The operation of an OPV in the linear operating range can be enforced by means of circuitry by feeding back the output signal, i.e., returning it to the inverting input (- input). In the circuit shown, the negative feedback is provided by a capacitor.

lab_electrical_engineering:integrator_circuit.svg

Analysis of the circuit:
Negative feedback

$\Rightarrow u_\mathrm{d} = 0 \Rightarrow i_R = \frac{u_\mathrm{e}}{R}$

$i_R=i_C$ (because OPV input current $i_\mathrm{n} = 0$)

$u_\mathrm{a}=-u_C=-\frac{1}{C}\int i_\mathrm{C}\,dt=-\frac{1}{RC}\int u_\mathrm{e}\,dt$
The integrated input voltage appears at the output. The product of resistance and capacitance has the character of a time constant:

$T_\mathrm{i}=RC$

lab_electrical_engineering:integrator_u-t-diagramme.svg





The figure shows the output voltage of an integrator with a square wave voltage at the input. The output voltage at the start $u_\mathrm{a}(t=0)$ depends on the charge state of the capacitor when switched on.

To analyze the behavior of the integrator, the following circuit is used:
lab_electrical_engineering:integrator_experiment.svg

Supply voltages (from power supply unit):

$UCC=+3~V, UEE~=-3~V$

Values of the components used:

$R1.3=10~kΩ, C1=10~nF$

  1. Calculate the time constant $T_\mathrm{i}$ of the integrator from the given values.







  2. Assumption: the capacitor is initially uncharged. A voltage $u_\mathrm{e}=+3~V$ is applied to the input.
    How long does it take for the output voltage to reach $u_\mathrm{Tr}=-3~V$? Document your calculation.












  3. Roughly sketch the voltage curves that you expect at the TR output when you apply a bipolar square wave signal to the $u_\mathrm{e}$ input.


    Output TR

    lab_electrical_engineering:oscilloscope_screen.svg


    Channel 1:$\frac {Volt}{Div}=$


    Time basis: $\frac {T}{Div}=$


  4. Build the circuit on the MEXLE-board. Make sure that the jumper at the bottom of the op-amp is set to the left so that the op-amp is supplied with +/- 3V. Connect channel 1 on the oscilloscope to $U_\mathrm{e}$ and channel 2 to TR. Connect the function generator to the $U_\mathrm{e}$ input. Set to square wave (bipolar) with a frequency of 3kHz and a voltage of 3 V (amplitude). Switch on the power supply.


    C1 = 10 nF, f = 3 kHz

    lab_electrical_engineering:oscilloscope_screen.svg


    Channel 1: $\frac {Volt}{Div}=$

    Channel 2: $\frac {Volt}{Div}=$


    Time basis: $\frac {T}{Div}=$
  5. Compare your measurement with the calculation from part 2 and the forecast from part 3. Explain your result.