LAB 2: Transistors and ICs

Goals
- Understanding the role of ICs
- Basic transistor knowledge
- More experience reading circuits and breadboarding

Review
- Components
- Circuits

Integrated circuits (ICs) <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_circuit>
- a k a "chip"
- Cheap and modular
- "Black box" device, enclosed components, allows for modular design

Transistors <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transistor>
- The foundation for modern computing, replaced the less-reliable vacuum tubes
- The # of transistors on a chip defines speed
- PN2222 Datasheet, pins drawing
- Switch (Faucet analogy)
- Amplification

Operational Amplifier (Op-Amp) <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Op-amp>
- LM741 Datasheet
- DIP, pins
- Schematic
- Drawings

555 Timer
- 555 Datasheet
- Schematic
 .23 transistors, 2 diodes and 16 resistors on a silicon chip installed in an 8-pin mini dual-in-line package (DIP-8)
- Astabile operation produces square waves
 . The frequency is determined by the RC charge/discharge circuits

Exercises
1. With a partner, complete the "LED Flasher" and the "Metronome" example on the last page of the 555 handout.

Reading to complete for next class
- Arduino Guide <http://www.arduino.cc/en/Booklet/HomePage>
- Physical Computing (pp. 49 - 63)
- Processing Extension 8 (pp. 633 - 648, Ignore examples)
- Low Tech Sensors and Actuators <http://lowtech.propositions.org.uk/>