mirrors.
In the process, I have used components of the Analog Devices’
Engineering University Program, including the Analog Discovery
design kit, WaveForms software, analog parts kit, and online
textbook. The vast resources of the program have been invaluable
for my project, and other engineering students will surely be
thrilled to have it available at their fingertips. Interested students
can easily access, transport, and review the program’s free online
materials in any location. The Analog Discovery hardware design
platform allows students to bring the functionality of a traditional Figure 16. Running an oscilloscope, arbitrary wave-
lab anywhere. In my case, this versatility triggered an interest in form generator, and power supply from a computer.

4 Analog Dialogue 47-03, March (2013)

Figure 17 shows how the Analog Discovery design kit can bring circuit, measure voltages, and simulate the sensor input. ADI’s
lab functionality anywhere, including the kitchen table. This Engineering University Program is proving to be a valuable tool;
newfound accessibility to lab tools encourages students to apply in the future, I plan to use more of the online course materials to
their knowledge more creatively, learning debugging techniques study analog circuitry.
and other skills that cannot be taught in lecture. With its
portability and ease of use, the design kit provides students with
an elegant tool to apply their knowledge.

Figure 18. The prototyped circuit on a breadboard.

Conclusion
Figure 17. Analog Discovery can bring lab function- ADI’s Engineering University Program provides an excellent
ality anywhere, including the kitchen table. resource for learning about analog circuitry. The textbook, video
lectures, and labs teach analog theory to a high standard, seeding
As with every educational package, ADI’s Engineering University student curiosity; the virtual classroom facilitates international
Program has its strengths and weaknesses. Beginning with its communication, question posing, and remote assistance; and the
strongest points, the courseware is easily accessible and free hardware design platforms have superb functionality that inspire
of charge. Written by individuals who fully understand the students to innovate.
content, the online materials leave little room for confusion
or misinterpretation. The integration of theory with practical References
applications provides a near perfect combination of reading Revolutionizing How Engineering Students Learn Analog
and hands-on learning. In addition, the online content blends Circuit Design.
the components necessary for a complete understanding of the
Video about Analog Devices University Program.
topics, including video lectures, PowerPoint slides, textbook,
and reinforcing homework assignments, making the program an
Authors
exceptional resource for learning about analog circuitry. Ryan Fletcher [[email protected]] is a student
The program contains room for improvement, however. The home- at the Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science
work lacks sufficient quantity and depth to provide a greater at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where his
understanding of the material, and the virtual classroom suffers interests include electrical and robotic engineering,
from a lack of participation. The textbook contains some minor mathematics, and business. He is a member of
formatting inconsistencies and grammatical errors, although various clubs, including debate, ultimate Frisbee,
these do not hinder the ability of the text to convey information. and recreational skiing. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys cycling,
Lastly, to avoid confusion, Digilent® should include directions to mountain biking, and snowboarding.
download WaveForms and a manual with the Analog Discovery
Scott Wayne [[email protected]] joined
kit (I had to figure out which software to download and search
Analog Devices as a design engineer in 1978.
for documentation that explains the full usage of the package).
Before transferring to the Analog Dialogue staff,
For readers who are curious about my project, the device evapo- he designed a variety of precision analog-to-digital
rates condensation from bathroom mirrors using a homemade clear and digital-to-analog converters using modular,
thin-film heater, senses the relative humidity and temperature hybrid, and monolithic technologies. Scott holds an
using the AD22100 temperature sensor, and controls the heater SBEE from MIT and continues his education through their edX
with a circuit consisting of comparators and simple transistor logic. program. He is the author of several articles and holds two patents.
Figure 18 shows the breadboard used to prototype and debug the In his free time, Scott enjoys hiking, bicycling, and kayaking.

Analog Dialogue 47-03, March (2013) 5