VOLTAGE- LEVEL DETECTORS USING OP-AMP

I.

OBJECTIVE
1. To design,analyze and demonstrate voltage-level detectors such as zerocrossing; positive- and negative-voltage level detectors.
2. Analyze an adjustable reference voltage circuit.

II.

INTRODUCTION
Comparators can be used as zero-crossing detectors, positive-or negativelevel detectors, depending on the connection of the input signal on either pin 3 or
2 of the op-amp the output can be determined it then compares this input signal
with reference voltage(Vref). If Vref is equal to zero, then the circuit application n is
called zero-crossing detectors. Positive and negative level detectors employ
positive or negative DC biases on either pin 3 or 2. There are some practical
applications of voltage-level detectors in modern equipment.

III.

TEST EQUIPMENT
(1) Electronic Console
(1) Dual-trace Oscilloscope
(1) Function Generator

IV.

(2) 0-12 VDC Power Supply

(1) 3-V battery with case
(1) Digital Multi tester

PARTS NEEDED
1

(2) 10k BRN.BLK.ORG

(1) Long-Nose Plyer
(1) Set of connecting wires
(1) LM741

2
3
4

8
7
6
5

V. PROCEDURE
1. ZERO-CROSSING DETECTORS. Compute the +Vsat and Vsat of circuit of
Figure 1. Then set up the circuit and test it. Trace the input and output
waveforms.
L

+Vsat = ________

(a)

-Vsat = ________

Non-inverting: When Ei is above Vref, Vo = +Vsat

(b)

Inverting: When Ei is above Vref, Vo= -Vsat

FIGURE 1. Zero-Crossing Detectors.

2. State the summary of your observation with regards to (a) non-inverting, and
(b) inverting zero-crossing detectors.
(a) NON-INVERTING:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
(b) INVERTING:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3. POSITIVE-VOLTAGE-LEVEL DETECTORS. Construct circuits of figure 2
and trace the input/ output waveforms. The input (Ei) output (Vo)
characteristic is given also in th figure. (You can trace this characteristic if
your oscilloscope has x-y plot)

(a) Non-inverting: When Ei is above Vref, Vo = +Vsat

(b) Inverting: When Ei is above Vref, Vo= -Vsat

FIGURE 1. POSITIVE-VOLTAGE-LEVEL DETECTORS

4. State the summary of your observation with regards to (a) non-inverting, and
(b) inverting positive-voltage level detectors.
(a)NON-INVERTING:
_______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
(b) INVERTING:
_______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
5. NEGATIVE-LEVEL DETECTORS. Construct the circuits of Figure 3. Trace
the input-output characteristics.

(a) Non-inverting:

(c)

Inverting:

6. Summarize your observation with regards to (a) Non-inverting and (b)

Inverting-voltage level detectors.
7. PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Adjustable Reference Voltage. Construct the circuit of Figure 4. With voltage
divider R1, R2, and R3 a voltage reference can be made using voltage level
detector. Measure and record the range of output voltage (Vo) as R2 is adjusted
from minimum to maximum.

VOmin = ______VDC
VOmax = ______VDC
Note: You can replace Ei by a microphone to generate audio signal.
8. Turn off signal.
9. Turn off power and return all equipment and materials to the custodian.
V. COMPUTER SIMULATION
Use Pspice, workbench or other types of electronics/ electrical simulation
to simulate the circuits of Figure 2. Compare your measured/ experiment with
your simulation. State any reason for discrepancy.
VI. QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1. Draw a circuit whose output goes to +Vsat when the input signal is below -5V.
The output should be at Vsat when the input is above -5V.

2. To which input would you connect a reference voltage to make an inverting

level detector?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________

3. When the load resistor of an op-amp is short-circuited, what is the op-amps

(a) output voltage; (b) approximate output current?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________
REFERENCE
Operational Amplifiers & Linear Integrate & Circuits
by Coughlin and Driscoll. 4th ED, 1991.