Building discrete semiconductor and passive designs, using Opamps and Mixed Design Circuits are the first step in electronics. Most consumer Electronics have a high analog circuit content. Even in Embedded Systems the interface design that matters for real time systems is an analog circuit. Here are some more analog points in my old notes. (the links have been added to provide additional reference to the reader and are not related to these notes of mine form the late 80s)
This article will explain the way a simple transistor based current source is designed, this will give an idea on how some components can be used in a practical way to make the circuit do some function, the objective is not design but to become familiar with the basic ideas. Tutorials on Basics and Instrumentation Electronics
The operational amplifier ("op amp") is the most versatile and widely used type of analog IC, used in audio and voltage amplifiers, signal conditioners, signal converters, oscillators, and analog computing systems. Almost every electronic device uses at least one op amp.
"The op amp is treated as a completed component in this book.The op amp will continue to be a vital component of analog design because it is such a fundamental component. Each generation of electronics equipment integrates more functions on silicon and takes more of the analog circuitry inside the IC.
Don’t fear, as digital applications increase, analog applications also increase because the predominant supply of data and interface applications are in the real world, and the real world is an analog world. Thus, each new generation of electronics equipment creates requirements for new analog circuits; hence, new generations of op amps are required to fulfill these requirements. Analog design, and op amp design, is a fundamental skill that will be required far into the future."
Linear Circuit Design Handbook, edited by Hank Zumbahlen (Newnes, 2008), bridges the gap between circuit component theory and practical circuit design. Effective analog circuit design requires a strong understanding of core linear devices and how they affect analog circuit design.
This book provides complete coverage of important analog devices and how to use them in designing linear circuits, and serves as a useful learning tool and reference for design engineers involved in analog and mixed-signal design. Linear Circuit Design Handbook - Hank Zumbahlen
Chapters Include
Sensors, RF/IF Circuits, Converters. Analog Filters. Power Management and …
Chapter 5: Fundamentals of Sampled Data Systems
Chapter 7: Data Converter Support Circuitry
Chapter 11: Overvoltage Effects on Analog Integrated Circuits
This is a like a Opamp Design Quick Reference. All the generic configurations and also example designs help you start building the Analog Blocks for your Instrument, Equipment or Gadget. It would be ideal if you test out all the configurations on a breadboard. Then try building a Measurement device with demanding specs. A Micro-ohmmeter is a suggestion i would give for testing your skills.
Op Amp Circuit Collection - National Semiconductor - Application Note 31
Contact resistance of connectors is in micro-ohms. Here contact resistance can also be affected by contamination, thermoelectric EMF. One Amp of current is passed thru the specimen, a connector and the voltage measured. The measured voltage is in micro-volts, a small analog challenge. Sometimes the test current can be even 10 Amps pulsed and the voltage measured quickly. A sample and hold synced with the pulse has to be designed. The voltage sample is taken in the middle of the pulse. Build such things, that will build the analog skills. Remember the Real world is Analog.
Also try my Interactive Opamp Tutors - Slide Pots, operate mV sources and see Outputs.
