EE 212L: Negative and General Impedance Converters
Objective: This lab demonstrates two novel uses of op-amps:
Negative Impedance Converters (NICs) and Generalized Impedance
Converters (GICs). As the name implies, a NIC enables an equivalent
impedance of opposite sign to that included in the circuit (e.g.,
resistance to negative resistance or capacitor to inductor). The GIC
enables impedances to be achieved with values that may be difficult
to attain with passive components. For example, a GIC can convert a
capacitor to inductor and vice versa, scale an impedance, and
represent a negative resistance. These circuits are assumed to be
in sinusoidal steady-state and can be analyzed using
frequency-domain (AC) methods.
Pre-lab:
Analyze the circuit in Figure 1 to show that it is a negative
impedance converter, i.e., show that Zin =
Vin/Iin = -Z.
Given that an RL circuit (see Figure 4) might be a good way to
verify that an inductor has been "made" out of a NIC or GIC, what
two tests could be run on the circuit to verify the value of
inductance? Find key values for these tests such that they can be
validated experimentally in the lab. Hint: step inputs and time
constants or sinusoidal inputs and phase shifts are options as
time constants and phase shifts will depend on the inductance.
Analyze the circuit of Figure 2 in the lab to show that its
input impedance is Zin = Z1 Z3
Z5 / (Z2 Z4). Verify that if
Z2 or Z4 is a capacitor and the other
impedances are resistors, then Zin is the impedance of
an inductor.
Laboratory Procedure:
Negative-Impedance Converters
The NIC shown in Figure 1 uses an op-amp and resistors to
produce an input impedance of Zin = -Z. Design and
build a NIC with Zin = -10kΩ. Choose the
resistors R to keep the op-amp supply current from exceeding its
maximum for the rated range of input voltages. Also keep in mind
that the op-amp circuit only acts as a NIC so long as it is not
operating in saturation.
Put a voltage source and two 10kΩ resistors in series with
your -10kΩ NIC and take measurements to verify that the
NIC really behaves as -10kΩ.
General Impedance Converters
Figure 2 shows a GIC which is built using two op-amps and five
impedances. The input impedance of a GIC is given by
Z1 Z3 Z5/(Z2
Z4).
Build a GIC to simulate (act as) a 10kΩ resistor using
two op-amps and five resistors.
Use this simulated resistor in series with a real 10kΩ
resistor to build a voltage divider as shown in Figure 3. Drive
the voltage divider with a 1kHz, 2V peak-to-peak sine wave. Does
the voltage across your simulated resistor look like what you
would expect?
A typical use of GICs is to simulate inductors. If Z2
or Z4 is a capacitor and the other impedances are
resistors, then Zin is the impedance of an
inductor. GICs are used to simulate inductors because it is
virtually impossible to build an inductor as part of an
integrated circuit, whereas op-amps, capacitors and resistors
are relatively easy to incorporate. Modify your GIC such that it
acts like a 10H inductor.
Use your simulated 10H inductor in the RL circuit shown in
Figure 4 and run one, or both, experiments that you planned in
the pre-lab to verify its value. Compare the measured value of
your simulated inductor to the desired value.
Increase the amplitude of the input voltage until the output
becomes distorted. Why does the response of the circuit with the
simulated inductor depart from the ideal response?