5.

Design and Implementation of a 10kHz Wein Bridge

A Wein Bridge oscillator is one of the implementations of sinusoidal wave generators that use op-
amp and RC filters. Wein Bridge oscillator uses a 2nd order band pass filter in positive feedback
loop and helps select a particular frequency for which the phase of the loop transfer function is
zero (it is requirement for sinusoidal signal generation and known as Barkhasen criterion).
Moreover, it uses a non-linear gain control circuit to control the amplitude of the output.

5.2 Objectives

 Understanding the working principle of positive feedback based linear oscillators and Barkhsen
Criterion.
 Design of Wein Bridge Oscillator for a particular frequency (say 10kHz) and studying the effect
of different choices of R and C value for the same operating frequency.
 Appropriate selection of values of resistors and capacitors for implementation of the circuit.
 Learning how to make an oscillator work by adjusting loop gain.
 Observation of discrepancy in the designed value of the frequency and the actual operating
frequency and understanding the reasons.

5.3 Pre‐Lab

Before coming to the lab, the students are advised to do the following.
1. Study and understand the relevant material from the book, lecture notes and class
discussions.
2. Understand the circuit diagram of Wien Bridge oscillator (Fig. 5.1).
3. Design (calculate/select) the values of components for 10kHz sinusoidal output and fill in
the relevant part of the report (section 5.5).
4. Prepare a minimal list of components required to generate 10kHz oscillations using op-
amp LM741.
5. Consult data sheet of of LM741 for pin diagram, its operation voltages and frequency
range.
 Fig. 5.1 Circuit Diagram of Wein Bridge Oscillator

5.4 Procedure

1. Connect/wire the circuit according to circuit diagram shown in Fig. 5.1 (you may make
changes in the circuit diagram if feel appropriate).
2. Power your circuit ON.
3. Oscillations may/may not start on powering the circuit ON. To get sinusoidal output,
adjust gain of the amplifier to start the oscillation (increase gain), or to remove saturation
distortion (reduce gain).
4. View the output on oscilloscope and record the output waveform and carefully comment
on frequency, shape and amplitude.
5. Repeat the experiment with different set of R and C values and observe the effect on
working of the circuit and frequency.

5.5 Report

A handwritten report is expected in the following format. Add pictures/plots from oscilloscope
screen to help explain your results and observations. You may include extra sections/information
if required to report your observations/learning.

5.5.1 Design Calculations

A. Calculations and selections of the values of R and C for the frequency selective filter used
in the positive feedback. Choose two different combinations of R and C to meet the design
requirements.
B. List of Components required to implement the circuit

Component Value Quantity

A. Adjust the gain to make your circuit work.

5.5.3 Results and Observation

A. Record the output waveform from oscilloscope and look closely for frequency, wave
shape and amplitude. Report your observations. Do you find anything unexpected and/or
any discrepancy from the designed value of the frequency?
B. Observe qualitatively the effects of change in gain. What happens when the amplifier gain
is increased/decreased by adjusting the resistors. Add a few plots from the oscilloscope to
help explain. Look closely on frequency, amplitude and wave shape.
C. Using oscilloscope, observe FFT of the output and report your observation.

D. Observe the signal and its FFT at the inputs of the op-amp and report your observations as
compared to the output of the circuit.
 F. Change the selection of the components for the same operating frequency, for example
reduce the value of the resistor R in the filter by a factor of 10 and increase the capacitor C
in the filter by a factor of 10. Observe the output and discuss issues if any (you may come
across ).

5.5.4 Conclusions
5.6 Assessment

Marks
CLO CLO Attributes Bloom Performance Indicators
Obtained
 Does his/her part 
Teamwork: Work
 Listens to other’s ideas
CLO1 effectively with team A1, A2  Does not argue
members  Has completed the Pre-Lab assignments
 Proper wiring of the circuit 
Skills: Utilize  Correct use of instruments (signal generator,
techniques and skills in oscilloscope)
GRS CLO2 the laboratory
C3, P3  Data recorded in table
experiments  Necessary calculation in table performed
 Completion of the tasks assigned in the lab
Ethics and Safety:
Adhere to the
CLO3 instructions of
P2 As per rubric

laboratory safety
 Figures and graphs are well labeled and
Written: express points annotated
clearly and effectively  Language is clear
CLO4 through presentation
C1  Hand writing is clear (readable)
and/or Report.  Arguments and discussions are organized
properly
Formulate to solve the
engineering problems:  Relate experiment with theoretical concept
CLO5 formulate and analyses C2 discussed in class
Report to solve the electrical  Describe relevant mathematical equations
engineering problems.
Design and evaluate
operational  Discussion on selection of the components
performance: Use the  Discussion on discrepancies between
theoretical, and experimental results
CLO6 fundamental principles C4  Discussion on possible sources of
to design the system or discrepancies and ways to improve
task based on the given  Appropriate concluding remarks
specifications