Analog Engineers - Look at Middlebrook

In summary, "Analog Engineers - Look at Middlebrook" discusses the significant contributions of Bob Middlebrook to the field of analog engineering, particularly his work in circuit analysis and design. It highlights his innovative approaches and methodologies that have influenced modern analog circuit design, emphasizing the importance of understanding complex feedback systems and the practical applications of his insights. The piece serves as both a tribute to Middlebrook's legacy and a call for current engineers to study and apply his principles in their work.
  • #1
Joseph M. Zias
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Some of the great Analog Engineers and Teachers have passed; Bob Pease, Jim Williams, R. David Middlebrook.
I would like to inform/remind engineers and students interested in Analog Design of Dr. R.David Middlebrooks work. He was a prolific author and many of his papers are available through Veneable Instruments. In particular consider watching his 20 hour video on Technical Therapy for Analog Designers.

https://www.venableinstruments.com/venable-vault/tag/dr-r-d-middlebrook

Personally, I am recreating his loop gain measurements on a uc709 feedback amplifier - Fun!
 
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  • #2
Joseph M. Zias said:
In particular consider watching his 20 hour video on Technical Therapy for Analog Designers.
I haven't watched the videos yet. Can you say what the title means by "Technical Therapy"? I'm assuming it has some special meaning?
 
  • #3
berkeman said:
I haven't watched the videos yet. Can you say what the title means by "Technical Therapy"? I'm assuming it has some special meaning?
The short version is that EE is taught backwards in virtually all institutions. They give you a circuit and you thoroughly analyze it using precisely correct tools. Like a complete set of KCL, KVL, etc. Circuits are often very simple or nearly useless. Things like geometric arrangements of resistors, for example. Answers are often a gibberish of correct but unwieldly equations, as Dr. Middlebrook would say (taking points off of your HW) "unilluminating form". He was strong proponent of the factored pole-zero form of polynomial expressions common in Laplace based transfer functions, for example.

This is NOTHING LIKE what real EEs have to do for most of their careers. We have the opposite problem; given a set of requirements, design a circuit. This requires more insight into what really matters in the circuit, what effects what, why, etc. When analysis is needed he would ask you to identify and focus on "the salient points". Use approximation as part of the analytical process instead of precise solutions. He would teach a more incremental approach, use simple models and then evaluate if the errors left behind are significant.

He developed some unique and powerful analog analysis techniques, like his extra element theorem, which allow you to reduce or increase complexity without starting over from scratch. He also taught a nice exposition of approximating factors of large polynomials.

He was also an outstandingly good lecturer, winning several undergraduate teaching awards. His videos and papers are intended to be easy and useful, unlike some academics. He spoke to engineers, not university deans.
 
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  • #4
Here is a very short paper answering some of this in his own words:
https://authors.library.caltech.edu/records/vdh0v-tk561

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You can also see his style here in my old post about his re-teaching the quadratic equation to undergrads.
 
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  • #5
BTW, one of my favorite quotes, which he said often to students:
"Engineering is the art of approximation" - R. D. Middlebrook
 
  • #6
Dave,
A very good reply. I attended one of Middlebrook/Cuk seminars in 1984 and bought his DVD years later from his group Ardem.
 

FAQ: Analog Engineers - Look at Middlebrook

What is the significance of Middlebrook's work in analog engineering?

Middlebrook's work is significant because he developed foundational concepts in feedback theory and circuit analysis that are widely used in analog design. His contributions, particularly in the area of operational amplifiers and stability analysis, have provided engineers with essential tools for designing reliable and efficient analog systems.

How did Middlebrook influence modern analog circuit design?

Middlebrook influenced modern analog circuit design through his introduction of techniques such as the Middlebrook's method for analyzing feedback circuits. His approaches have been adopted in various applications, ensuring that engineers can effectively manage stability and performance in complex analog systems.

What are some key publications by Middlebrook that are essential for analog engineers?

Some key publications by Middlebrook include his seminal papers on feedback amplifiers and the analysis of operational amplifiers. His work in the IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems has provided critical insights and methodologies that are still referenced by engineers today.

What are the common challenges faced by analog engineers that Middlebrook addressed?

Common challenges faced by analog engineers include stability, noise, and distortion in circuit designs. Middlebrook addressed these issues through his research on feedback stability and compensation techniques, providing engineers with strategies to mitigate these challenges in their designs.

How can new engineers learn from Middlebrook's principles?

New engineers can learn from Middlebrook's principles by studying his published works, engaging in practical circuit design projects, and applying his feedback analysis techniques. Additionally, participating in workshops and seminars that focus on analog design can help in understanding and implementing his methodologies effectively.

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