LM358 Projects

The LM358 is an Op Amp (Operational Amplifier). In essence an Op Amp integrated circuit (IC) is a voltage amplifying device that is designed to be used with external feedback components such as resistors and capacitors. These feedback components determine the resulting function or “operation” of the amplifier by comparing the different feedback configurations (whether resistive, capacitive or both). The amplifier can perform a variety of different operations, giving rise to its name of “Operational Amplifier”.

In the first of many projects to come using the LM358 Op Amp, you can learn how to protect your family with this fire alarm circuit design. The Op Amp compares the resistance value from a variable resistor against the value from a thermal resistor. If the temperature gets too hot the alarm will sound. Moreover, the variable resistor allows the circuit to be calibrated so there are no false alarms.

Using this project students can explore aspects of input and output devices, integrated circuits (IC), mathematical logic, and the human aspect of designing circuits to make smarter and safer dwellings for people to live in.

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