Learning objectives
The course aims at providing an in-depth understanding of the operation of non linear, autonomous circuits such as multivibrators and quasi sinusoidal oscillators.
Then, the design of the analogue signal conditioning chain in electronic instruments is considered.
The final part focuses on noise and filtering techniques for reducing its effects.
Prerequisites
Fondamenti di Elettronica A, Fondamenti di Elettronica BC
Course unit content
Autonomous circuits
Stability of circuits including negative resistances. Large signal analysis, trajectories in the I-V plane, limit cycle oscillations. Application to the analysis of astable, monostable and bi-stable circuits.
Quasi-sinusoidal oscillators: analysis by the describing function method. LC and RC oscillators. Stability of oscillation amplitude and frequency, quartz oscillators. Three points oscillators (Colpitts, Hartley,...)
Analogue signal conditioning
The main functional blocks in a data acquisition and processing system.
Linear amplifiers.
A deeper insight of operational amplifiers. OTA and trans-impedance amplifiers. Electrometric amplifiers, instrumentation amplifiers, isolation amplifiers.
Non-linear processing.
Log-antilog amplifiers. The Gilbert cell. Analogue multipliers and their application in true rms measurements.
Voltage and current references
Zener, Vbe, Vth and band-gap references. Implementations in bipolar and CMOS technologies.
Noise and filtering
Physical origins of noise: Johnson, shot, 1/f.Equivalent representations of a noisy two-port. Noise figure of an amplifier. Noise matching.Phase noise in oscillators.
Techniques for S/N improvement. Continuous time filters. Discrete time filters.
Full programme
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Bibliography
P.U.Calzolari, S.Graffi. Elementi di Elettronica, Zanichelli Editore.
Teacher's notes and slides.
Teaching methods
Lectures, homework, laboratory assignment.
Assessment methods and criteria
Homework (25%), laboratory assignment (25%), oral examination (50%).
Other information
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