Zero-Span Circuits: What & How?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the concept of zero-span circuits, specifically focusing on their functionality and design parameters. Participants explore the input and output ranges of such circuits and the implications for circuit design, particularly in relation to operational amplifiers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants seek clarification on the definition and workings of zero-span circuits.
  • One participant suggests that zero-span may involve gain and offset adjustments in amplifiers.
  • Another participant provides an example of input and output ranges, indicating a design requirement for a zero-span circuit.
  • There is a discussion about the specific input values needed for the design, with one participant correcting their earlier mistake regarding the input range.
  • Participants discuss the relationship between input and output voltages, considering the gain and whether the output is inverted.
  • One participant confirms their calculations for gain based on the provided input and output values.
  • Another participant questions whether an inverting amplifier configuration should be used based on the output requirements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of what constitutes a zero-span circuit and how to approach its design. There is no consensus on the definition or the optimal design approach, as multiple viewpoints are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the circuit design and the specific definitions of terms like "zero-span" remain unclear. The discussion also reflects potential confusion regarding the input voltage values and their implications for gain calculations.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in circuit design, particularly those working with operational amplifiers and signal processing, may find this discussion relevant.

bos1234
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What exactly is a zero-span circuit? How does it work?
 
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bos1234 said:
What exactly is a zero-span circuit? How does it work?

Do you mean like gain and offset adjustments in an amplifier?

What is the context of your question? Or did you just hear the term someplace and were wondering what it meant?
 
For example like this

Input range 100mV to 400mV and output Range is -10V to 10V. And it says design a zero-span ckt,

edit:changed input range from 40mV(mistake) to 400mV
 
Last edited:
I haven't heard the trem "zero-span" before, but it probably means two different adjustments.

They want 100 mV (DC) to produce -10 volts out and 40 mV (DC) to produce +10 Volts out.

So, the input signal varies by -60 mV and the output signal varies by +20 Volts so you can work out the gain (and whether the output is inverted).

Also, a DC offset would be involved.
 
ok. I am to design a ckt. where the inputs range from 100mV to 400mV and the output ranges from -10V to 10V. I have attached my workings and a final design of the op amp ckt. Am I on the right track?

2wp10zm.jpg


2ibdc1s.jpg
 
The input voltages were 100 mV and 40 mV.

I think you are using 400 mV.

I got a gain of 333.
 
vk6kro said:
The input voltages were 100 mV and 40 mV.

I think you are using 400 mV.

I got a gain of 333.

Sorry that should be 400mV. I have edited the post above.
 
Last edited:
100 mV gives -10 V out
400 mV gives +10 V out

So, should you be using an inverting amplifier?
 

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