Op Amp Examples: A Comprehensive Guide
Operational amplifiers, or op amps, are versatile electronic devices that have found their way into countless applications across various fields. Whether you’re a hobbyist, an engineer, or simply curious about electronics, understanding how op amps work and their various applications can be incredibly beneficial. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the most common op amp examples, exploring their functionalities and the roles they play in different circuits.
Basic Op-Amp Configuration: Inverting Amplifier
The inverting amplifier is one of the most fundamental configurations of an op amp. As the name suggests, it inverts the input signal while amplifying it. This configuration is achieved by connecting the input signal to the inverting input terminal (-) of the op amp and grounding the non-inverting input terminal (+). The output is taken from the output terminal of the op amp.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Op Amp | Operational Amplifier |
| Input Signal | Signal to be amplified |
| Feedback Resistor (Rf) | Connected between output and inverting input |
| Input Resistor (Ri) | Connected between input signal and inverting input |
The gain of the inverting amplifier is determined by the ratio of the feedback resistor (Rf) to the input resistor (Ri). The formula for gain is given by:
Gain = -Rf / Ri
Non-Inverting Amplifier
The non-inverting amplifier is another popular configuration of an op amp. Unlike the inverting amplifier, the non-inverting amplifier does not invert the input signal. Instead, it amplifies the input signal while maintaining its phase. This configuration is achieved by connecting the input signal to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of the op amp and grounding the inverting input terminal (-). The output is taken from the output terminal of the op amp.
The gain of the non-inverting amplifier is determined by the ratio of the feedback resistor (Rf) to the input resistor (Ri). The formula for gain is given by:
Gain = 1 + (Rf / Ri)
Op-Amp as a Summing Amplifier
The summing amplifier is a versatile configuration that allows multiple input signals to be summed and amplified simultaneously. This configuration is achieved by connecting the input signals to the inverting input terminal (-) of the op amp and connecting the feedback resistor (Rf) to the output terminal of the op amp. The output is taken from the output terminal of the op amp.
The gain of the summing amplifier is determined by the ratio of the feedback resistor (Rf) to the input resistors (Ri1, Ri2, etc.). The formula for gain is given by:
Gain = -Rf / (Ri1 + Ri2 + … + Rin)
Op-Amp as a Differentiator
The differentiator is a configuration that produces an output signal that is proportional to the rate of change of the input signal. This configuration is achieved by connecting the input signal to the inverting input terminal (-) of the op amp and connecting the feedback resistor (Rf) to the output terminal of the op amp. The output is taken from the output terminal of the op amp.
The gain of the differentiator is determined by the ratio of the feedback resistor (Rf) to the input resistor (Ri). The formula for gain is given by:
Gain = -1 / (Rf Ri C)
where C is the capacitance connected in parallel with the input resistor (Ri).
Op-Amp as an Integrator
The integrator is a configuration that produces an output signal that is proportional to the integral of the input signal. This configuration is achieved by connecting the input signal to the inverting input terminal (-) of the op amp and connecting the feedback resistor (Rf) to the output terminal of the op amp. The output is taken from the output terminal of the op amp.
The gain of the integrator is determined by the ratio of the feedback resistor (Rf) to the input resistor
