IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING

EE 230
DESIGN PROJECT 1 REPORT

April 13th, 2022

William Lavelle
Anna Huggins
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Introduction
For this project, we chose to design the Single-Supply Low-Level Audio Amplifier. Moreover,
we constructed an op-amp-based headphone amplifier that runs on a single
supply. To run a single supply, we were given two options in executing this: 1.) not using a
negative voltage rail and instead designing an op-amp rail-splitter to simulate split supplies, or
2.) DC shifting all of the audio signals so they are centered at 1/2𝑉𝑐𝑐. For this project, we
constructed a DC Shift within our circuit, an example of which can be seen in our Preliminary
Research.

Preliminary Research
DC Shift

Internet example of DC shift

After a quick start on our research, we found a fairly easy way to construct an op-amp based
headphone amplifier that runs on a single supply with a DC shift on all of the audio signals to
achieve a center at 1/2𝑉𝑐𝑐.

To get a better understanding of applying a DC shift, we constructed the above circuit in LTSpice
with the addition of an AC voltage source and a probe at the node between R1 and R2.
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Design Process
Step 1: DC Shift

As we began our design process, we first decided to begin construction of our previously found
DC shifter, and we wanted to test if it worked. To do this, we built the DC shift circuit in
LTSpice. Below, there is more information on how we began working on our DC shift
mechanism.

How to add DC shift?

𝑉𝑚 * 𝑠𝑖𝑛(⍵𝑡 − φ) enters at left, 𝑉𝑚 * 𝑠𝑖𝑛(⍵𝑡 − φ) + 0. 5𝑉𝑐𝑐 is outputted at the node
between 𝑅1and 𝑅2. 𝑅1and 𝑅2 should have the same values. Maybe 2k, with a 220uF capacitor?
10V supply for testing.
After some experimentation, we ended up using 𝑅𝑓= 10kΩ, instead of 1kΩ, to get the correct
amount of gain for our op amp. On the next page, we have included the DC shift circuit with its
corresponding LTSpice measurements.
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Circuit for adding DC offset to 𝑉𝑖𝑛 of 0.5𝑉1 with sinusoidal response from LTSpice.

Previously, we believed the addition of a passband filter would be necessary to add to the circuit
because of the “Pass-Band Frequency Range” listed in the project specs. However, upon
discussion with a TA, building a passband filter is not necessary, we can just use the Loopinator
to make sure the circuit works for the entire frequency range listed. Additionally, the line should
be pretty flat, no more than a 3dB change. For a visual of this, see our later documentation of our
Loopinator reading.

Step 2: How do we control volume?

Our first idea was to work a potentiometer into the circuit, somehow. In theory, if we manage to
connect a potentiometer into our circuit to control our gain (our volume?), we should be able to
adjust the volume of our circuit. In order to test this, we again returned to LTSpice, and created a
potentiometer component.

After discussion with our TAs and some experimentation of our own, we found that we should
instead add a potentiometer to the input. This way, we were able to directly control the incoming
voltage/audio input.

Step 3: Putting it all together

For this portion of our design process, we opted to further utilize LTSpice to limit unnecessary
testing without circuit components. Through LTSpice, we found our design to be effective and
took to designing our circuit with physical components. Below, our LTSpice circuit is shown, as
are images of our physical circuit.
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*Note: We are not using an AD549 op-amp in our actual construction of this circuit. Instead, we used an
LM660.

Our single-rail headphone amplifier with connections to the oscilloscope for use of the Loopinator.
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Overhead view of our circuit after experimentation.

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Step 4: Confirming our frequency range

Lastly, after seeing our circuit properly amplify frequency, and amplify audio input from my
laptop, we were instructed to confirm our frequency range. To do so, we utilized the Loopinator
to conduct a range of measurements. We found that we were, in fact, within our set parameters of
no more than a 3dB increase. Below, see our Loopinator data.

Loopinator results for our circuit measuring input v. output from 100Ω to 20kΩ.
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LTSpice results, measuring voltage input from the sinusoidal source and output from the node at voltage
output from the op amp. Note: 𝑅 in this circuit is symbolic of connecting the output of our op amp
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to a speaker.

Build it Yourself
Single-Supply Low-Level Audio Amplifier
Overview
For this lab, we will be constructing an op-amp based headphone amplifier that runs on a single
supply. To run a single supply, we will utilize a DC shift of the audio signals to center them at
1/2𝑉𝑐𝑐. For Part 1, we will only focus on our use of the op amp, and our positive voltage source.
More on the DC shift will come in Part 2.

Part 1: Non-Inverting Op Amp

For the construction of this circuit, we will begin with a non-inverting op amp, as shown below.
For this, we will use the LM600, and the nominal values for the resistors are as follows:
𝑅3 = 1𝑘Ω and 𝑅𝑓 = 10𝑘Ω. Please note, in our LTSpice images for this circuit 𝑅4 is given an
arbitrary value of 32Ω as was listed in the specifications to simulate the connection of our circuit
to a speaker. For the construction of this non-inverting op amp, do not worry about adding a
resistor here.

Additionally, you will also notice that instead of grounding our negative inputs and our positive
terminal of the op amp, we will be connecting them instead to voltage sources. However, the
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negative terminal of the op amp will be connected to our universal ground, as we are only using
a positive voltage source.

Maybe mention how to double check that it is working properly. For our DC voltage source on
the LM660, we will be using two terminals of the voltage source generator. We will utilize +10V
for the positive terminal of the op amp, and -5V for the negative terminal of the op amp, in
connection with the resistors, of course.

Part 2: Adding DC Shift

In order to add DC shift to our AC voltage source, we will construct the second part of our
circuit to connect to our LM660 op amp. We will do this by creating a voltage divider with two
resistors and a capacitor. Also, in order to control the input/volume, we will utilize a 500kΩ
potentiometer to implement volume control.

For testing, we will use the waveform generator with a sinusoid wave with a frequency of
1000Hz and an amplitude 0.1Vrms.
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With proper connection to the oscilloscope and some speakers, this circuit may now be tested.
By adjusting the potentiometer, we will be able to turn the pitch of the sound generated by the
circuit up and down.

Part 3: Amplifying Audio

Lastly, we will be implementing actual audio frequencies into the circuit to amplify them. In the
previous design, an arbitrary resistor, 𝑅4 , was included in the schematic to represent the
connection of audio devices to the circuit. In order to connect the circuit to amplification, we will
require a set of speakers, ones that utilize power from an outlet, and not batteries (unless you
have batteries). Additionally, these speakers will need to have an audio jack so that they may be
connected into the circuit. This will require some cables to connect the speakers into the output
of the circuit, and an audio input, i.e.) a laptop connected w/ a 3mm audio correct with wiring on
the end to connect to the Vin of the circuit.

Conclusion
For this lab, William and I focused a lot of our time across the board; via internet research,
circuit trial-and-error in LTSpice, construction and testing of our circuit on a breadboard, and
then final confirmations on our circuits abilities. For this design, we opted to utilize the circuit
design on page 4 as we understood it best. Our first design decision was to utilize a DC shift
instead of a rail-splitter. To do this, our research came into play, so that we could correctly
implement a DC shift before constructing the rest of our circuit. From there, we began looking
into how to meet our other specifications, i.e.) achieve 1 Vrms maximum output voltage, and
maintain a pass-band frequency range between 100 Hz to 18 kHz. These other specifications
were attained by the implementation of a non-inverting op amp in addition to the DC shift and or
voltage sources.
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References

How do I bias an AC signal for sampling? (2015, February). StackExchange. Retrieved

December 4, 2022, from

https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/150683/how-do-i-bias-an-ac-signal-for-samplin

WeAreMakeshop. (n.d.). Let’s Make a Portable Speaker on a Breadboard. Instructables Circuits.

Retrieved December 4, 2022, from

https://www.instructables.com/LETS-MAKE-a-PORTABLE-SPEAKER-ON-a-BREADBOARD