YouTuber Afrotechmods has returned with a new video examining the LM741 op-amp and why it is unsuitable for modern applications.
The LM741 was widely used in the 1970s due to its simple functionality, however, there are now more advanced op-amps on the market that offer improved specifications.
These modern op-amps are often not used in educational settings, with many professors continuing to use the LM741 as a teaching tool.
This is largely due to the nostalgia of the product or a reluctance to update curriculum.
Afrotechmods argues that this does a disservice to students and suggests op-amps should be taught with more modern components that better reflect those used in industry.
He also criticizes the focus on teaching students how to use components without fully explaining the theory behind their use.
This style of education leads to a superficial understanding that can be easily replicated with canned solutions.
