1

1 (a) Fig. 8.1 shows a circuit incorporating an ideal operational amplifier (op-amp).

Fig 8.1

The voltages applied to the inverting and the non-inverting inputs are V1 and V2
respectively.
State the value of the output voltage VOUT when
(i) V1 > V2,
(ii) V1 < V2. [1]

(b) The circuit of Fig. 8.2 is used to monitor the input voltage VIN.

Fig. 8.2
 2

At point A, a potential of 5.0 V is maintained. At point B, a potential of 3.0 V is

maintained.

Complete Fig. 8.3 by indicating with a tick (✓) the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are
conducting for the input voltages VIN shown. Also, mark with a cross (×) those LEDs that
are not conducting. [3]

VIN/V red LED green LED

+ 2.0
+ 4.0
+ 6.0

Fig 8.3

(c) The input voltage VIN in (b) is provided by a sensor circuit.

(i) Complete Fig. 8.4 to show a sensor circuit that will provide a voltage output that
increases as the temperature of the sensor decreases. Show clearly the output
connections from the circuit. [2]

Fig 8.4

(ii) Explain the operation of the sensor circuit. [3]

(Nov 07)

2 A block diagram for an electronic sensor is shown in Fig. 9.1.

Fig. 9.1
(a) Complete Fig. 9.1 by labelling the remaining boxes. [2]
 3

(b) A device is to be built that will emit a red light when its input is at +2 V. When the input
is at –2 V, the light emitted is to be green.
(i) On Fig. 9.2, draw a circuit diagram of the device. [2]

Fig. 9.2
(ii) Explain briefly the action of this device. [1]
(June 08)

3 A metal wire strain gauge is firmly fixed across a crack in a wall, as shown in Fig. 9.1, so
that the growth of the crack may be monitored.

Fig. 9.1

(a) Explain why, as the crack becomes wider, the resistance of the strain gauge increases. [3]
(b) The strain gauge has an initial resistance of 143.0 Ω and, after being fixed in position
across the crack for several weeks, the resistance is found to be 146.2 Ω.
The change in the area of cross-section of the strain gauge wire is negligible.
Calculate the percentage increase in the width of the crack. Explain your working. [3]
(Nov 09/P41)
 4

4 The circuit of Fig. 10.1 may be used to indicate temperature change.

Fig. 10.1

The resistance of the thermistor T at 16 °C is 2100 Ω and at 18 °C, the resistance is

1900 Ω. Each resistor P has a resistance of 2000 Ω.

Determine the change in the states of the light-emitting diodes R and G as the temperature
of the thermistor changes from 16 °C to 18 °C. [4]
(Nov 09/P41)

5 (a) State the name of an electrical sensing device that will respond to changes in
(i) length, (ii) pressure. [1, 1]
(b) A relay is sometimes used as the output of a sensing circuit.
The output of a particular sensing circuit is either + 2 V or – 2 V.
On Fig. 10.1, draw symbols for a relay and any other necessary component so that the
external circuit is switched on only when the output from the sensing circuit is + 2 V. [4]

Fig. 10.1 (Jun 10/P42)

 5

6 (a) State three properties of an ideal operational amplifier (op-amp). [3]

(b) A circuit incorporating an ideal op-amp is to be used to indicate whether a door is open
or closed. Resistors, each of resistance R, are connected to the inputs of the op-amp, as
shown in Fig. 10.1.

Fig. 10.1
The switch S is attached to the door so that, when the door is open, the switch is open.
The switch closes when the door is closed.
(i) Explain why the polarity of the output of the op-amp changes when the switch
closes. [3]
(ii) A red light-emitting diode (LED) is to be used to indicate when the door is open.
A green LED is to indicate when the door is closed.
On Fig. 10.1, 1. draw symbols for the LEDs to show how they are connected to the
output of the op-amp, [1] 2. identify the green LED with the letter G. [1]
(Nov 10/P43)

7 (a) An operational amplifier (op-amp) may be used as a comparator.

State the function of a comparator. [2]
(b) The variation with temperature θ of the resistance R of a thermistor is shown in Fig.
9.1.
 6

Fig. 9.1

The thermistor is connected into the circuit of Fig. 9.2.

Fig. 9.2
The op-amp may be considered to be ideal.
(i) The temperature of the thermistor is 10 °C. Determine the resistance of the variable
resistor X such that the output potential VOUT is zero. [2]
(ii) The resistance of the resistor X is now held constant at the value calculated in (i).
Describe the change in the output potential VOUT as the temperature of the thermistor is
changed from 5 °C to 20 °C. [4]
(Jun 11/P41)
 7

8 (a) The resistance of a light-dependent resistor (LDR) is approximately 500 Ω in daylight.

Suggest an approximate value for the resistance of the LDR in darkness. [1]

(b) An electronic light-meter is used to warn when light intensity becomes low.
A light-dependent resistor is connected into the circuit of Fig. 9.1.

Fig. 9.1

The operational amplifier (op-amp) is ideal.

The resistors R are to ensure that the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) do not over-heat.
(i) On Fig. 9.1, mark the polarity of the point P for the red LED to be emitting light. [1]
(ii) The LDR is in daylight and has a resistance of 500 Ω.
State and explain which diode, red or green, will be emitting light. [3]
(iii) The intensity of the light decreases and the LDR is in darkness.
State and explain the effect on the LEDs of this change in intensity. [2]

(Nov 11/P42)
 8

9 A student designs an electronic sensor that is to be used to switch on a lamp when the
light intensity is low. Part of the circuit is shown in Fig. 10.1.

Fig. 10.1

(a) State the name of the component labelled X on Fig. 10.1. [1]
(b) On Fig. 10.1, draw the symbols for
(i) two resistors to complete the circuit for the sensing device, [2]
(ii) a relay to complete the circuit for the processing unit. [2]
(c) (i) State the purpose of the relay.
(ii) Suggest why the diode is connected to the output of the operational amplifier (op-amp)
in the direction shown. [2]

(Jun 12/P41)

10 An operational amplifier (op-amp) may be used as part of the processing unit in an

electronic sensor.
(a) State four properties of an ideal operational amplifier. [4]
(b) A comparator circuit incorporating an ideal op-amp is shown in Fig. 9.1.

Fig. 9.1
The variation with time t of the input potential VIN is shown in Fig. 9.2.
 9

Fig. 9.2
On the axes of Fig. 9.2, draw a graph to show the variation with time t of the output
potential VOUT . [3]

(c) The output potential VOUT is to be displayed using two light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
A diode emitting red light is to indicate when VOUT is positive and a diode emitting
green light is to be used to indicate when VOUT is negative.
Complete Fig. 9.3 to show the connections of the two LEDs to the output of the op-
amp. Label each LED with the colour of light that it emits. [3]

Fig. 9.3
(Jun 12/P42)

11 An operational amplifier (op-amp) may be used as part of the processing unit in an

electronic sensor.

(a) State three properties of an ideal op-amp. [3]

(b) A comparator circuit incorporating an ideal op-amp is shown in Fig. 9.1.

 10

Fig. 9.1.
(i) In one application of the comparator, V2 is kept constant at +1.5 V.
The variation with time t of the potential V1 is shown in Fig. 9.2. The potential V2
is also shown.

Fig. 9.2

On Fig. 9.2, show the variation with time t of the output potential VOUT. [4]

(ii) Two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) R and G are connected to the output of the op-
amp in Fig. 9.1 such that R emits light for a longer time than G. On Fig. 9.1, draw
the symbols for the two diodes connected to the output of the op-amp and label
the diodes R and G. [3]

(Nov 2012/P41)
 11

12 A student designs an electronic sensor to monitor whether the temperature in a refrigerator

is above or below a particular value. The circuit is shown in Fig. 9.1.

Fig. 9.1

(a) Name the components used in the output device. [1]

(b) An operational amplifier (op-amp) is used as the processing unit.
Describe the function of this processing unit. [2]
(c) State the function of (i) the resistors C and D, (ii) the resistor B. [1, 1]
(d) The output device of the circuit in Fig. 9.1 is changed so that the new output device may
be used to switch on a high-voltage circuit.
(i) State the component that is used in the new output device. [1]
(ii) Draw on Fig. 9.2 to show how the component in (i), together with a diode, are
connected so that the high voltage may be switched on when the output of the op-amp
is negative. [2]

Fig. 9.2

(Nov 2012/P43)
 12

13 (a) Suggest electrical sensing devices, one in each case, that may be used to monitor
changes in (i) light intensity, (ii) the width of a crack in a welded joint, (iii) the
intensity of an ultrasound beam. [1, 1, 1]

(b) A student designs the circuit of Fig. 9.1 to detect changes in temperature in the range
0 °C to 100 °C.

Fig. 9.1

The resistance of the thermistor is RT and that of the resistor is R.

The student monitors the potential difference VOUT.
State and explain
(i) whether VOUT increases or decreases as the temperature of the thermistor increases,
[3]
(ii) whether the change in VOUT varies linearly with the change in temperature of the
thermistor. [2]
(Jun 2013/P41)

14 An electronic sensor may be represented by the block diagram of Fig. 9.1.

Fig. 9.1

(a) State the function of the processing unit. [2]

(b) A student designs a sensing unit for temperature change. A 4 V supply, a fixed
resistor of resistance 2.5 kΩ and a thermistor are available. The thermistor has
resistance 3.0 kΩ at 6 °C and resistance 1.8 kΩ at 20 °C.

Complete the circuit diagram of Fig. 9.2 to show how the resistor and the thermistor
are connected to provide an output that is greater than 2 V at 6 °C and less than 2 V at
20 °C. Mark clearly the output VOUT. [3]
 13

Fig. 9.2

(c) Suggest two uses of a relay as part of an output device. [2]

(Nov 2013/P41)

15 The volume of fuel in the fuel tank of a car is monitored using a sensing device. The
device gives a voltage output that is measured using a voltmeter. The variation of
voltmeter reading with the volume of fuel in the tank is shown in Fig. 9.1.

Fig 9.1

(a) Use Fig. 9.1 to determine the range of volume over which the volume has a linear
relationship to the voltmeter reading.
From ........................ litres to .................... litres [1]

(b) Suggest why, comparing values from Fig. 9.1,

(i) when the tank is nearly full, the voltmeter readings give the impression that fuel
consumption is low, [2]
(ii) when the voltmeter first indicates that the tank is nearly empty, there is more fuel
remaining than is expected. [2]
(Jun 2013/P42)
 14

16 (a) State the function of a comparator circuit incorporating an operational amplifier (op-
amp). [3]

(b) An ideal op-amp is incorporated into the circuit of Fig. 10.1.

Fig. 10.1
(i) On Fig. 10.1, draw a circle around the part of the circuit that is being used as an
output device. [1]
(ii) Show that the potential at the non-inverting input of the op-amp is 1.0 V. [1]
(iii) The variation with time t of the potential VIN at the inverting input of the op-amp is
shown in Fig. 10.2.

Fig. 10.2

1. On the axes of Fig. 10.2, draw the variation with time t of the output potential of
the op-amp. [3]
 15

2. State whether each diode is emitting light or is not emitting light at time t1 and at
time t2.
At time t1, diode R will ............................ and diode G will .................................
.
At time t2, diode R will............................ and diode G will ..............................[2]

Jun 2014 (P42)

17 An electronic sensor may be represented by the block diagram of Fig. 10.1.

Fig. 10.1
(a) State suitable sensing devices, one in each case, for the detection of
(i) change of temperature, [1]
(ii) pressure changes in a sound wave. [1]

(b) The ideal operational amplifier (op-amp) shown in Fig. 10.2 is to be used as a
processing unit.

Fig. 10.2
(i) State the value of the output potential VOUT for an input potential VIN of +0.5 V.
Explain your answer. [3]
(ii) A sensing device produces a variable potential VIN.
The variation with time t of VIN is shown in Fig. 10.3.
 16

Fig. 10.3

On the axes of Fig. 10.3, sketch the variation with time t of the output potential
VOUT. [3]
Nov 2014 (P43)

18 An operational amplifier (op-amp) is used in the comparator circuit of Fig. 10.1.

Fig. 10.1

(a) (i) Show that the potential at the inverting input of the op-amp is +1.0 V. [1]
(ii) Explain why the potential difference across resistor R is + 5 V when VIN is greater
than 1.0 V and is zero when VIN is less than 1.0 V. [4]
(b) The variation with time t of the input voltage VIN is shown in Fig. 10.2.
 17

Fig. 10.2

(i) On the axes of Fig. 10.2, draw the variation with time t of the output potential VOUT.
[2]
(ii) Suggest a use for this type of circuit. [1]
June 2015 (P41/43)

19 A battery of e.m.f. 6.0 V and negligible internal resistance is connected to three resistors,
each of resistance 2.0 kΩ, and a thermistor, as shown in Fig. 9.1.

Fig. 9.1

The thermistor has resistance 2.8 kΩ at 10 °C and resistance 1.8 kΩ at 20 °C.

(a) Calculate the potential
(i) at point A, [1]
(ii) at point B for the thermistor at 10 °C, [1]
(iii) at point B for the thermistor at 20 °C. [1]
 18

(b) The points A and B in Fig. 9.1 are connected to the inputs of an ideal operational
amplifier (op-amp), as shown in Fig. 9.2.

Fig. 9.2

The thermistor is warmed from 10 °C to 20 °C.

State and explain the change in the output potential VOUT of the op-amp as the
thermistor is warmed. [4]

Nov 2015 (P41/42)

20 The output potential VOUT from an operational amplifier is to be monitored using an output
device. The output VOUT can be either +5 V or −5 V.

(a) On Fig. 10.1, draw a circuit for the output device that consists of two light-emitting
diodes B and G.
Diode B alone is to emit light when VOUT is +5 V.
Diode G alone is to emit light when VOUT is −5 V.

Fig. 10.1
[3]
(b) On Fig. 10.2, draw a circuit of the output device that consists of a relay and a diode such
that a high-power lamp is switched on only when VOUT is −5 V.
 19

Fig. 10.2
[4]
Nov 2015 (P43)

21 (a) The slew rate of an ideal operational amplifier (op-amp) is said to be infinite.
Explain what is meant by infinite slew rate. [2]

(b) The circuit of Fig. 6.1 is designed to indicate whether the temperature of the thermistor
is above or below 24 °C.

Fig. 6.1

The operational amplifier (op-amp) is assumed to be ideal.

At 24 °C, the resistance of the thermistor is 1.50 kΩ.
(i) Determine the resistance of resistor R such that the output VOUT of the op-amp
changes at 24 °C. [2]
(ii) On Fig. 6.1,
1. draw two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) connected so as to indicate whether the
output VOUT of the op-amp is either +5 V or −5 V, [2]
2. label with the letter G the LED that will be emitting light when the temperature is
below 24 °C. Explain your working. [3]

Nov 2016 (P41/43)

 20

22 (a) Describe, with a labelled diagram, the structure of a metal-wire strain gauge. [3]
(b) In a strain gauge, the increase in resistance ΔR depends on the increase in length ΔL.
The variation of ΔR with ΔL is shown in Fig. 7.1.

Fig. 7.1

The strain gauge is connected into a circuit incorporating an ideal operational amplifier
(op-amp), as shown in Fig. 7.2.

(i) The strain gauge is initially unstrained with resistance 300.0 Ω.

Use data from Fig. 7.1 to calculate the increase in length ΔL of the strain gauge that
gives rise to a potential of +2.00 V at point A in Fig. 7.2. [3]

(ii) The strain gauge undergoes a further increase in length beyond the value in (b)(i).
State and explain which one of the light-emitting diodes, X or Y, will be emitting
light. [4]
March 2017 (P42)
 21

23 A comparator circuit is designed to switch on a mains lamp when the ambient light level
reaches a set value.
An incomplete diagram of the circuit is shown in Fig. 6.1.

Fig. 6.1

(a) (i) A relay is required as part of the output device. This is not shown in Fig. 6.1. Explain
why a relay is required. [2]
(ii) On Fig. 6.1, draw the symbol for a relay connected in the circuit as part of the output
device. [2]
(b) Describe the function of
(i) the variable resistor RV, [1]
(ii) the diode D. [1]
(c) State whether the lamp will switch on as the light level increases or as it decreases.
Explain your answer. [3]
June 2017 (P41/43)

24 A student designs a circuit incorporating an operational amplifier (op-amp) as shown in

Fig. 8.1.

Fig. 8.1

(a) (i) On Fig. 8.1, draw a circle around the output device. [1]
 22

(ii) State the purpose of this circuit. [2]

(b) The resistors X and Y each have resistance R.
When conducting, the LED labelled B emits blue light and the LED labelled G emits
green light.
(i) State whether blue light or green light is emitted when the resistance of component C
is greater than the resistance RV of the variable resistor. Explain your answer. [3]
(ii) State and explain what is observed as the resistance of component C is reduced. [3]
(c) Suggest the function of the variable resistor. [1]
June 2017 (P42)