Hints For Novo Kit Assembly

Drift can be a problem in "simple" or "basic" designs where minimalist circuitry is involved because gain and bandwidth is very dependant on the few components (generally resistors) used.

However, although circuits like the Novo look simple due to the "experienced hands" of an "old-timer" PCB designer, they have similarities to early modular opamps which are designed to be stable against component drift.


example of an early modular opamp

The one pictured above is by GAP/R (later Teledyne) from 1963 and carbon resistors having the worst drift can be seen. Even so, the design was such that it would not have measurably drifted because of these.

In the Novo we use metal film resistors whose drift is as little as 50 - 75 parts per million per year (0.005 - 0.0075%) once burnt-in, and 100 - 200 ppm/year from new.

By careful component selection by which I mean buying the right parts from reputable manufacturers with a reputation to keep there should be no measurable drift, but as components settle performance improves over the normal and accepted burn-in period.

littletree76, I am all thumbs and I have burnt boards before.  Yet I took a chance and ordered the board! Sure hope I do not mess it up.