Operational Amplifiers

An Op Amp is a high-gain, direct-coupled (d.c. coupled) differential linear amplifier whose

response characteristics are externally controlled by negative feedback from the output to the
input*.

Op Amp can perform mathematical operations such as summing, integration, and

differentiation.

Op Amp are also used as video and audio amplifier, oscillators, and so on, in communication
electronics.
Op Amp is Op Amp is
a differential-input amplifier a single-ended-output amplifier

* The output is fed back to the inverting input terminal.

 Ideal Operational Amplifiers

An ideal Op Amp (open loop gain) is characterized by:

 Infinite input impedance.
 Infinite open loop gain.
 Zero output impedance.
 Zero noise contribution.
 Infinite frequency bandwidth.
 Zero DC offset.
 Output independent of the load.
 Input terminals draw no current.

Equivalent circuit for the ideal Op Amp.

The open loop gain A is very large (approaching infinity).
 Ideal Operational Amplifiers
Open loop. When the gain of a system is unaffected by the output it produces, for example a room heater
without the controlling action of a thermostat, then the system is said to be operating under open-loop
conditions  There is no self-correcting action by a negative feedback path to stabilize and adjust the gain of
the system.

Op Amp symbol showing the dc power supplies, Vcc and VEE.

𝑽 𝑶= 𝑨 𝑽 𝒅
𝑽 𝑶 = 𝑽 𝒅

A is the open-loop gain  Only a small differential input is

required to cause a large output change .
 Ideal Operational Amplifiers

There is essentially one formula we will need to know for solving Op Amp
circuit problems. This formula is the foundation on which everything else rests.

𝑉 𝑜= 𝐴(𝑉 1 −𝑉 2)
 Ideal / Real Operational Amplifiers

Typical Op Amps Parameters

Parameter Variable Typical Ranges Ideal Values
Voltage Gain A 104 - 106 
Input Resistance Ri 106 – 1012  Ω
Output Resistance Ro 10 – 1000  0
Supply Voltage V+/V- 0 to 30 V / -30 to 0 V - / +
Terminal Currents i pA - nA 0A
 Ideal / Real Operational Amplifiers

The terminal characteristics of the ideal Op Amp satisfy six conditions.

1. Infinite input impedance (Ri  ): Input impedance is the ratio of input voltage
to input current. When Ri is infinite, the input current i = 0. High-grade Op Amps can
have input impedance in the TΩ range.

2. Infinite open loop gain: Typical values range from 10000 to 1000000 in real
devices.

3. Zero output impedance: The ideal Op Amp acts as a perfect internal voltage
source with no internal resistance. This internal resistance is in series with the load,
reducing the output. Real Op Amps have output-impedance in the range 10 - 1000 Ω.
 Ideal / Real Operational Amplifiers
4. Zero noise contribution: In the ideal Op Amp, zero noise voltage is produced
internally. This is, any noise at the output must have been at the input as well.
Practical Op Amp are affected by several noise sources, such as resistive and
semiconductor noise. These effects can have considerable effects in low signal-level
applications.

5. Infinite frequency bandwidth : The ideal Op Amp will amplify all signals from
DC to the highest AC frequencies. In real Op Amps, the bandwidth is rather limited.
This limitation is specified by the Gain-Bandwidth product (GB). Some Op Amps,
such as the 741 family, have very limited bandwidth of up to a few KHz.

6. Zero DC offset: The output offset is the output voltage of an amplifier when both
inputs are grounded. The ideal Op Amp has zero output offset, but real Op Amps
have some amount of output offset voltage.