Alpha Operational Amp Kit

Operational amplifiers are common in many electronic devices. They amplify minute signals e.g. from a microphone to make them suitable for input to a power amplifier, or the signals from ECG sensors, to enable them to be displayed on a screen. This kit gives students an understanding of op amps, including input impedance and feedback, gain, amplification of d.c. and a.c. signals, saturation, differential mode, the use of a bridge circuit to detect and amplify very small changes – this has applications in the creation of sensors such as strain gauges. When used with a microphone, an Alpha Power Amplifier and small loudspeaker, a two stage audio amplifier can be constructed.

The manual (on CD) includes suggestions for extension work that involves discrete components and op amps, built on breadboard.

• 1 x Alpha, amplifier investigations board

• 2 x Alpha, potential divider

• 1 x Alpha, 4.7k potentiometer panel

• 1 x Alpha, component holder panel

• 1 x Alpha, solder panel

• 1 x Alpha, 100 OHM resistor panel

• 2 x Alpha, 1k resistor panel

• 2 x Alpha, 2.2k resistor panel

• 4 x Alpha, 10k resistor panel

• 4 x Alpha, 100k resistor panel

• 1 x Alpha, 5k variable resistor panel

• 1 x Alpha, 22k variable resistor panel

• 2 x Alpha, link panel

• 1 x Alpha, LDR panel

• 1 x Alpha, thermistor panel

• 4 x Alphalink (yellow)

• 1 x Alpha OP AMP investigations manual (on CD)