UNIT-II
CHARACTERISTICS OF OP-AMP
An operational amplifier is a direct coupled high gain amplifier consisting of one or more
differential amplifiers, followed by a level translator and an output stage.
It is a versatile device that can be used to amplify ac as well as dc input signals & designed
for computing mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction ,multiplication,
integration & differentiation.
Op-amp symbol
Ideal characteristics of OPAMP
1. Open loop gain infinite2. Input impedance infinite
3. Output impedance low
4. Bandwidth infinite
5. Zero offset, ie, Vo=0 when V1=V2=0
Inverting Op-Amp
Vout = -Vin(Rf/Ri)
Voltage follower
Vout = Vin
DC characteristics
Input offset current
The difference between the bias currents at the input terminals of the op- amp is called as inputoffset current. The input terminals conduct a small value of dc current to bias the input transistors.
Since the input transistors cannot be made identical, there exists a difference in bias currents
Input offset voltage
A small voltage applied to the input terminals to make the output voltage as zero when thetwo input terminals are grounded is called input offset voltage
Input bias current
Input bias current IB as the average value of the base currents entering into terminal ofan op-amp
IB=IB(+) + IB(-)
AC characteristics
Frequency Response
HIGH FREQUENCY MODEL OF OP-AMP
• Frequency compensation is needed when large bandwidth and lower closed loop gain is
desired.
• Compensating networks are used to control the phase shift and hence to improve the stability
Frequency compensation methods
• Dominant- pole compensation
• Pole- zero compensation
Slew Rate
• The slew rate is defined as the maximum rate of change of output voltage caused by a step
input voltage.
• An ideal slew rate is infinite which means that op-amp’s output voltage should change
instantaneously in response to input step voltage.






