Operational Amplifiers Summary
1. Definition and Key Characteristics
Definition and Key Characteristics
An operational amplifier (op-amp) is a high-gain voltage amplifier with differential inputs and, typically, a single-ended output. Its behavior is defined by the following key characteristics:
Ideal Op-Amp Properties
- Infinite open-loop gain (AOL): Theoretically amplifies any input difference without limit.
- Infinite input impedance: Draws no current at the input terminals.
- Zero output impedance: Delivers full output voltage regardless of load.
- Infinite bandwidth: No frequency-dependent gain roll-off.
- Zero offset voltage: Output is exactly zero when inputs are equal.
Real-World Deviations
Practical op-amps exhibit non-ideal behaviors quantified by these parameters:
Critical Non-Ideal Characteristics
- Gain-Bandwidth Product (GBW): Frequency at which open-loop gain drops to unity. For a 1 MHz GBW op-amp:
$$ A_{CL} \times f_{3dB} = \text{GBW} $$
- Slew Rate: Maximum output voltage change rate (V/µs). Limits large-signal response:
$$ \text{SR} = \frac{dV_{out}}{dt} $$
- Common-Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR): Ability to reject input noise:
$$ \text{CMRR} = 20 \log_{10}\left(\frac{A_{DM}}{A_{CM}}\right) $$
Symbol and Terminal Functions
The standard op-amp symbol includes:
- Non-inverting input (+): Output phase matches this input.
- Inverting input (−): Output phase is inverted relative to this input.
- Power rails (V+, V−): Typically ±15V for general-purpose devices.
Historical Context
The first monolithic op-amp (μA741, 1968) established the standard architecture still used today. Modern variants optimize for:
- Low noise (e.g., OP27)
- High speed (e.g., THS3491)
- Rail-to-rail operation (e.g., LTC6258)
1.2 Ideal vs. Real Operational Amplifiers
Ideal Operational Amplifier Assumptions
An ideal operational amplifier is a theoretical construct with the following characteristics:
- Infinite open-loop gain (AOL → ∞): The output voltage can swing to any value required to enforce virtual short-circuit conditions at the inputs.
- Infinite input impedance (Zin → ∞): No current flows into the input terminals, ensuring no loading effects on the source.
- Zero output impedance (Zout → 0): The amplifier can drive any load without signal attenuation.
- Infinite bandwidth (BW → ∞): No frequency-dependent roll-off in gain.
- Zero input offset voltage (VOS = 0): The output is precisely zero when both inputs are at the same potential.
- No noise or distortion: The output is a perfect linear amplification of the input.
These assumptions simplify circuit analysis, allowing the use of two fundamental rules:
Real Operational Amplifier Deviations
In practice, real op-amps exhibit non-ideal behaviors that must be accounted for in precision designs:
Finite Open-Loop Gain and Bandwidth
A real op-amp has a finite open-loop gain (typically 105 to 106 at DC) that rolls off with frequency due to dominant-pole compensation. The gain-bandwidth product (GBW) is a key figure of merit:
where fc is the corner frequency. For example, an op-amp with GBW = 1 MHz exhibits a gain of 10 at 100 kHz.
Input Offset Voltage and Bias Currents
Mismatches in the input stage transistors cause a DC offset voltage (VOS), typically ranging from µV to mV. Input bias currents (IB+, IB-) also introduce errors, especially in high-impedance circuits:
where Requiv is the Thévenin equivalent resistance seen by the inputs.
Non-Zero Output Impedance
Real op-amps have output resistances (typically 10–100 Ω), causing voltage drops under load. The effective output impedance increases with frequency due to internal compensation:
Slew Rate and Dynamic Limitations
The slew rate (SR) defines the maximum rate of output voltage change, often limiting large-signal response:
For a sinusoidal signal of amplitude Vp and frequency f, the full-power bandwidth is:
Practical Implications
Designers must mitigate non-idealities through techniques such as:
- Offset nulling: Trimming potentiometers or digital calibration to cancel VOS.
- Frequency compensation: External capacitors or feedback networks to stabilize high-gain circuits.
- Current cancellation: Matching input impedances to minimize bias-current-induced offsets.
- Thermal management: Drift in parameters like VOS with temperature can exceed datasheet limits in extreme environments.
Modern precision op-amps (e.g., ADA4522, OPA2188) achieve near-ideal performance with VOS < 1 µV and drift < 0.01 µV/°C, but trade-offs in bandwidth, noise, and power dissipation persist.
1.3 Basic Operational Amplifier Configurations
Inverting Amplifier
The inverting amplifier configuration produces an output that is 180° out of phase with the input. The input signal is applied to the inverting terminal through resistor R1, while feedback resistor Rf connects the output to the inverting input. The non-inverting terminal is grounded.
This configuration provides precise voltage gain control through the resistor ratio. The input impedance is approximately R1, making it suitable for low-impedance sources. Practical applications include audio preamplifiers and signal processing circuits where phase inversion is acceptable.
Non-Inverting Amplifier
The non-inverting amplifier maintains phase coherence between input and output. The input signal connects directly to the non-inverting terminal, while feedback is applied through Rf and R1 to the inverting terminal.
This configuration offers high input impedance, making it ideal for voltage-following applications. The minimum gain is unity (when Rf = 0), commonly implemented as a voltage buffer. Critical applications include impedance matching and sensor signal conditioning.
Differential Amplifier
The differential configuration amplifies the voltage difference between two input signals. Both inverting and non-inverting terminals receive input through matched resistor networks R1, R2, R3, and R4.
Common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) depends critically on resistor matching, with precision networks achieving >80 dB rejection. This configuration forms the basis for instrumentation amplifiers used in biomedical equipment and balanced audio systems.
Integrator
Replacing the feedback resistor with a capacitor creates an integrator. The output represents the time integral of the input voltage:
Practical implementations require a parallel feedback resistor to prevent DC drift. Applications include waveform generation, analog computers, and PID control systems. The time constant τ = RC determines the integration rate.
Differentiator
Swapping the input resistor and feedback capacitor yields a differentiator:
This configuration is sensitive to high-frequency noise due to its increasing gain with frequency. A series input resistor is typically added to limit bandwidth. Differentiators find use in edge detection circuits and rate-of-change measurement systems.
Summing Amplifier
The inverting configuration extends to multiple inputs through additional input resistors:
Weighted sums can be achieved by varying resistor ratios. This configuration serves as the foundation for analog computation and audio mixing consoles. The virtual ground ensures minimal crosstalk between input channels.
Precision Rectifier
By incorporating diodes in the feedback path, op-amps can rectify signals with minimal voltage drop:
The active half-wave rectifier overcomes diode forward voltage limitations, enabling accurate processing of small signals. Full-wave configurations use precision op-amp networks to produce absolute value outputs. These circuits are essential in AC measurement systems and demodulators.