TI Precision Labs (TIPL) is the most comprehensive online classroom for analog signal chain designers. From foundational knowledge to advanced concepts, our logical, sequenced and comprehensive teaching approach is both intuitive and practical. The training series, which includes videos and downloadable reference materials, will deepen the technical expertise of experienced engineers and accelerate the development of those early in their career.

TI Precision Labs (TIPL) is the most comprehensive online classroom for analog signal chain engineers. The on-demand courses and tutorials include introductory ideas about device architecture, in addition to advanced, application-specific problem-solving, using both theory and practical knowledge. 

The Amplifiers series is segmented into three categories for operational amplifiers (op-amps), comparators and current sense amplifiers. Each section contains short training videos, multiple choice quizzes, and short answer exercises.

How well do you know the major contributors to DC op amp input errors?

Have you ever experienced unexpected signal output behavior of an op amp, such as clipping or other non-linear behavior?

The cause of this may be either input common mode voltage limitations or output voltage swing restrictions.  Understanding data sheet specifications in the context of real world circuits will help you avoid experiencing this problem.  An inside look at an op amp's input and output stages on different process technologies provides additional insight.

How hot is too hot? Does my circuit need a heat sink?

This series discusses the relationship between power dissipation and temperature in op amps and shows how to calculate an amplifier's junction temperature under a variety of operating conditions using its thermal model. Absolute maximum ratings and internal thermal protection schemes are also introduced.

True or False? A large and rapid voltage change in an op amp's output is always limited by the slew rate of the device.

If you think the answer is true, or you have seen output slew behavior you could not explain, this session is for you!  We will provide an explanation of large and small signal analysis, slew boost, slew rate over temperature, slew rate vs. full power bandwidth, and the relationship of Vos and slew rate.  In addition, an inside the op amp view of the cause of slew rate limit is presented.

Rejection can be a good thing, especially in the case of common mode or power supply voltage errors. 

This video series discusses how changing the common mode voltage or power supply voltage on an op amp can introduce errors at both AC and DC, and how those errors are mitigated by the op amp's built-in common mode rejection and power supply rejection.

Did you know that a standard resistor component sitting upon your desk doing "nothing" is actually generating noise?

Distortion - a linear circuit's worst enemy. Where does it come from and how can it be reduced?

This video series introduces the sources of distortion in amplifier circuits, both internal to the amplifier and from external components. Design practices which minimize distortion are also given.

Did the circuit you designed to create a precision DC output end up as an oscillator?

After viewing this series, you should have all of the tools and information to prevent this from happening again!  This session covers basic stability theory, applies it to SPICE  simulations, and then real-world lab experiments.  You will learn the common causes of op amp stability issues as well as common stability compensation techniques and their associated tradeoffs.

ZAP! Is your circuit protected against the thousands of volts which could be on your finger tips?

This series explains how electrostatic discharge, or ESD, can damage semiconductor components and what kind of internal protection circuitry is present in these devices.

Oops, what's that smell:  why did the "smoke test" fail?

This series covers the causes of electrical overstress and introduces several methods that can be used to improve and test circuit robustness against electrical overstress.  All of the examples in this series show op-amp circuits, but the methods used could be applied to other components as well.

My application circuit doesn't work! What should I do now?

This video series gives recommendations for best practice application debugging techniques. Various engineering checks are outlined to help determine the root cause of an issue.

For more detailed amplifier troubleshooting videos, check out the Linear Amplifier Troubleshooting Training Series.

What is a current-feedback amplifier, and when is it the best choice for your system design?

In this two-part series, you will learn the main advantages of current-feedback amplifiers, namely:

While it may look just like an op amp, the comparator's function is quite different. Do you know the fundamentals of comparator applications?

This video series covers the functionality of the analog comparator and its key dc and ac specifications, how to apply hysteresis to protect against comparator input noise, and the pros and cons of using op amps as comparators.