Inverting Operational Amplifier

1. Basic Operational Amplifier Characteristics

Basic Operational Amplifier Characteristics

The operational amplifier (op-amp) is a high-gain differential amplifier with near-ideal characteristics, enabling precise analog signal processing. At its core, an op-amp consists of multiple transistor stages—typically a differential input pair, gain stage, and output buffer—engineered to approximate an ideal voltage-controlled voltage source.

Key Parameters

The performance of an op-amp is quantified through several critical parameters:

$$ A_{CL} = \frac{A_{OL}}{1 + A_{OL}\beta} $$

where ACL is the closed-loop gain and β is the feedback factor. When AOLβ ≫ 1, this simplifies to ACL ≈ 1/β, demonstrating the feedback network's dominance over open-loop imperfections.

Non-Ideal Effects

Practical op-amps exhibit deviations from ideal behavior that must be accounted for in precision designs:

$$ SR = \frac{dV_{out}}{dt}\bigg|_{max} = \frac{I_{max}}{C_C} $$

where Imax is the maximum available charging current and CC is the compensation capacitance.

Frequency Response

Internally compensated op-amps exhibit a dominant-pole frequency response, creating a -20 dB/decade rolloff. The gain-bandwidth product remains constant above the dominant pole:

$$ A_{OL}(f) = \frac{A_{OL(0)}}{1 + j(f/f_{dominant})} $$

Phase margin, typically 45°–60° in stable designs, determines transient response characteristics. Insufficient phase margin leads to peaking or oscillation in closed-loop configurations.

Power Supply Considerations

Op-amps require careful power supply design to maintain specified performance:

1.2 Ideal vs. Real Operational Amplifiers

The analysis of inverting operational amplifier circuits often begins with the assumption of an ideal op-amp, but practical implementations must account for deviations caused by real-world limitations. Understanding these differences is critical for precision circuit design.

Ideal Operational Amplifier Characteristics

An ideal op-amp exhibits the following properties:

Under these conditions, the inverting amplifier's gain depends solely on external resistors:

$$ \frac{V_{out}}{V_{in}} = -\frac{R_f}{R_{in}} $$

Real Operational Amplifier Non-Idealities

Practical op-amps introduce errors that require compensation or design adjustments:

Finite Open-Loop Gain

Real op-amps have large but finite AOL (typically 105 to 108), causing gain error in the feedback network. The actual closed-loop gain becomes:

$$ \frac{V_{out}}{V_{in}} = -\frac{R_f/R_{in}}{1 + \frac{1 + R_f/R_{in}}{A_{OL}}} $$

Input Offset Voltage

A small DC voltage (VOS) between inputs causes output error amplified by the closed-loop gain. For precision applications, this requires:

Frequency Response Limitations

The gain-bandwidth product (GBW) and slew rate impose dynamic constraints:

$$ \text{GBW} = A_{OL} \times f_{-3dB} $$

Where f-3dB is the open-loop bandwidth. For an inverting amplifier with gain G, the usable bandwidth reduces to approximately GBW/G.

Practical Design Considerations

Advanced applications must account for:

Modern high-speed op-amps may also exhibit:

$$ \text{Settling Time} = t_s \propto \frac{1}{\text{Slew Rate}} + \frac{1}{2\pi \times \text{GBW}} $$

These parameters become critical when designing for:

1.3 Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Configurations

Open-Loop Operation

In an open-loop configuration, the operational amplifier (op-amp) operates without feedback. The output voltage Vout is determined by the differential input voltage Vd and the open-loop gain AOL:

$$ V_{out} = A_{OL} (V_+ - V_-) $$

Since AOL is typically very high (105 to 106), even a small differential input drives the output into saturation, either to the positive or negative supply rail. This behavior makes open-loop op-amps suitable for comparator applications, where the output indicates which input is at a higher potential.

Closed-Loop Operation

In a closed-loop configuration, feedback is introduced by connecting a portion of the output back to the inverting input. For an inverting amplifier, this is achieved using a resistive voltage divider between the output and the inverting input:

$$ V_- = V_{out} \cdot \frac{R_1}{R_1 + R_2} $$

The closed-loop gain ACL of an inverting amplifier is determined by the feedback network:

$$ A_{CL} = -\frac{R_2}{R_1} $$

This configuration stabilizes the amplifier's gain, reduces distortion, and increases bandwidth by trading off some of the open-loop gain for predictability and linearity.

Stability and Bandwidth Considerations

The closed-loop bandwidth fCL is related to the open-loop bandwidth fOL and the closed-loop gain ACL by the gain-bandwidth product (GBW):

$$ \text{GBW} = A_{CL} \cdot f_{CL} $$

For example, an op-amp with a GBW of 1 MHz and a closed-loop gain of 10 will have a bandwidth of 100 kHz. The feedback network also introduces a pole in the transfer function, which must be carefully analyzed to avoid instability and oscillations.

Practical Implications

In real-world applications, closed-loop configurations are preferred for linear amplification due to their predictable gain and improved performance. Open-loop configurations are limited to non-linear applications like comparators or oscillators, where saturation is desirable.

Open-Loop vs Closed-Loop Op-Amp Configurations Side-by-side comparison of open-loop (no feedback) and closed-loop (with feedback resistors) operational amplifier configurations. Open-Loop Configuration V- V+ Vout A_OL Closed-Loop Configuration V- V+ Vout A_CL R1 R2
Diagram Description: The section describes open-loop and closed-loop configurations with feedback paths and resistive networks, which are inherently spatial concepts.

2. Circuit Diagram and Key Components

2.1 Circuit Diagram and Key Components

The inverting operational amplifier configuration consists of an op-amp with a feedback network that establishes a precise gain relationship between the input and output. The fundamental topology includes:

R₁ R₂ Vin Vout

Core Components

  • Operational Amplifier: High-gain differential amplifier with infinite input impedance and zero output impedance (ideal characteristics).
  • Input Resistor (R₁): Sets the input current and works with R₂ to determine the closed-loop gain.
  • Feedback Resistor (R₂): Establishes negative feedback, stabilizing the gain and bandwidth.
  • Virtual Ground: The inverting input maintains ≈0V due to negative feedback (assuming ideal op-amp).

Mathematical Derivation

Applying Kirchhoff's current law at the inverting node (assuming no current enters the op-amp):

$$ \frac{V_{in} - 0}{R_1} = \frac{0 - V_{out}}{R_2} $$

Solving for the closed-loop gain (ACL):

$$ A_{CL} = \frac{V_{out}}{V_{in}} = -\frac{R_2}{R_1} $$

Practical Design Considerations

  • Resistor Matching: Ratio tolerances directly affect gain accuracy (0.1% or better for precision applications).
  • Bandwidth Limitations: Gain-bandwidth product (GBW) of the op-amp reduces effective bandwidth at higher gains.
  • Input Bias Currents: Requires matched impedance paths to minimize offset errors in bipolar op-amps.

Advanced Compensation Techniques

For high-frequency stability, a compensation capacitor (Cf) is often added parallel to R₂:

$$ f_{-3dB} = \frac{1}{2\pi R_2 C_f} $$

2.2 Derivation of the Gain Equation

The voltage gain of an inverting operational amplifier is derived using the fundamental principles of negative feedback and the idealized behavior of an op-amp. The analysis assumes an ideal op-amp with infinite open-loop gain, infinite input impedance, and zero output impedance.

Circuit Analysis

Consider the standard inverting amplifier configuration where the input signal Vin is applied through resistor R1 to the inverting terminal, while the non-inverting terminal is grounded. A feedback resistor Rf connects the output to the inverting terminal.

Applying Kirchhoff's Current Law

At the inverting terminal (node V-), the input current I1 through R1 must equal the feedback current If through Rf, since the ideal op-amp draws no input current:

$$ I_1 = I_f $$

Expressing these currents in terms of voltages:

$$ \frac{V_{in} - V_{-}}{R_1} = \frac{V_{-} - V_{out}}{R_f} $$

Virtual Ground Principle

For an ideal op-amp in negative feedback, the voltage difference between the inverting and non-inverting terminals is negligible (V- ≈ V+). Since the non-inverting terminal is grounded (V+ = 0), the inverting terminal acts as a virtual ground (V- ≈ 0).

Substituting V- = 0 into the current equation:

$$ \frac{V_{in}}{R_1} = \frac{-V_{out}}{R_f} $$

Solving for Voltage Gain

Rearranging the equation to solve for the output voltage Vout:

$$ V_{out} = -\left( \frac{R_f}{R_1} \right) V_{in} $$

The closed-loop voltage gain Av of the inverting amplifier is therefore:

$$ A_v = \frac{V_{out}}{V_{in}} = -\frac{R_f}{R_1} $$

The negative sign indicates the phase inversion between input and output, characteristic of the inverting configuration.

Practical Considerations

In real-world applications, the gain is determined by the resistor ratio Rf/R1, but performance may be affected by:

For precision applications, these factors must be accounted for in the design process.

2.3 Input and Output Impedance Analysis

Input Impedance of an Inverting Op-Amp

The input impedance of an inverting operational amplifier configuration is primarily determined by the feedback network and the op-amp's intrinsic characteristics. Unlike non-inverting configurations, the input impedance here is relatively low due to the virtual ground at the inverting terminal.

For an ideal op-amp with infinite open-loop gain, the input impedance Zin is approximately equal to the input resistor R1. This is because the inverting input is held at virtual ground, making the impedance seen by the input signal source purely resistive.

$$ Z_{in} \approx R_1 $$

In practical scenarios, the finite open-loop gain AOL and input impedance of the op-amp Zin,opamp introduce additional considerations. The modified input impedance becomes:

$$ Z_{in} = R_1 + \frac{Z_{in,opamp}}{1 + A_{OL} \beta} $$

where β is the feedback factor given by R1/(R1 + Rf).

Output Impedance of an Inverting Op-Amp

The output impedance of an inverting amplifier is significantly reduced by the negative feedback loop. For an ideal op-amp, the output impedance Zout approaches zero. However, real op-amps have finite output impedance, which is modified by feedback.

The closed-loop output impedance can be derived from the open-loop output impedance Zout,opamp and the loop gain AOLβ:

$$ Z_{out} = \frac{Z_{out,opamp}}{1 + A_{OL} \beta} $$

This equation shows that negative feedback reduces the output impedance by a factor of (1 + AOLβ), making the amplifier more suitable for driving low-impedance loads.

Practical Implications

Understanding input and output impedance is crucial for proper circuit design:

In high-frequency applications, parasitic capacitances and inductances further complicate impedance behavior, requiring careful PCB layout and component selection.

Impedance Matching Considerations

While impedance matching is critical in RF systems, inverting op-amp circuits typically prioritize signal integrity over perfect matching. However, in sensitive applications:

The choice of resistor values affects both impedance characteristics and noise performance, requiring careful trade-offs in high-precision designs.

3. Selection of Resistors for Desired Gain

3.1 Selection of Resistors for Desired Gain

The closed-loop voltage gain \( A_v \) of an inverting operational amplifier is primarily determined by the ratio of the feedback resistor \( R_f \) to the input resistor \( R_{in} \). The relationship is derived from the virtual ground approximation at the inverting input (valid for high open-loop gain \( A_{OL} \)) and Kirchhoff’s current law:

$$ A_v = -\frac{R_f}{R_{in}} $$

Constraints on Resistor Selection

While the gain equation appears straightforward, practical resistor selection involves trade-offs between:

Standard Design Procedure

A systematic approach for resistor selection:

  1. Determine required gain: From signal processing requirements (e.g., \( A_v = -10 \)).
  2. Set \( R_{in} \) based on source impedance: Typically 10× the source impedance for minimal loading effects.
  3. Calculate \( R_f \): Using \( R_f = |A_v| \times R_{in} \).
  4. Verify power dissipation: Ensure \( P = V_{rms}^2/R \) remains within resistor ratings.
  5. Check offset voltages: \( R_{comp} = R_f || R_{in} \) should match at the non-inverting input.

Practical Example: Designing a -20 dB Gain Stage

For a 1 kHz audio signal with 100 mV input amplitude:

$$ A_v = -10 \quad (20 \log_{10}(10) \approx 20 \text{ dB}) $$

Given a source impedance of 500 Ω:

Non-Ideal Considerations

Real-world implementations must account for:

$$ f_{-3dB} = \frac{1}{2\pi R_f C_f} \quad \text{(for intentional bandwidth limiting)} $$

Advanced Techniques

For precision applications:

3.2 Impact of Non-Ideal Op-Amp Parameters

Finite Open-Loop Gain

The ideal op-amp assumption of infinite open-loop gain (AOL) simplifies analysis but introduces errors in practical circuits. For an inverting amplifier with feedback resistors R1 and R2, the actual closed-loop gain Gactual deviates from the ideal gain Gideal = −R2/R1 due to finite AOL:

$$ G_{actual} = \frac{G_{ideal}}{1 + \frac{1 + |G_{ideal}|}{A_{OL}}} $$

For example, if AOL = 105 and Gideal = −100, the gain error is ≈0.1%. This becomes significant in high-precision applications or when AOL drops at higher frequencies.

Input Offset Voltage

Input offset voltage (VOS) arises from mismatches in the op-amp's differential input stage. It introduces a DC error at the output:

$$ V_{out,offset} = V_{OS} \left(1 + \frac{R_2}{R_1}\right) $$

For R2/R1 = 100 and VOS = 1 mV, the output error is 101 mV. Techniques like auto-zeroing or chopper stabilization mitigate this in precision designs.

Input Bias and Offset Currents

Non-zero input bias currents (IB+, IB−) flow into the op-amp's inputs. The offset current IOS = |IB+IB−| generates a voltage drop across R1R2:

$$ V_{out,bias} = I_{B-}R_2 - I_{B+}\left(\frac{R_1R_2}{R_1 + R_2}\right) $$

Bipolar op-amps exhibit µA-level bias currents, while FET-input op-amps reduce this to pA. A compensating resistor R3 = R1R2 at the non-inverting input minimizes the error.

Frequency Response and Slew Rate

The op-amp's gain-bandwidth product (GBW) and slew rate (SR) limit dynamic performance. The closed-loop bandwidth is:

$$ f_{-3dB} = \frac{GBW}{1 + \frac{R_2}{R_1}} $$

For GBW = 1 MHz and Gideal = −10, the bandwidth reduces to 90.9 kHz. Slew rate limitations cause distortion for large signals: the maximum undistorted frequency is fmax = SR/(2πVpeak).

Common-Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR)

CMRR quantifies the op-amp's ability to reject input common-mode signals. A finite CMRR introduces gain error:

$$ \Delta G = \frac{1}{CMRR} \left(1 + \frac{R_2}{R_1}\right) $$

For CMRR = 80 dB (104) and R2/R1 = 100, the error is 0.01%. This becomes critical in instrumentation amplifiers handling small differential signals.

Output Impedance and Load Effects

Non-zero output impedance (Zout) interacts with the load RL, reducing the effective gain:

$$ G_{loaded} = G_{ideal} \left(\frac{R_L}{R_L + Z_{out}}\right) $$

Feedback lowers the effective output impedance to Zout,closed-loopZout/(1 + AOLβ), where β = R1/(R1 + R2). For AOL = 105 and β = 0.01, Zout,closed-loop ≈ 0.1 Ω.

3.3 Stability and Frequency Response

The stability of an inverting operational amplifier is governed by its open-loop gain, phase margin, and the feedback network. A poorly compensated amplifier may exhibit peaking, ringing, or even oscillation due to excessive phase lag at high frequencies. The frequency response is determined by the dominant pole introduced by the internal compensation capacitor and the feedback factor β.

Phase Margin and Stability Criterion

For stability, the phase margin (PM) must exceed 45°, preferably 60° or more. The phase margin is defined as:

$$ \text{PM} = 180° - \left| \angle A_{OL}(f_u) \beta \right| $$

where AOL is the open-loop gain, fu is the unity-gain frequency, and β = R1 / (R1 + Rf) is the feedback factor. If the phase shift approaches 180° at the frequency where |AOLβ| = 1, the system becomes unstable.

Frequency Response Derivation

The closed-loop bandwidth fCL of an inverting amplifier is derived from the gain-bandwidth product (GBW):

$$ f_{CL} = \frac{\text{GBW}}{1 + \frac{R_f}{R_1}} $$

This assumes a single-pole rolloff in the open-loop response. The transfer function of the inverting amplifier, including finite op-amp gain A(s), is:

$$ \frac{V_{out}(s)}{V_{in}(s)} = -\frac{R_f}{R_1} \cdot \frac{1}{1 + \frac{1 + R_f / R_1}{A(s)}} $$

For a dominant pole at fp, A(s) = A_0 / (1 + s / (2π f_p)), leading to a second-order response when feedback is applied.

Compensation Techniques

To ensure stability, compensation methods include:

Real-World Considerations

Parasitic capacitances (e.g., PCB traces, op-amp input capacitance) introduce additional poles. For high-speed designs, the Rf || Cf network can create unintentional phase shifts. A small capacitor Cf across Rf is often added to mitigate this:

$$ C_f = \frac{1}{2π R_f f_u} $$

This ensures the zero introduced by RfCf cancels the pole from the op-amp’s input capacitance.

Inverting Op-Amp Stability Analysis A combined Bode plot and schematic diagram illustrating stability analysis of an inverting operational amplifier, including gain/phase response and compensation components. Frequency (Hz) 10 100 1k 10k 100k 100dB 0dB -100dB Gain (dB) -90° -180° Phase A_OL A_OLβ f_u GBW PM - + Out R_f C_f V_in Dominant Pole Inverting Op-Amp Stability Analysis
Diagram Description: The section discusses phase margin, frequency response, and compensation techniques, which are highly visual concepts involving gain/phase plots and pole-zero relationships.

4. Signal Inversion and Amplification

4.1 Signal Inversion and Amplification

The inverting operational amplifier configuration achieves both phase inversion and precise voltage gain through negative feedback. The fundamental circuit consists of an op-amp with its non-inverting input grounded, while the input signal is applied through resistor R1 to the inverting terminal, which is also connected to the output through feedback resistor Rf.

Mathematical Derivation of Gain

Applying Kirchhoff's current law at the inverting input node (virtual ground) yields:

$$ \frac{V_{in} - 0}{R_1} = \frac{0 - V_{out}}{R_f} $$

Rearranging this relationship gives the closed-loop voltage gain Av:

$$ A_v = \frac{V_{out}}{V_{in}} = -\frac{R_f}{R_1} $$

The negative sign confirms the signal inversion, while the gain magnitude is determined solely by the resistor ratio. This holds true under ideal op-amp assumptions:

Practical Considerations

In real implementations, several non-ideal effects must be considered:

Bandwidth Limitations

The gain-bandwidth product (GBW) of practical op-amps imposes an upper frequency limit where the closed-loop gain remains valid. The -3dB cutoff frequency fc is given by:

$$ f_c = \frac{GBW}{|A_v|} $$

Input Bias Currents

Non-zero input bias currents create voltage offsets when flowing through the feedback network. A compensating resistor Rcomp = R1||Rf placed in series with the non-inverting input minimizes this effect.

Advanced Compensation Techniques

For high-precision applications, additional measures may be implemented:

Applications in Signal Processing

The inverting configuration finds extensive use in:

Op-Amp Vout Vin R1 Rf

4.2 Summing Amplifier Configuration

The summing amplifier, a fundamental application of the inverting operational amplifier (op-amp), allows the weighted addition of multiple input signals. Its output is a linear combination of the inputs, scaled by the respective feedback and input resistor ratios. This configuration is widely used in analog signal processing, audio mixing, and digital-to-analog conversion.

Circuit Analysis and Derivation

Consider an inverting op-amp with N input voltages V1, V2, ..., VN, each connected through resistors R1, R2, ..., RN to the inverting terminal. The non-inverting terminal is grounded, and a feedback resistor Rf connects the output to the inverting input. Applying Kirchhoff’s current law (KCL) at the inverting node (virtual ground):

$$ I_1 + I_2 + \dots + I_N = I_f $$

Expressing currents in terms of voltages and resistances:

$$ \frac{V_1}{R_1} + \frac{V_2}{R_2} + \dots + \frac{V_N}{R_N} = -\frac{V_{out}}{R_f} $$

Solving for Vout:

$$ V_{out} = -R_f \left( \frac{V_1}{R_1} + \frac{V_2}{R_2} + \dots + \frac{V_N}{R_N} \right) $$

Each input contributes to the output with a gain factor -Rf/Ri, enabling independent scaling of each signal.

Special Case: Equal Weighting

If all input resistors are equal (R1 = R2 = ... = RN = R), the output simplifies to:

$$ V_{out} = -\frac{R_f}{R} \left( V_1 + V_2 + \dots + V_N \right) $$

This is particularly useful in audio mixers and averaging circuits, where uniform signal combination is required.

Practical Considerations

Applications

The summing amplifier is employed in:

V₁ V₂ Vₙ R₁ R₂ Rₙ R_f V_out

Integrator and Differentiator Circuits

Integrator Circuit

The inverting operational amplifier can be configured as an integrator by replacing the feedback resistor with a capacitor. This circuit performs time-domain integration of the input signal, producing an output voltage proportional to the integral of the input voltage. The transfer function is derived from the basic op-amp rules and capacitor behavior.

$$ V_{out}(t) = -\frac{1}{RC} \int_{0}^{t} V_{in}(\tau) \, d\tau + V_{initial} $$

Where R is the input resistor, C is the feedback capacitor, and Vinitial represents the initial voltage across the capacitor. The negative sign indicates phase inversion. Practical integrators require a reset mechanism (e.g., a parallel resistor or switch) to prevent DC drift due to input bias currents.

Applications include waveform generation (triangular waves from square waves), analog computing, and signal processing (e.g., phase shifters in control systems).

Differentiator Circuit

Conversely, swapping the resistor and capacitor in the feedback network yields a differentiator. The output voltage is proportional to the time derivative of the input signal:

$$ V_{out}(t) = -RC \frac{dV_{in}(t)}{dt} $$

This circuit amplifies high-frequency noise due to its inherent gain roll-up with frequency. To mitigate this, a small resistor is often added in series with the feedback capacitor to limit high-frequency gain. Differentiators find use in edge detection, rate-of-change measurement, and PID controllers.

Stability and Practical Considerations

Both circuits face stability challenges:

SPICE simulations or breadboard prototyping are recommended to validate component values before deployment in critical systems.

Frequency Response Analysis

The frequency-domain behavior of these circuits is analyzed using Laplace transforms. For the integrator:

$$ H(s) = -\frac{1}{sRC} $$

Exhibiting a -20 dB/decade slope and 90° phase lag. The differentiator’s transfer function:

$$ H(s) = -sRC $$

Shows a +20 dB/decade gain rise and 90° phase lead. Bode plots reveal their suitability for specific frequency ranges.

Op-Amp Integrator and Differentiator Circuits Side-by-side comparison of op-amp integrator (left) and differentiator (right) circuits with corresponding input/output voltage waveforms. Vin R C Vout Integrator Vin C R Vout Differentiator Vin (Square) Vout (Triangular) Vin (Triangular) Vout (Pulse)
Diagram Description: The section describes circuit configurations (integrator/differentiator) and their time-domain/frequency-domain behaviors, which are inherently visual concepts.

5. Recommended Textbooks on Operational Amplifiers

5.1 Recommended Textbooks on Operational Amplifiers

5.2 Online Resources and Tutorials

5.3 Datasheets and Application Notes