Analog Computer Lab: Building a Feedback System

[mohlam12]

Hello everyone,

I hesitated to post in this section because I couldn't determine if it was more appropriate to post it in the electrical engineering section or in the homework one. Since this is a relatively simple project and counts as homework, I posted it here. However if I am posting in the wrong section I apologize in advance to the mod team.

I am currently a student in electrical engineering, sophomore. The project is to make an analog computer that solves 2nd order differential equations, with a feedback system.

For the 1st week, we had to build the system in multisim and run the simulation (for pre-experiment report) then make some simple measurements like Vmax and settling time.

I managed the first week to design and run simulation (please refer to attachment) of the system, as well as build it on the breadboard and check the output on the oscilloscope.

Now, for the 2nd week, we are asked to add a feedback circuit to the system. Here, I wasn't quite sure about what to do. Following the diagram, and from what I understood, I need a summer op-amp that will sum the amplified integrated output, with the step function source, to be the new input to the system ?

Well, if someone could please tell me if my assumptions are right, and if so, if the circuit is right.

Thank you !

 

[Valkarie]

</code>You are on the right track with your assumptions. The feedback circuit you are describing is a common configuration for solving second order differential equations. The summer op-amp will take the amplified integrated output from the system and add it to the step function source, which will be the new input to the system. You will need to adjust the gain of the summer op-amp so that the system can converge to a stable solution. This can be done by adjusting the resistors in the summer op-amp circuit.Once you have the circuit set up and the gain adjusted, you can run simulations or measure the output using an oscilloscope to make sure that the system is working correctly.Good luck with your project!