Possible Answer to ECE Finals Questions

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The discussion centers around a final exam question in an Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering course, specifically regarding the output voltage (Vo) and output current (Io) of an operational amplifier (op amp) circuit. There is significant disagreement among students about whether Io is zero, with some arguing it must be zero due to Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) and the assumption of virtual ground at the op amp's terminals. Others believe that Vo should be 30V after applying source transformation, while some assert it is 10V based on the circuit's ground reference. Ultimately, the consensus suggests that Vo is 10V and Io is 3mA, with KCL applicable due to the presence of a current sink and the negative feedback in the circuit. The conversation highlights the complexities of analyzing op amp circuits and the importance of understanding circuit assumptions.
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I just took my final exam in Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering. I could go on describing how horrible/well it went, but a certain question has caused major disagreement.

We had to solve Io (the current leaving the Op Amp) and Vo (the voltage at the output of the op amp)

[PLAIN]http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/4702/probleme.gif

Theres a lot of disagreement on Io, whether its 0 or not (I say no because KCL), and Vo (On the exam I said 0, but after a lot of arguing I think its 30 (if you remove the op amp, then do source transformation you come across this)).

I need some confirmation because I don't have another final till friday.

Thanks
 
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KillaChaos said:
I just took my final exam in Introduction to Electrical and Computer Engineering. I could go on describing how horrible/well it went, but a certain question has caused major disagreement.

We had to solve Io (the current leaving the Op Amp) and Vo (the voltage at the output of the op amp)

[PLAIN]http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/4702/probleme.gif

Theres a lot of disagreement on Io, whether its 0 or not (I say no because KCL), and Vo (On the exam I said 0, but after a lot of arguing I think its 30 (if you remove the op amp, then do source transformation you come across this)).

I need some confirmation because I don't have another final till friday.

Thanks

Please show us the equation that you should use to find Io. And what is the value of the current sink shown on the left?
 
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berkeman said:
Please show us the equation that you should use to find Io. And what is the value of the current sink shown on the left?

The value is 2 milliAmps. For equation to Find Io, I guess you would use a KCL.
 
KillaChaos said:
The value is 2 milliAmps. For equation to Find Io, I guess you would use a KCL.

Yep. Show us.
 
berkeman said:
Yep. Show us.

Okay, it isn't so much as an equation, as it just reasoning it out.

In class we were told to assume the current entering either terminal of the op amp had to be zero. That means 2 milliamps HAS to be going through the 5k and 10k resistors.

Now if any current enters or leaves the Io, that means that current has to go somewhere else, but there is no where else for the current to go. So Io, must be 0.
 
The current has to be zero. If the circuit has negative feedback the negative ternimal tracks the positive terminal. Hence, the negative and positive terminal are virtual ground.

Vo/5k = Vo/10k

Thus, Vo=0.
 
╔(σ_σ)╝ said:
The current has to be zero. If the circuit has negative feedback the negative ternimal tracks the positive terminal. Hence, the negative and positive terminal are virtual ground.

Vo/5k = Vo/10k

Thus, Vo=0.

I don't see any ground reference shown in the circuit. How can you assign a value to Vo? (Oh, and don't post answers, remember?)
 
I assumed there is supposed to be a ground reference otherwise Vo can taken on "any" value. Regardless, writing down node equations at the output reveals that Io is 0.
 
There is a ground on the negative terminal. Its written in the problem. Vo is 10V and Io is 3mA according to the solutions. Could someone explain why KCL seemingly doesn't apply here?
 
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KillaChaos said:
There is a ground on the negative terminal. Its written in the problem. Vo is 10V and Io is 3mA according to the solutions. Could someone explain why KCL seemingly doesn't apply here?

It applies.

Problem is a bit tricky and I feel for the trap.

Since there is a ground reference at the negative terminal and a current sink there, Vo has to supply the 2mA current through the 5k resistor to the current source ( KCL ).

Negative feedback ensures that the negative terminal tracks the positive and since the negative terminal is virtual gound so is the positive terminal.

In order to ensure Vo stays at 10V the opamp supplies \frac{10V}{5k} + \frac{10V}{10k} = 3mA ( By KCL).
 

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