Design and Development of an LM741 Instrumentation Module for Enhancing the Teaching of Basic Analog Circuit Principles in Physics and Electrical Engineering

Traditional teaching methods often fall short by relying heavily on theoretical explanations without practical applications, leading to gaps in student understanding. This study is about the design and development of an Instrumentation Module aimed at enhancing the teaching of basic analog circuit principles through hands-on experimentation with the LM741 operational amplifier module. The Instrumentation Module addresses this challenge by providing a flexible and customizable platform for students to engage with various circuit configurations, including voltage followers, amplifiers, summing amplifiers, difference amplifiers, and integrators. The module facilitates lab experiments that promote a deeper comprehension of analog circuits and enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Constructed using essential electronic components—such as the LM741 op-amp, resistors, capacitors, and a regulated power supply—the module serves as a functional educational tool. Target users include students in physics and electrical engineering, as well as educators teaching these principles. The design-based research framework employed in this project emphasizes educational efficacy and accessibility, ensuring that the module aligns with pedagogical goals. Empirical results confirm the operational effectiveness of the various circuit configurations, demonstrating accurate performance across experiments. This work significantly contributes to improving educational resources for teaching fundamental electronics, offering an engaging learning environment that bridges theory and real-world applications. Future research may explore more complex operational amplifier configurations and the development of tailored simulation tools to further enhance the learning experience in analog circuit design.