Linear Integrated Circuits

Course Description

EET 2155C Linear Integrated Circuits is a combined lecture and laboratory course (denoted by the "C" lab indicator) within the Electronic Engineering Technology (EET) discipline of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course provides a thorough study of linear integrated circuits with primary emphasis on the operational amplifier (op-amp) and the broad family of integrated circuits derived from it. Students analyze, design, build, and test circuits using op-amps, timers, voltage regulators, active filters, oscillators, comparators, and data converters. Computer simulation software is used alongside hands-on bench work to validate circuit designs and reinforce theoretical concepts. This course is a core requirement in the Associate in Science degree program in Electronic Engineering Technology at Florida state colleges.

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the internal structure and key parameters of a linear integrated circuit (IC), including input/output impedance, slew rate, bandwidth, offset voltage, and common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR).
• Analyze and design inverting, non-inverting, summing, and differential amplifier configurations using op-amps.
• Analyze and design integrator and differentiator circuits using op-amps.
• Analyze and design comparator circuits, including zero-crossing detectors and Schmitt triggers.
• Design and evaluate active filter circuits (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-reject) using op-amps.
• Analyze and construct oscillator circuits, including RC phase-shift, Wien-bridge, and relaxation oscillators.
• Analyze and apply the 555 timer IC in monostable and astable configurations.
• Analyze and design linear voltage regulator circuits using ICs such as the 78xx/79xx series and the LM317.
• Build and test integrated circuit-based circuits on a breadboard, measure circuit performance using bench instruments (oscilloscope, DMM, function generator), and compare results to theoretical predictions.
• Troubleshoot malfunctioning linear IC circuits, identify fault conditions, and apply corrective measures.

Optional Learning Outcomes

Depending on the institution and instructor, students may also be expected to:

• Analyze and apply Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) ICs and voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs).
• Explain the operation of analog-to-digital (ADC) and digital-to-analog (DAC) converter circuits.
• Design and simulate circuits using circuit simulation software such as Multisim or LTspice.
• Design switching power supply circuits and compare them with linear regulated supplies.
• Analyze instrumentation amplifier circuits and their applications in sensor signal conditioning.
• Apply waveform generator ICs (e.g., XR-2206, ICL8038) in signal generation applications.
• Interpret and apply manufacturer datasheets to select and evaluate linear ICs for specific design requirements.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following topics are covered at all Florida institutions offering EET 2155C:

• Operational Amplifier Fundamentals — Ideal vs. real op-amp parameters; open-loop and closed-loop gain; input/output impedance; slew rate; bandwidth; offset voltage and bias current; CMRR; PSRR; frequency compensation.
• Basic Op-Amp Configurations — Inverting amplifier; non-inverting amplifier; voltage follower (buffer); summing amplifier; difference amplifier.
• Op-Amp Signal Processing Circuits — Integrators; differentiators; logarithmic and antilogarithmic amplifiers; precision rectifiers.
• Comparators and Schmitt Triggers — Zero-crossing detector; single-threshold and hysteresis comparators; window comparator.
• Active Filters — First- and second-order active filter topologies (Sallen-Key, multiple feedback); low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch filters; Butterworth and Chebyshev response characteristics.
• Oscillators and Waveform Generators — RC phase-shift oscillator; Wien-bridge oscillator; quadrature oscillator; relaxation oscillator; square-wave and triangle-wave generators.
• 555 Timer IC — Internal architecture; monostable (one-shot) operation; astable (free-running) operation; frequency and duty-cycle calculations; applications.
• Voltage Regulators — Linear IC voltage regulators (fixed and adjustable); 78xx/79xx series; LM317/LM337; dropout voltage; heat sinking; current limiting and protection features.
• Laboratory Practices — Breadboard circuit construction; use of oscilloscope, DMM, and function generator; recording and interpreting experimental data; circuit troubleshooting methodology.

Optional Topics

The following topics are addressed at some Florida institutions or in enriched sections:

• Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) ICs — PLL operating principles; voltage-controlled oscillators; phase detector; loop filter; CD4046 and LM565 applications; frequency synthesis and FM demodulation.
• Data Converters — DAC and ADC principles; resolution; quantization error; R-2R ladder networks; successive approximation and flash converter architectures.
• Instrumentation Amplifiers — Three op-amp instrumentation amplifier topology; common-mode rejection; sensor interface applications.
• Switching Power Supplies — Buck, boost, and buck-boost converter topologies; PWM control ICs; comparison with linear regulators.
• Special-Purpose Linear ICs — Analog multipliers; function generator ICs; current-feedback amplifiers; transimpedance amplifiers.
• Circuit Simulation — Introduction to SPICE-based simulation (Multisim or LTspice); DC, AC, and transient analysis; comparison of simulated and measured results.
• IC Fabrication Overview — Monolithic IC fabrication processes; integrated component structures; introduction to IC packaging and datasheets.

Resources & Tools

• Textbook: Operational Amplifiers and Linear Integrated Circuits by Coughlin & Driscoll (Pearson) — widely adopted at Florida colleges for this course.
• Textbook (OER Alternative): Operational Amplifiers and Linear Integrated Circuits: Theory and Application by James M. Fiore (available free at MVCC OpenCourseWare) — an open-access text aligned to this course's content.
• Circuit Simulation Software: NI Multisim, LTspice (free), or equivalent SPICE-based simulator for pre-lab design validation.
• Laboratory Equipment: Dual-channel oscilloscope, digital multimeter (DMM), function/signal generator, regulated DC bench power supply, breadboard and component kit.
• Key ICs (Lab Components): LM741, LM324, LM358, LM741 (op-amps); NE555 (timer); LM317, LM7805, LM7812 (voltage regulators); LM741 comparator; CD4046 (PLL).
• Manufacturer Resources: Texas Instruments, ON Semiconductor, and Analog Devices datasheets; TI Analog Engineer's Pocket Reference (free PDF).
• SCNS Course Profile: Florida Department of Education SCNS website — flscns.fldoe.org

Career Pathways

EET 2155C prepares students for entry-level and mid-level positions in electronics and electrical engineering technology. Relevant career pathways include:

• Electronics Technician — Design, test, and troubleshoot analog and mixed-signal electronic equipment in manufacturing, defense, and telecommunications.
• Instrumentation & Control Technician — Apply signal conditioning and op-amp circuits in process control, sensors, and measurement systems.
• Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) — Service and maintain medical electronics that rely heavily on linear IC analog front-ends.
• Avionics Technician — Maintain linear and mixed-signal subsystems in aircraft electronics (relevant to Florida's large aerospace industry).
• PCB/Analog Circuit Designer — Entry-level support role in analog circuit design and prototype development.
• Field Service Engineer — Provide technical support and troubleshooting for industrial and commercial electronic equipment.
• Further Education: This course articulates toward Bachelor of Science programs in Electronics Engineering Technology or Electrical Engineering Technology at Florida State University System institutions.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

• ISCET CET Exam (Certified Electronics Technician) — Content in EET 2155C directly supports the analog/linear electronics portion of the Associate-level and Journeyman-level CET certification exams administered by the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET).
• ETA International EST Certification — The Electronics Systems Technician (EST) credential from ETA International aligns with analog circuit competencies developed in this course.
• IPC Standards Awareness — Laboratory construction and soldering work may be aligned with IPC-A-610 workmanship standards, complementing IPC certification courses offered elsewhere in the EET program.

Program Context

EET 2155C is a required course in the Associate in Science (A.S.) in Electronics Engineering Technology program at Hillsborough Community College, Northwest Florida State College, Eastern Florida State College, Gulf Coast State College, and other Florida colleges. It is typically taken in the second year of the program after foundational courses in DC/AC circuits and semiconductor devices. Students completing this course are prepared to advance to courses in digital electronics, microcontrollers, communications systems, and industrial electronics.