Noise I'm getting in my summing amplifier

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The discussion centers on issues encountered with a summing amplifier used to measure the electrical conductivity (EC) of a solution, where the output voltage fluctuates between 4V and 4.5V. The user is advised that the summing amplifier requires a stable reference voltage and proper resistor configuration to function correctly. Concerns are raised about the stability of the negative power supply generated by the IC 7660, with suggestions for alternative ICs like LM336-2.5 or LT1004-2.5 to ensure a stable negative voltage. The importance of ensuring low source impedance and proper current availability from the EC source is also highlighted. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful circuit design to mitigate noise and achieve accurate measurements.
Minh Thanh
< Mentor Note -- thread moved to HH from the technical physics forums, so no HH Template is shown >[/color]

I am measuring EC of solution . I got Vec is 0.98V . After that, I took it to summing amplifier to reduce error from measurement . However, I saw a problem is that Vout of summing amplifier was continuously variable from 4.V to 4.5V, with value of potentionmeter is 180k. I hope I receive your help . Tks you !
 

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Minh Thanh said:
< Mentor Note -- thread moved to HH from the technical physics forums, so no HH Template is shown >

I am measuring EC of solution . I got Vec is 0.98V . After that, I took it to summing amplifier to reduce error from measurement . However, I saw a problem is that Vout of summing amplifier was continuously variable from 4.V to 4.5V, with value of potentionmeter is 180k. I hope I receive your help . Tks you !
Welcome to the PF.

What is the "EC of solution"? What is this circuit supposed to do?

On the question of the output voltage, what is Vout when the potentiometer is full CW (grounded wiper)? Is it zero reliably?
 
A summing amplifier sums currents at a node that has a fixed voltage = virtual earth. Resistors convert voltages to currents. I see no resistor that will convert the voltage on the RV1 wiper to a current at the summing node of the amplifier.

To offset a signal you must add or subtract a reference. The –9.3V reference must be stable and quiet to keep any supply voltage drift or noise out of the signal path.

The input impedance of EC? on R2 is 10k. Is the EC source impedance low? Is a continuous current of (0.98V/10k) = 98uA available from the signal source ?
 
Oops! Deleted. I didn't see this was homework and I gave too much information
 
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Baluncore said:
A summing amplifier sums currents at a node that has a fixed voltage = virtual earth. Resistors convert voltages to currents. I see no resistor that will convert the voltage on the RV1 wiper to a current at the summing node of the amplifier.

To offset a signal you must add or subtract a reference. The –9.3V reference must be stable and quiet to keep any supply voltage drift or noise out of the signal path.

The input impedance of EC? on R2 is 10k. Is the EC source impedance low? Is a continuous current of (0.98V/10k) = 98uA available from the signal source ?
I see problem is that the negative power is not stable... I am using IC 7660 to get negative power. Do you have any idea about IC that can give stable negative power ?
 
Minh Thanh said:
Do you have any idea about IC that can give stable negative power ?
A 2.5 volt reference would work OK. Consider LM336-2.5 or LT1004-2.5 or others.

See the attached circuit diagram.
RV1 is a 10k potentiometer, simulated as two parts a and b.
RV1(ab) will offset input voltages between 0 and 2.5 volts.
RV1 will not be linear as there is no voltage buffer between RV1 and R4.
 

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