ELEN 3081 - Circuit Analysis Laboratory
Undergraduate course, Columbia University, Department of Electrical Engineering, 2025
I served as a Laboratory Assistant for the companion circuits laboratory course associated with ELEN 3081 at Columbia University.
This laboratory course accompanies ELEN E3201 and provides hands-on experimental experience with fundamental circuit analysis and design concepts, reinforcing theoretical material through measurement, simulation, and practical implementation.
Course Overview
The ELEN 3081 companion laboratory focuses on experimental techniques and circuit behavior analysis. Students gain practical experience using laboratory measurement instruments and circuit simulation tools while exploring both linear and nonlinear circuit phenomena. The lab generally meets on alternate weeks and emphasizes careful measurement, modeling, and interpretation of experimental results.
Key topics include circuit simulation with HSPICE, verification of basic network theorems, linearization of nonlinear circuits using negative feedback, and dynamic behavior of first- and second-order systems.
Course Objectives
- Develop proficiency with laboratory measurement instruments and experimental procedures.
- Use HSPICE to simulate and analyze analog circuits.
- Apply basic network theorems to practical circuit measurements.
- Understand negative feedback and its role in linearizing nonlinear circuits.
- Analyze op-amp circuits, integrators, and second-order RLC systems in both time and frequency domains.
Teaching Experience
As a Laboratory Assistant, I supported students during lab sessions by guiding experimental setup, troubleshooting measurement issues, and clarifying the connection between theoretical analysis and observed circuit behavior. I assisted with HSPICE simulations, helped students interpret discrepancies between simulation and measurement, and reinforced core concepts such as feedback, stability, and dynamic response in analog circuits.