Final Project Considerations

Introduction:

This final project is your opportunity to synthesize and expand upon the knowledge and skills you’ve gained in this course. It’s not just about building something that works; it’s about demonstrating your understanding of fundamental principles, your ability to apply them in a creative way, and your capacity to communicate your learning effectively.

Core Requirements:

  • Analog Focus: While digital components (like Arduinos) can be incorporated, the core of your project must demonstrate a strong understanding and application of analog electronics principles (op-amps, BJTs, FETs, etc.).
  • Proof of Concept: Your project should demonstrate a functional proof of concept.
  • Emphasis on Understanding: Your grade will primarily reflect your ability to articulate your understanding of the electronic principles involved, not just the complexity of the project. Clear explanations in your presentation and report are crucial.

Project Ideas & Inspiration:

1. Analog Control Systems (PID Control Loop):

  • Implement a PID control loop to regulate a physical system. This involves measuring a parameter (e.g., temperature, speed, position), comparing it to a setpoint, and adjusting the system to minimize the error.
    • Examples:
      • Temperature controller for a hotplate (essential in physics labs).
      • Speed-controlled motor (maintaining speed under varying loads).
      • Magnetic levitation system.
      • Displacement control for a robotic arm.
  • Why this is valuable: PID control is a fundamental concept used in countless real-world applications.

2. Electronic Musical Instruments & Audio Processing:

  • Design and build an analog musical instrument or audio processing device.
    • Examples:
      • Modular synthesizer with voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) and amplifiers (VCAs).
      • Stylophone or keyboard.
      • Instruments controlled by transducers (Hall-effect, photodiodes, etc.).
      • A note on Theremins: most groups fail to complete a functioning device when choosing this project. Instead, we encourage groups to pursue transducer based instruments, as indicated above.
    • Features to Consider:
      • VCOs, VCAs, envelope generators.
      • Waveform manipulation (square, triangle, compression, limiting).
      • Class AB audio amplifier (~5W peak power).
      • Low-frequency oscillators for modulation.
      • Heterodyne principle audio generation.
  • Why this is valuable: Combines analog electronics with creative applications.

3. Digital Signal Encoding/Decoding (with Analog Components):

  • Combine digital signal processing (e.g., using Arduinos) with analog circuitry for encoding and decoding.
    • Examples:
      • Phase-shift keying (PSK).
      • Frequency-shift keying (FSK).
      • Amplitude-shift keying (ASK).
      • Quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM).
  • Why this is valuable: Bridges the gap between analog and digital electronics.

4. Advanced Analog Circuit Design:

  • Explore more advanced analog circuit designs.
    • Examples:
      • Class D audio amplifier with equalizer.
      • Musical instrument tuner using high-Q bandpass filters.
      • Op-amp design from discrete transistors.
      • Active Filter Design.
  • Why this is valuable: Deepens understanding of analog circuit design principles.

Additional Considerations:

  • Experiment with Different Amplifier Classes: Explore amplifier classes beyond what we’ve covered in labs.
  • Utilize 555 Timers: Implement 555 timers for timing and control applications (e.g., motor speed control).
  • Explore Op-Amp Configurations: Experiment with op-amp circuits using no feedback or positive feedback.
  • Analog-Digital Interfacing: Find creative ways to interface analog and digital components.
  • Noise Analysis: Include noise analysis in your project.
  • Horowitz and Hill: Have a look at the BJT and Op-Amp chapters of Horowitz and Hill for other project inspiration!
  • Creativity is Encouraged: Don’t be afraid to propose your own unique project ideas.

Project Evaluation:

  • Understanding of Principles: Your ability to explain the underlying electronics concepts.
  • Application of Skills: How effectively you apply the knowledge gained in the course.
  • Project Functionality: The successful implementation of your design.
  • Presentation and Report: The clarity and thoroughness of your documentation.
  • Analog Component Usage: The degree to which analog components are used.

Important Note:

  • While digital tools can be used, this is an analog electronics course. Programming-heavy projects are strongly discouraged.
  • A well documented and explained simple project is far superior to a poorly explained complicated project.

Next Steps:

  • Brainstorm project ideas.

  • Submit your final project idea proposal for approval.

  • Develop a detailed project proposal, including:

    • Project description and goals.
    • Block diagram of the system.
    • List of required components.
    • Timeline for completion.

Past Projects:

Here is a list of some of the favorite projects students have done in the past:

  • Discrete Transitor Op-Amp (with at least 5 transistors)
  • Analog Computer (solves a physics problem)
  • Analog Control Circuit (PID)
  • Advanced Active Filters (see Horowitz and Hill Chapter 4)
  • A Device Exhibiting Magnetic Levitation
  • “Voice-on” Light Switch
  • Heart Rate Monitor (Electrocardiograph)
  • Motorized Tracking Equatorial Telescope
  • Car Audio: 50W Audio Amplifier
  • Audio LED Flasher
  • Traffic Light Controller
  • Infrared Transmitter
  • LED Volume Meter
  • Audio Synthesizer
  • Clicker Jammer
  • Lie Detector
  • Pulse Oximeter
  • Automatic Light Dimmer
  • Servo Controlled Cart Placement System
  • Resonant Frequency Meter
  • Network Cable Tester
  • Lego Robot
  • Bio-Feedback Machine
  • Self-Contained IR Photometer for Astronomy
  • Waveform Visualizer
  • Square Wave Optical Music Player
  • Counting Photons
  • Optoelectronic Resonance Detector
  • Electronic Keyboard
  • Digital Counter
  • A Simple Scanning Tunneling Microscope
  • 3rd Order Butterworth Audio Crossover & Equalizer



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