Instrumentation amplifier practical results vs simulation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences observed between simulated and practical results of an instrumentation amplifier, specifically focusing on the gain values obtained in both scenarios. Participants explore potential reasons for the discrepancy in gain, which is a technical inquiry related to circuit design and testing.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes a gain of 6 in simulation and 5.54 in practical testing, questioning the cause of the drop.
  • Another participant requests the schematic and simulation details to better understand the issue.
  • A participant acknowledges the ideal nature of simulation results and asks what practical factors might contribute to the gain reduction.
  • Concerns are raised about resistor matching and potential DC offsets in the operational amplifiers affecting the gain.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the exact causes of the gain discrepancy, with multiple potential factors being discussed without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the absence of schematic and simulation details, which may hinder a comprehensive analysis of the gain differences. The discussion also highlights the ideal versus practical performance of components in circuit design.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in instrumentation amplifiers, circuit design, and the practical implications of simulation results may find this discussion relevant.

nothing909
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I just have a simple question to ask. I'm simulating an instrumentation amplifier and then testing it practically. When I simulate it, my gain is 6, but when I test it, I get a gain of 5.54. I'm just wondering what is causing the slight drop in gain in the practical results?
 
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nothing909 said:

Homework Statement


I just have a simple question to ask. I'm simulating an instrumentation amplifier and then testing it practically. When I simulate it, my gain is 6, but when I test it, I get a gain of 5.54. I'm just wondering what is causing the slight drop in gain in the practical results?
Can you post the schematic and simulation? And show how you are building and testing the circuit?
 
I've not got the schematic and simulation to show right now, it's just a basic 3 op amp instrumentation amplifier. do you need them to answer my question and if so, why?

i know the simulation results are ideal, but what factors in a practical test could cause the gain to drop a little?
 
nothing909 said:
I've not got the schematic and simulation to show right now, it's just a basic 3 op amp instrumentation amplifier. do you need them to answer my question and if so, why?

i know the simulation results are ideal, but what factors in a practical test could cause the gain to drop a little?
It's just a pretty big error, so I just wanted to see what you did.

Is it this circuit that you posted about over the weekend? https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/testing-instrumenation-amplifier.933232/
 
yea, that's the circuit.

even if that is a big error, the simulated gain would still be 6 and the practical gain would be slightly lower, why is this?
 
Probably the resistors are not exactly matched. Try swapping the R1 resistors and measuring, then swap the R2 and measure, and then the R3.

The table of values you show in Testing instrumenation amplifier indicates there may be some DC offsets of the OpAmps also involved.

edit: fixed spelling typo
 
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