TI have a great offer on an opamp evaluation board - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 06:24:59 am
content: I got an email from TI this morning offering the following. It looks a bargain..http://links.mkt102.com/servlet/MailView?ms=NDkzNDU4NjgS1&r=MTE1NzMxNjc1Mjk0S0&j=NzQyODIzNjE5S0&mt=1&rt=0

author: lukaq
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 10:00:01 am
content: And why do you need this for 40$, you can make boards yourself, breadbord,... main gear here is NI virtualbench, which at almost 2000€ is not for home use

author: codeboy2k
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 12:30:40 pm
content: I nearly gagged at the $200 original price tag !

author: farsi
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 12:50:21 pm
content: I like the idea of interactive boards for learning.You could easily combine this board with analog input/outputs from an MCU if I understand right? So, basically, this is bit the same idea of an Arduino format for learning about electronics?Maybe I get one... it would be interesting to combine this board experiments with simple simulator setups too. Basically, that would be great to prototype some concepts.

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 01:26:09 pm
content: When it comes to learning this board enables you to follow the tutorials. You do not have to mess around building up the circuits and can concentrate on the actual theory and practical proof of. Breadboard is okay but give me a nice PCB with BNC connectors and jumpers any day.I do not think virtual workbench is that much a necessity. If you have a scope and DMM you are fine.If the board cost $200 then I would be building the circuits up myself I reckon but for $40 it saves time and makes life easier knowing it contains everything to work through all the tutorials.

author: alterbaron
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2015, 02:52:31 pm
content: Quote from: lukaq on August 19, 2015, 10:00:01 amNormally I'd agree, but this is surprisingly good value if you're interested in those particular op amps.Just to buy the op-amps included with the board would be more than $40. You basically get the eval board and the op-amps professionally attached to DIP breakout board for free. You could use the op-amp modules in your own breadboard circuits.

author: Molenaar
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 07:42:48 am
content: Thanks, this coupon made it an attractive offer for someone who wants to learn about op-amps

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 09:00:20 am
content: QuoteSomewhere it was mentioned that VirtualBench is not necessary (beyond my means). The TI Op Amp evaluation module is very interesting if I can figure out all the parts needed to take the course.What is confusing me now is TINA-TI, is this free and all that is needed to use this Module? I think I came across somewhere that Spice is used?I would hate to get this Module and download and install a bunch of software and along the process somewhere find that I have to buy something (other than the module). If all I need is the Module to take this course, I am going to jump on it.thanks trevwhite

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 09:35:10 am
content: TINA seems to be a free spice simulation tool with TI models available. This enables you to simulate the circuits and prove the theory against simulation against actual circuit measurements.With regard to the board, I received mine today. It was super fast delivery from Texas to UK.There are a series of video tutorials:http://www.ti.com/lsds/ti/amplifiers-linear/precision-amplifier-precision-labs.pageI recommend watching all of these to see how the board is used and what equipment you will need. You will need equipment. The board requires +/- negative rail supplies for a start.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 09:45:42 am
content: TINA-TI is free. Its TI's version of LTSpice.VirtualBench. Meh, who needs it when you have RealBench?Trev, what carrier do TI use, and what are the customs + processing fees they kindly add on?

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 09:57:37 am
content: They use FedEX. Postage was $7. The whole board delivered cost me just over £30. I do not know if I will get a letter in a week or two saying I owe money to FedEX but at present I have not been charged any customs.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 10:26:14 am
content: Quote from: trevwhite on August 21, 2015, 09:57:37 amHmm... I've got a couple of 741s, a breadboard, and a book by R.A. Penfold.Are you really saying that this online course and glorified 741 is honestly worth the £30?I'd only go and waste it on wine, women and song anyway. So I guess I'm in...

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 12:41:35 pm
content: lol

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 08:51:19 pm
content: Got my order "submitted". There was a lot of info requested and maybe my order is going to be "reviewed and rejected". There were two questions I could not give honest answers:The checkout price was $206.00 before discount code and $46.80 after code (I live in California).Had to enter company name and since I have none, I used Self Inc. From the check out it looks like the company name will be printed below my name so I do not think it will cause the delivery person any problems.Had to enter a Company URL , I entered a popular electronics forum's URL. I hope this will confuse them if they check it.You cannot use TI op amps in drones if you get this module (nor a bombs or rockets). Since I do not have a drone I do not know if they are used in drones (are they?), see:QuoteThe terms were a surprise. The part I am fuzzy on is "product or software developer". Would a hobbyist qualify as a product or software developer? Or for the rest of my life will I live in fear of late night knocking on the door and a free trip to Cuba?The status after about 1/2 an hour is payment waiting. I paid with a good card so I know that is ok.After about 2 hours "in work" status and payment is waiting. Funny English.3 hours no progress - I have a feeling it is not going to make itI will let you know if they send it.thanks trevwhite for sharing this with us. I look for courses to learn from and they are hard to find.

author: helius
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 09:11:21 pm
content: The verbiage appears designed for two purposes: 1. to try to forestall liability for "dual-use" components, those which have a military application. The ITAR regulations require a background check for such components. 2. to try to prevent the item being resold into the secondary market, which would complicate (1.).

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 09:43:03 pm
content: QuoteI should have guessed this from the Terms. Who would have guess in ordering an educational thing.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 11:15:19 pm
content: They cancelled my orderNo reasons given. My guess:- they do not like me- code is good only for OP- did not pass background check- did not like my company name- did not like my company URLI wonder what would happen if I paid full price? I am not going to try out. I am done with TI.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2015, 11:27:06 pm
content: From your flag you are in the USA anyway, so not sure why all this bollocks applies to you? The good oleUSA! USA! USA! YeeeeeHaaaaww!normally imposes all this shit on everyone that doesn't live on Planet USA.Yes, I clicked through all that bullshit too. For some reason the retards in your congress think that shoving all this bureaucratic crap will actually stop ISIS from obtaining a 555 timer for use in a childs "say-hello-to-allah" lunch box. Of course it is all insanely expensive theatre just like all those TSA molesters at US airports.Even Dave was labelled a fucking terrorist and not allowed something from Farnell thanks to the USA! USA! USA! insanity.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 12:06:18 am
content: Quote from: ez24Yeah, mine has been "In work fulfilment" last I checked.. should be okQuote from: ez24WTF? ... umm! I have to go and check...Status: Shipped Completehahahaha! Those fools! Don't they know that I am a secret sleeper cell in the international atheists alliance? extra militant branch, Dawkins divison. Those USA border control idiots!So much for background checks...Quote from: ez24- no idea if they like me, but I have a TI account I only used for free samples over 5 years ago and I used that- I used trevs code that he clearly got after showing interest in the precision analog course, I clicked his link and then logged in to my TI account last used years ago- I am a scurrilous rogue and have a criminal record (a minor driving offence) and am also a militant atheist super hardcore, one of Dawkins own attack dogs. Just imagine not believing in god or religion at all, then multiply that by 100% raised to the power of infinity. That's me that is.- I am registered with my company name, but changed it to my own name (because I vaguely recall that the absurd customs processing fees that couriers charge are sometimes not applied/charged at a lower rate with personal imports, so it made sense. Just means my name appears twice on the shipping label)- I do have a company URL, but my website is just a blank page. I use it for email only. Of course if they do a "whois" then it will come back with all my address details that match so maybe that is what went wrong with you?Clearly I am in good stead with TI and now they have taken my money I won't feel so guilty about requesting loads of free samples in future.

author: GlowingGhoul
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 12:33:55 am
content: Quote from: Macbeth on August 21, 2015, 11:27:06 pmPlease leave your anti-Americanism and stereotypes out of the forum. I lived for a decade in the UK, and while I'm a full fledged Anglophile there's plenty to find fault with your country, starting with the miserable, angry blokes of no consequence who hate America for no reason other than as a distraction from their pathetic little lives.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 12:43:47 am
content: Quote from: GlowingGhoul on August 22, 2015, 12:33:55 amUmm, I think my rant was at your retarded congress, not americans as in the god fearin' folk. I certainly didn't attack any individuals, unlike your insinuation on me.Do you really want to defend your retard government and how it has stopped one of its own citizens from obtaining a fucking op-amp???Anyway, take your anglo hate to another forum - this is about trying to get an American citizen an educational tool from Texas.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 01:25:42 am
content: QuoteActually I wondered if US citizens cannot get one? It seems 2 non-US citizens did get one.But since someone did get one (ie code was ok)I think now it is the company name - URL thing that did me inI had to sign up and become a member before I could even start the order.BUT soon afterwards the most police activity in 20 years went on in front of my house (4 police cars and one un-marked SUV). I grabbed my glasses and put on my shoes because the last time I was hauled off, they took me without my glasses and shoes (I was 8 yo). The police went to the house 4 houses down from me, no shooting. But when I saw them I thought - "oh god just because I wanted an op amp!"Going to stay away from op amps for awhile, nasty things.

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 01:43:10 am
content: You could always treat the whole pantomime with the contempt it deserves, go and register a domain on godaddy for 99 cents and all the other hoopla that is clearly impossible for determined international terrorists to do and then try ordering again. Maybe use another address - perhaps GlowingFhoul could help you there?... Fellow murkin' and all, you can trust him surely?

author: trevwhite
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 01:50:41 am
content: Hey you could just email them, explain your situation and see if they change their mind. Maybe it's a simple paperwork mistake and they can reverse it or at least explain properly why they cancelled.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 01:58:55 am
content: Quote from: trevwhite on August 22, 2015, 01:50:41 amI think I will try this.Edit: I will call them next Monday

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 02:41:05 am
content: I just realised - the code "EULABS" - is that an EU promotion only? maybe "USLABS" would work?

author: lukaq
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 04:11:49 am
content: that would be far to easy... I guess non of the US users even got the mail, since it is targeted at EU this time

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 04:36:23 am
content: Mine is shipped too. cant remember what promotion code it was though. I just clicked through the first link.This is the first time TI charged me postage. about AU$63 in all. Should get it in about 4 days. They are always quite quick.Hopefully I'll find time to play with it.

author: aries1470
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 02:38:45 am
content: Quote from: HackedFridgeMagnet on August 22, 2015, 04:36:23 amYep, sounds about right, with the exchange rate beingand all.careful you don't "play"too much with it, since it will have another name thenAlso, since you are purchasing, instead of samples, they do add a symbolic amount for postage. I remember getting the MPS430 (free giveaway and $5 for postage or $5 for the board and free postage hmm...) that way a couple of years back, but I ended up staying on the Microchip wagon due to MikroE Basic compiler and recently added Arduino Uno to my prefered uC's

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 07:11:59 pm
content: That was quick. Got mine today. ~ £30 delivered and no import duty.Pictured with a similar priced Raspberry Pi for scale.It's nice of them to leave some empty DIP sockets for my ancient 741's and 5334's to find a new homeI noticed that they provide the source code (if you can call it that - bloody LabView!) to someBode Analyzer stuffused on this course. Loading it up with the evaluation LabView 2014 I can see it's missing the needed .vi librarys for the VirtualBench instrument. It looks like it needs a PSU, Function Gen, and an MSO. I've got a SDG1025 and a DP832 with NI LabView drivers, and I reckon could patch those into the "code" in place of VirtualBench. No driver for my Hantek MSO5102D ... I guess I could write one...there I go again, I bought this to further my analog electronics knowledge, not learn more bloody programming!

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 08:09:47 pm
content: QuoteI knew this needed a PSU by looking at it and a scope. I did not know about a function gen but I have one so that is ok. BUT what about all this driver stuff? I cannot write drivers so it looks like I am not going to call them and lucky my order did not go through. It really looks like you have to have VirtualBench to use this or be so skilled to get around all the hoops that you probably don't need this anyway. Thanks

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 08:18:21 pm
content: Quote from: ez24 on August 24, 2015, 08:09:47 pmWoah! Ignore me. I'm sure you don't need VirtualBench or to develop drivers!It's just being a programmer by trade I see something like the source code available and naturally want to hack it for my own instruments to work through the flashy computer interface. haha.If you have a "RealBench" and know how to use them (PSU, Sig Gen, Scope) then thats all you need.

author: Kintekobo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 08:52:22 pm
content: I'm a wee bitty puzzled by the board as shown below. It looks as if you are not able to alter the value of any of the components, just use jumpers to link or unlink something. Is that correct? If so what use is this for learning about op amps? Is it just fixed scenarios?Signed Puzzled of Tunbridge-Wells

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2015, 11:24:35 pm
content: Quote from: Kintekobo on August 24, 2015, 08:52:22 pmYeah, the R's and C's are all soldered underneath - and is going to mean some pretty fixed scenarios. I've never known lab based lessons to be anything else. But still, it's a very nice board, all sockets are turned pins and stuff. Gold plating everywhere. Even the little SO's that have been soldered onto breadboard style DIP8's have lovely gold turned pins. If you got these chips as free samples you would have to put solder them to those SOIC/SOP8 to PDIP converter boards to use them. The very high precision analog parts with BNC connectors and stuff are what interest me over a normal breadboard 741 example. I want to play with very low noise high precision stuff. I think that is the point.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 12:00:45 pm
content: cool, ordered this kit, hope they don't cancell the orderI wonder, will this kit be out of scope to learn about instrumental amplifiers, I guess they are only opamp with other specs?

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 08:31:44 pm
content: Instrumentation Amplifiers you mean? Well one of the included isOPA277which is the improved version of OPA177.If you mean Instrument like Guitar effects amps, then stick with NE5334

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 09:26:56 pm
content: Quote from: Macbeth on August 25, 2015, 08:31:44 pmShit, yes, I meant instrumentation..(to amplify output from scale-sensor for instance)

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 10:01:26 pm
content: I figured!Oh, and just for ez24 and others who may be under the impression you need an expensive NI VirtualLab setup - no you don't. Thedocumentation for the eval boardin section 2.1 states:"2.1 Inputs, Outputs, and PowerFigure 2 shows the connections between the TI-PLABS-AMP-EVM and the test equipment. In thisexample, National Instruments' VirtualBench™ is used,but any standard test equipment can be used.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2015, 10:43:49 pm
content: Got it! It is in the mail.This is what happened. After I ordered it, I continued to click on a link in the email confirmation to find the status. Somewhere along the way the link timed out and I was logged off. So when I clicked on the email link it took me TI where I was not logged in so I had no order. This is when I thought it was cancelled.Sunday I found this out and my order was still "in work". So Monday I filled out an online form to cancel the order. About 8 hours later I got an email stating it was shipped. Today I got an email stating they could not cancel because it was shipped and I could refuse delivery. I said I would accept the order. I think I am the first US citizen who got one.so the eu code worked. thanks

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 26, 2015, 11:20:08 am
content: I am about to receive mine as well.

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 01, 2015, 06:38:03 pm
content: Is there any documentation to go with this board? Looks like mainly very basic Sallen-Key filters. Had hoped for a couple of activating bootstrap fixtures, but alas.

author: ez24
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2015, 02:26:16 am
content: Quote from: bson on September 01, 2015, 06:38:03 pmNo Just a piece of paper with instructions on how to find thishttp://www.ti.com/lit/ug/sbou150a/sbou150a.pdf

author: bson
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 02, 2015, 03:03:32 am
content: Thanks! For some reason I couldn't manage to find that document on my own...

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 10:33:37 am
content: So I got this board, but I don't have any plans of buying the VirtualBench, way to pricey, unless someone have some cheapo laying aroundIt seems like powering the board need -20v, gnd, +20v, do anyone have any clever idea on how to power this board?, i can't find any info about how much Amp it needs though.Seeing that stuff like this exists:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141777255798It seems like an idea of powering the board, if I could find someone similar with +-20v, but not sure if 200mA is ok.I can of course setup an benchpowersupply to provide power, but it would be easier with something like an brick that gives the right power.I guess psu's like that could be ok to use for eurorack/analogsynth projects also.. maybe..

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 01:29:25 pm
content: Are you crazy? Stuff like this is the reason bench PSU's exist! Nice quiet linear supply, live volt and amp readouts, protection in case you cock up when messing with bare circuits... It's also right there, ON YOUR BENCH.However, if you only have a 5V supply the 200ma from that DC-DC converter should be more than enough (6W @ 30V). However, the switching noise could be bad. You really want a linear supply for this sort of stuff.ETA: Don't forget batteries. You can get 4 x cheap dollar store 9V batteries wired in series and tap the 0V from the middle of them. -18V / -9V / GND / +9V / +18V ... and quieter than a linear supply too!You don't even need a load of PP3 clips as the batteries can plug into each other, staggered terminals style.

author: neslekkim
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 24, 2015, 01:45:26 pm
content: Yeah, ok, i need to learn to use the psu better, don't think I want to use the Tenma for this, but i haven't found out how to do it on the Keithley yet (didn't read the manual)

author: iampoor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2015, 09:37:34 pm
content: Anyone know if a new coupon code for this exists? I wanted to take the class, but the 200$ for the board is abit out of my league at the moment...Or does anyone want to sell their's?

author: ruairi
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 21, 2017, 05:10:33 am
content: Bumping this.Great interview with Art Kay from TI on the Amp Hour today -http://theamphour.com/348-an-interview-with-art-kay/I want to take the TI Precision Labs opamp course but the $200 for the Eval board is a little much... Does anyone have any leads on a new (U.S.) discount code or perhaps we could have Dave and Chris intervene on our behalf with Art and get us an EEVBlog code?(Yes I could breadboard the circuits but time is short and I'd like to focus on the learning).Cheers,Ruairi