EE101: Op Amp circuits (Part 1)

M. B. Patil
mbpatil@ee.iitb.ac.in

Department of Electrical Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amps: introduction

* The Operational Amplifier (Op Amp) is a versatile building block that can be
used for realizing several electronic circuits.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amps: introduction

* The Operational Amplifier (Op Amp) is a versatile building block that can be
used for realizing several electronic circuits.
* The use of Op Amps frees the user from cumbersome details such as transistor
biasing and coupling capacitors.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amps: introduction

* The Operational Amplifier (Op Amp) is a versatile building block that can be
used for realizing several electronic circuits.
* The use of Op Amps frees the user from cumbersome details such as transistor
biasing and coupling capacitors.
* The characteristics of an Op Amp are nearly ideal → Op Amp circuits can be
expected to perform as per theoretical design in most cases.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amps: introduction

* The Operational Amplifier (Op Amp) is a versatile building block that can be
used for realizing several electronic circuits.
* The use of Op Amps frees the user from cumbersome details such as transistor
biasing and coupling capacitors.
* The characteristics of an Op Amp are nearly ideal → Op Amp circuits can be
expected to perform as per theoretical design in most cases.
* Amplifiers built with Op Amps work with DC input voltages as well → useful in
sensor applications (e.g., temperature, pressure)

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amps: introduction

* The Operational Amplifier (Op Amp) is a versatile building block that can be
used for realizing several electronic circuits.
* The use of Op Amps frees the user from cumbersome details such as transistor
biasing and coupling capacitors.
* The characteristics of an Op Amp are nearly ideal → Op Amp circuits can be
expected to perform as per theoretical design in most cases.
* Amplifiers built with Op Amps work with DC input voltages as well → useful in
sensor applications (e.g., temperature, pressure)
* The user can generally carry out circuit design without a thorough knowledge of
the intricate details (next slide) of an Op Amp. This makes the design process
simple.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amps: introduction

* The Operational Amplifier (Op Amp) is a versatile building block that can be
used for realizing several electronic circuits.
* The use of Op Amps frees the user from cumbersome details such as transistor
biasing and coupling capacitors.
* The characteristics of an Op Amp are nearly ideal → Op Amp circuits can be
expected to perform as per theoretical design in most cases.
* Amplifiers built with Op Amps work with DC input voltages as well → useful in
sensor applications (e.g., temperature, pressure)
* The user can generally carry out circuit design without a thorough knowledge of
the intricate details (next slide) of an Op Amp. This makes the design process
simple.
* However, as Einstein has said, we should “make everything as simple as possible,
but not simpler.” → need to know where the ideal world ends, and the real one
begins.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp 741

Actual circuit Symbol

VCC
Q8 Q13 Q14
Q12 Q9
Q15
R6

+ Q1 Q2 − OUT
Q19 R7 VCC
R5 Q21
CC Q18
Q3 Q4 R10 OUT
−VEE
Q20
Q23
Q7
Q16

Q5 Q6 Q17
Q10
R9 Q22
Q11 R8
R4
R3 Q24
R1 R2
−VEE

offset adjust

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp: equivalent circuit

VCC Ro

Vi Vo Vi Vo
OUT Ri AV Vi AV Vi
−VEE

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp: equivalent circuit

VCC Ro

Vi Vo Vi Vo
OUT Ri AV Vi AV Vi
−VEE

* The external resistances (∼ a few kΩ) are generally much larger than Ro and
much smaller than Ri → we can assume Ri → ∞, Ro → 0 without significantly
affecting the analysis.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp: equivalent circuit

VCC Ro

Vi Vo Vi Vo
OUT Ri AV Vi AV Vi
−VEE

* The external resistances (∼ a few kΩ) are generally much larger than Ro and
much smaller than Ri → we can assume Ri → ∞, Ro → 0 without significantly
affecting the analysis.
* VCC and −VEE (∼ ±5 V to ±15 V ) must be supplied; an Op Amp will not work
without them!

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp: equivalent circuit

VCC Ro

Vi Vo Vi Vo
OUT Ri AV Vi AV Vi
−VEE

* The external resistances (∼ a few kΩ) are generally much larger than Ro and
much smaller than Ri → we can assume Ri → ∞, Ro → 0 without significantly
affecting the analysis.
* VCC and −VEE (∼ ±5 V to ±15 V ) must be supplied; an Op Amp will not work
without them!
In Op Amp circuits, the supply voltages are often not shown explicitly.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp: equivalent circuit

VCC Ro

Vi Vo Vi Vo
OUT Ri AV Vi AV Vi
−VEE

* The external resistances (∼ a few kΩ) are generally much larger than Ro and
much smaller than Ri → we can assume Ri → ∞, Ro → 0 without significantly
affecting the analysis.
* VCC and −VEE (∼ ±5 V to ±15 V ) must be supplied; an Op Amp will not work
without them!
In Op Amp circuits, the supply voltages are often not shown explicitly.

Parameter Ideal Op Amp 741

* AV ∞ 105 (100 dB)

Ri ∞ 2 MΩ
Ro 0 75 Ω

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp: equivalent circuit

VCC Ro

Vi Vo Vi Vo
OUT Ri AV Vi AV Vi
−VEE

saturation linear saturation

10 Vsat 10

saturation
5 5
Vo (V)

Vo (V)
0 0
linear
−5 −5 saturation
slope = AV
−10 −Vsat −10
−0.2 −0.1 0 0.1 0.2 −5 0 5
Vi (mV) Vi (V)

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp: equivalent circuit

VCC Ro

Vi Vo Vi Vo
OUT Ri AV Vi AV Vi
−VEE

saturation linear saturation

10 Vsat 10

saturation
5 5
Vo (V)

Vo (V)
0 0
linear
−5 −5 saturation
slope = AV
−10 −Vsat −10
−0.2 −0.1 0 0.1 0.2 −5 0 5
Vi (mV) Vi (V)

* The output voltage Vo is limited to ±Vsat , where Vsat ∼ 1.5 V less than VCC .

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp: equivalent circuit

VCC Ro

Vi Vo Vi Vo
OUT Ri AV Vi AV Vi
−VEE

saturation linear saturation

10 Vsat 10

saturation
5 5
Vo (V)

Vo (V)
0 0
linear
−5 −5 saturation
slope = AV
−10 −Vsat −10
−0.2 −0.1 0 0.1 0.2 −5 0 5
Vi (mV) Vi (V)

* The output voltage Vo is limited to ±Vsat , where Vsat ∼ 1.5 V less than VCC .
* For −Vsat < Vo < Vsat , Vi = V+ − V− = Vo /AV , which is very small
→ V+ and V− are virtually the same.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits

10 Vsat

VCC saturation
Ro 5

Vo (V)
Vi Vo 0
OUT AV Vi linear
Ri
−VEE −5 saturation

−10 −Vsat
−5 0 5
Vi (V)

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits

10 Vsat

VCC saturation
Ro 5

Vo (V)
Vi Vo 0
OUT AV Vi linear
Ri
−VEE −5 saturation

−10 −Vsat
−5 0 5
Vi (V)

* Broadly, Op Amp circuits can be divided into two categories:

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits

10 Vsat

VCC saturation
Ro 5

Vo (V)
Vi Vo 0
OUT AV Vi linear
Ri
−VEE −5 saturation

−10 −Vsat
−5 0 5
Vi (V)

* Broadly, Op Amp circuits can be divided into two categories:

- Op Amp operating in the linear region

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits

10 Vsat

VCC saturation
Ro 5

Vo (V)
Vi Vo 0
OUT AV Vi linear
Ri
−VEE −5 saturation

−10 −Vsat
−5 0 5
Vi (V)

* Broadly, Op Amp circuits can be divided into two categories:

- Op Amp operating in the linear region
- Op Amp operating in the saturation region

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits

10 Vsat

VCC saturation
Ro 5

Vo (V)
Vi Vo 0
OUT AV Vi linear
Ri
−VEE −5 saturation

−10 −Vsat
−5 0 5
Vi (V)

* Broadly, Op Amp circuits can be divided into two categories:

- Op Amp operating in the linear region
- Op Amp operating in the saturation region
* Whether an Op Amp in a given circuit will operate in linear or saturation region
depends on

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits

10 Vsat

VCC saturation
Ro 5

Vo (V)
Vi Vo 0
OUT AV Vi linear
Ri
−VEE −5 saturation

−10 −Vsat
−5 0 5
Vi (V)

* Broadly, Op Amp circuits can be divided into two categories:

- Op Amp operating in the linear region
- Op Amp operating in the saturation region
* Whether an Op Amp in a given circuit will operate in linear or saturation region
depends on
- input voltage magnitude

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits

10 Vsat

VCC saturation
Ro 5

Vo (V)
Vi Vo 0
OUT AV Vi linear
Ri
−VEE −5 saturation

−10 −Vsat
−5 0 5
Vi (V)

* Broadly, Op Amp circuits can be divided into two categories:

- Op Amp operating in the linear region
- Op Amp operating in the saturation region
* Whether an Op Amp in a given circuit will operate in linear or saturation region
depends on
- input voltage magnitude
- type of feedback (negative or positive)
(We will take a qualitative look at feedback later.)

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

10
iin Vsat
saturation
5
VCC Ro

Vo (V)
0
Vi Vo linear
OUT Ri AV Vi
−5 saturation
−VEE
−10
−Vsat
−5 0 5
Vi (V)

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

10
iin Vsat
saturation
5
VCC Ro

Vo (V)
0
Vi Vo linear
OUT Ri AV Vi
−5 saturation
−VEE
−10
−Vsat
−5 0 5
Vi (V)

In the linear region,

* V+ − V− = Vo /AV , which is very small
→ V+ ≈ V−

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

10
iin Vsat
saturation
5
VCC Ro

Vo (V)
0
Vi Vo linear
OUT Ri AV Vi
−5 saturation
−VEE
−10
−Vsat
−5 0 5
Vi (V)

In the linear region,

* V+ − V− = Vo /AV , which is very small
→ V+ ≈ V−
* Since Ri is typically much larger than other resistances in the circuit,
we can assume Ri → ∞ .
→ iin ≈ 0

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

10
iin Vsat
saturation
5
VCC Ro

Vo (V)
0
Vi Vo linear
OUT Ri AV Vi
−5 saturation
−VEE
−10
−Vsat
−5 0 5
Vi (V)

In the linear region,

* V+ − V− = Vo /AV , which is very small
→ V+ ≈ V−
* Since Ri is typically much larger than other resistances in the circuit,
we can assume Ri → ∞ .
→ iin ≈ 0

These two “golden rules” enable us to understand several Op Amp circuits.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

R2

Vi R1 ii
Vo

RL
Op Amp circuits (linear region)

R2
i1

Vi R1 ii
Vo

RL

Since V+ ≈ V− , V− ≈ 0 V → i1 = (Vi − 0)/R = Vi /R .

(The non-inverting input is at real ground here, and the inverting input is at
virtual ground.)
Op Amp circuits (linear region)

R2
i1

Vi R1 ii
Vo

RL

Since V+ ≈ V− , V− ≈ 0 V → i1 = (Vi − 0)/R = Vi /R .

(The non-inverting input is at real ground here, and the inverting input is at
virtual ground.)
Since ii (current entering the Op Amp) is zero, i1 goes through R2 .
Op Amp circuits (linear region)

R2
i1

Vi R1 ii
Vo

RL

Since V+ ≈ V− , V− ≈ 0 V → i1 = (Vi − 0)/R = Vi /R .

(The non-inverting input is at real ground here, and the inverting input is at
virtual ground.)
Since ii (current entering the Op Amp) is zero, i1 goes through R2 .
Op Amp circuits (linear region)

R2
i1

Vi R1 ii
Vo

RL

Since V+ ≈ V− , V− ≈ 0 V → i1 = (Vi − 0)/R = Vi /R .

(The non-inverting input is at real ground here, and the inverting input is at
virtual ground.)
Since ii (current entering the Op Amp) is zero, i1 goes through R2 .
   
Vi R2
→ Vo = V− − i1 R2 = 0 − R2 = − Vi .
R1 R1
Op Amp circuits (linear region)

R2
i1

Vi R1 ii
Vo

RL

Since V+ ≈ V− , V− ≈ 0 V → i1 = (Vi − 0)/R = Vi /R .

(The non-inverting input is at real ground here, and the inverting input is at
virtual ground.)
Since ii (current entering the Op Amp) is zero, i1 goes through R2 .
   
Vi R2
→ Vo = V− − i1 R2 = 0 − R2 = − Vi .
R1 R1
The circuit is called an “inverting amplifier.”
Op Amp circuits (linear region)

R2
i1

Vi R1 ii
Vo

RL

Since V+ ≈ V− , V− ≈ 0 V → i1 = (Vi − 0)/R = Vi /R .

(The non-inverting input is at real ground here, and the inverting input is at
virtual ground.)
Since ii (current entering the Op Amp) is zero, i1 goes through R2 .
   
Vi R2
→ Vo = V− − i1 R2 = 0 − R2 = − Vi .
R1 R1
The circuit is called an “inverting amplifier.”
Where does the current go?
Op Amp circuits (linear region)

R2 R2
i1 i1

Vi R1 ii Vi R1 ii
Vo Vo

RL RL

Since V+ ≈ V− , V− ≈ 0 V → i1 = (Vi − 0)/R = Vi /R .

(The non-inverting input is at real ground here, and the inverting input is at
virtual ground.)
Since ii (current entering the Op Amp) is zero, i1 goes through R2 .
   
Vi R2
→ Vo = V− − i1 R2 = 0 − R2 = − Vi .
R1 R1
The circuit is called an “inverting amplifier.”
Where does the current go?

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

5
10 k
Vm = 0.5 V
f = 1 kHz R2 Vo

Vi , Vo (Volts)
1k

Vi R1 0
Vo Vi

RL

−5
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
t (msec)

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

5
10 k
Vm = 0.5 V
f = 1 kHz R2 Vo

Vi , Vo (Volts)
1k

Vi R1 0
Vo Vi

RL

−5
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
t (msec)

* The gain of the inverting amplifier is −R2 /R1 . It is called the “closed-loop gain”
(to distinguish it from the “open-loop gain” of the Op Amp which is ∼ 105 ).

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

5
10 k
Vm = 0.5 V
f = 1 kHz R2 Vo

Vi , Vo (Volts)
1k

Vi R1 0
Vo Vi

RL

−5
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
t (msec)

* The gain of the inverting amplifier is −R2 /R1 . It is called the “closed-loop gain”
(to distinguish it from the “open-loop gain” of the Op Amp which is ∼ 105 ).
* The gain can be adjusted simply by changing R1 or R2 !

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

5
10 k
Vm = 0.5 V
f = 1 kHz R2 Vo

Vi , Vo (Volts)
1k

Vi R1 0
Vo Vi

RL

−5
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
t (msec)

* The gain of the inverting amplifier is −R2 /R1 . It is called the “closed-loop gain”
(to distinguish it from the “open-loop gain” of the Op Amp which is ∼ 105 ).
* The gain can be adjusted simply by changing R1 or R2 !
* For the common-emitter amplifier, on the other hand, the gain −gm (RC k RL )
depends on how the BJT is biased (since gm depends on IC ).

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

5
10 k
Vm = 0.5 V
f = 1 kHz R2 Vo

Vi , Vo (Volts)
1k

Vi R1 0
Vo Vi

RL

−5
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
t (msec)

* The gain of the inverting amplifier is −R2 /R1 . It is called the “closed-loop gain”
(to distinguish it from the “open-loop gain” of the Op Amp which is ∼ 105 ).
* The gain can be adjusted simply by changing R1 or R2 !
* For the common-emitter amplifier, on the other hand, the gain −gm (RC k RL )
depends on how the BJT is biased (since gm depends on IC ).

(SEQUEL file: ee101 inv amp 1.sqproj)

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

15
10 k
Vm = 2 V
f = 1 kHz R2 Vo

Vi , Vo (Volts)
1k

Vi R1
0
Vo
Vi

RL

−15
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
t (msec)

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

15
10 k
Vm = 2 V
f = 1 kHz R2 Vo

Vi , Vo (Volts)
1k

Vi R1
0
Vo
Vi

RL

−15
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
t (msec)

* The output voltage is limited to ±Vsat .

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

15
10 k
Vm = 2 V
f = 1 kHz R2 Vo

Vi , Vo (Volts)
1k

Vi R1
0
Vo
Vi

RL

−15
0 0.5 1 1.5 2
t (msec)

* The output voltage is limited to ±Vsat .

* Vsat is ∼ 1.5 V less than the supply voltage VCC .

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

10

Vm = 1 V 10 k Vo (expected)
f = 25 kHz R2
Vo

Vi , Vo (Volts)
1k

Vi R1 0
Vo Vi

RL

−10
0 20 40 60 80
t (µsec)

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

10

Vm = 1 V 10 k Vo (expected)
f = 25 kHz R2
Vo

Vi , Vo (Volts)
1k

Vi R1 0
Vo Vi

RL

−10
0 20 40 60 80
t (µsec)

* If the signal frequency is too high, a practical Op Amp cannot keep up with the
input due to its “slew rate” limitation.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

10

Vm = 1 V 10 k Vo (expected)
f = 25 kHz R2
Vo

Vi , Vo (Volts)
1k

Vi R1 0
Vo Vi

RL

−10
0 20 40 60 80
t (µsec)

* If the signal frequency is too high, a practical Op Amp cannot keep up with the
input due to its “slew rate” limitation.
* The slew rate of an Op Amp is the maximum rate at which the Op Amp output
can rise (or fall).

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

10

Vm = 1 V 10 k Vo (expected)
f = 25 kHz R2
Vo

Vi , Vo (Volts)
1k

Vi R1 0
Vo Vi

RL

−10
0 20 40 60 80
t (µsec)

* If the signal frequency is too high, a practical Op Amp cannot keep up with the
input due to its “slew rate” limitation.
* The slew rate of an Op Amp is the maximum rate at which the Op Amp output
can rise (or fall).
* For the 741, the slew rate is 0.5 V /µsec.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

10

Vm = 1 V 10 k Vo (expected)
f = 25 kHz R2
Vo

Vi , Vo (Volts)
1k

Vi R1 0
Vo Vi

RL

−10
0 20 40 60 80
t (µsec)

* If the signal frequency is too high, a practical Op Amp cannot keep up with the
input due to its “slew rate” limitation.
* The slew rate of an Op Amp is the maximum rate at which the Op Amp output
can rise (or fall).
* For the 741, the slew rate is 0.5 V /µsec.

(SEQUEL file: ee101 inv amp 2.sqproj)

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

R2 R2

Vi R1 Vi R1
Vo Vo

RL RL

Circuit 1 Circuit 2

What if the + (non-inverting) and − (inverting) inputs of the Op Amp are

interchanged?

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

R2 R2

Vi R1 Vi R1
Vo Vo

RL RL

Circuit 1 Circuit 2

What if the + (non-inverting) and − (inverting) inputs of the Op Amp are

interchanged?
R2
Our previous analysis would once again give us Vo = − Vi .
R1

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

R2 R2

Vi R1 Vi R1
Vo Vo

RL RL

Circuit 1 Circuit 2

What if the + (non-inverting) and − (inverting) inputs of the Op Amp are

interchanged?
R2
Our previous analysis would once again give us Vo = − Vi .
R1
However, from Circuit 1 to Circuit 2, the nature of the feedback changes from
negative to positive.
→ Our assumption that the Op Amp is working in the linear region does not hold for
R2
Circuit 2, and Vo = − Vi does not apply any more.
R1

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits: inverting amplifier

R2 R2

Vi R1 Vi R1
Vo Vo

RL RL

Circuit 1 Circuit 2

What if the + (non-inverting) and − (inverting) inputs of the Op Amp are

interchanged?
R2
Our previous analysis would once again give us Vo = − Vi .
R1
However, from Circuit 1 to Circuit 2, the nature of the feedback changes from
negative to positive.
→ Our assumption that the Op Amp is working in the linear region does not hold for
R2
Circuit 2, and Vo = − Vi does not apply any more.
R1
(Circuit 2 is also useful, and we will discuss it later.)

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

R2
i1

R1
Vo
Vi

RL

* V+ ≈ V− = Vi

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

R2
i1

R1
Vo
Vi

RL

* V+ ≈ V− = Vi
→ i1 = (0 − Vi )/R1 = −Vi /R1 .

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

R2
i1

R1
Vo
Vi

RL

* V+ ≈ V− = Vi
→ i1 = (0 − Vi )/R1 = −Vi /R1 .
   
Vi R2
* Vo = V+ − i1 R2 = Vi − − R2 = Vi 1 + .
R1 R1

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

R2
i1

R1
Vo
Vi

RL

* V+ ≈ V− = Vi
→ i1 = (0 − Vi )/R1 = −Vi /R1 .
   
Vi R2
* Vo = V+ − i1 R2 = Vi − − R2 = Vi 1 + .
R1 R1
* This circuit is known as the “non-inverting amplifier.”

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

R2
i1

R1
Vo
Vi

RL

* V+ ≈ V− = Vi
→ i1 = (0 − Vi )/R1 = −Vi /R1 .
   
Vi R2
* Vo = V+ − i1 R2 = Vi − − R2 = Vi 1 + .
R1 R1
* This circuit is known as the “non-inverting amplifier.”
* Again, interchanging + and − changes the nature of the feedback from negative
to positive, and the circuit operation becomes completely different.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Inverting or non-inverting?

i1 R2
R2 Vs
R1 Ro
Vs R1
R Vi Vo RL
Vo = − 2 Vs AV Vi
R1 Ri

RL
Inverting amplifier

R2
R2
R1 Ro
R1 !
R Vi Vo RL
Vs Vo = 1 + 2 Vs AV Vi
R1 Ri

RL Vs
Non−inverting amplifier

* If the sign of the output voltage is not a concern, which configuration should be
preferred?

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Inverting or non-inverting?

i1 R2
R2 Vs
R1 Ro
Vs R1
R Vi Vo RL
Vo = − 2 Vs AV Vi
R1 Ri

RL
Inverting amplifier

R2
R2
R1 Ro
R1 !
R Vi Vo RL
Vs Vo = 1 + 2 Vs AV Vi
R1 Ri

RL Vs
Non−inverting amplifier

* If the sign of the output voltage is not a concern, which configuration should be
preferred?
* For the inverting amplifier, since V− ≈ 0 V , i1 = Vs /R1 → Rin = Vs /i1 = R1 .

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Inverting or non-inverting?

i1 R2
R2 Vs
R1 Ro
Vs R1
R Vi Vo RL
Vo = − 2 Vs AV Vi
R1 Ri

RL
Inverting amplifier

R2
R2
R1 Ro
R1 !
R Vi Vo RL
Vs Vo = 1 + 2 Vs AV Vi
R1 Ri

RL Vs
Non−inverting amplifier

* If the sign of the output voltage is not a concern, which configuration should be
preferred?
* For the inverting amplifier, since V− ≈ 0 V , i1 = Vs /R1 → Rin = Vs /i1 = R1 .
* For the non-inverting amplifier, Rin ∼ Ri of the Op Amp, which is a few MΩ.
→ Non-inverting amplifier is better if a large Rin is required.
M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay
Non-inverting amplifier

R2

R1 Vo
Vo
Vi Vi

RL RL

Consider R1 → ∞ , R2 → 0 .

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Non-inverting amplifier

R2

R1 Vo
Vo
Vi Vi

RL RL

Consider R1 → ∞ , R2 → 0 .
Vo R2
→1+ → 1 , i.e., Vo = Vi .
Vi R1

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Non-inverting amplifier

R2

R1 Vo
Vo
Vi Vi

RL RL

Consider R1 → ∞ , R2 → 0 .
Vo R2
→1+ → 1 , i.e., Vo = Vi .
Vi R1
This circuit is known as unity-gain amplifier/voltage follower/buffer.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Non-inverting amplifier

R2

R1 Vo
Vo
Vi Vi

RL RL

Consider R1 → ∞ , R2 → 0 .
Vo R2
→1+ → 1 , i.e., Vo = Vi .
Vi R1
This circuit is known as unity-gain amplifier/voltage follower/buffer.
What has been achieved?

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Loading effects

Rs Ro

Vs Vi Vo RL
Ri AV Vi

Consider an amplifier of gain AV . We would like to have Vo = AV Vs .

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Loading effects

Rs Ro

Vs Vi Vo RL
Ri AV Vi

Consider an amplifier of gain AV . We would like to have Vo = AV Vs .

However, the actual output voltage is,
RL RL Ri
Vo = × AV Vi = AV × × Vs .
Ro + RL Ro + RL Ri + Rs

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Loading effects

Rs Ro

Vs Vi Vo RL
Ri AV Vi

Consider an amplifier of gain AV . We would like to have Vo = AV Vs .

However, the actual output voltage is,
RL RL Ri
Vo = × AV Vi = AV × × Vs .
Ro + RL Ro + RL Ri + Rs
To obtain the desired Vo , we need Ri → ∞ and Ro → 0 .

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Loading effects

Rs Ro

Vs Vi Vo RL
Ri AV Vi

Consider an amplifier of gain AV . We would like to have Vo = AV Vs .

However, the actual output voltage is,
RL RL Ri
Vo = × AV Vi = AV × × Vs .
Ro + RL Ro + RL Ri + Rs
To obtain the desired Vo , we need Ri → ∞ and Ro → 0 .
The buffer (voltage follower) provides this feature (next slide).

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp buffer

A
Ro
RL
Vi Vo
Vs Vo AV Vi
Ri

RL B
Op Amp R′
Vs

* The current drawn from the source (Vs ) is small (since Ri of the Op Amp is
large) → the buffer has a large input resistance.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp buffer

A
Ro
RL
Vi Vo
Vs Vo AV Vi
Ri

RL B
Op Amp R′
Vs

* The current drawn from the source (Vs ) is small (since Ri of the Op Amp is
large) → the buffer has a large input resistance.
* As we have seen earlier, AV is large → Vi ≈ 0 V → VA = VB = Vs .

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp buffer

A
Ro
RL
Vi Vo
Vs Vo AV Vi
Ri

RL B
Op Amp R′
Vs

* The current drawn from the source (Vs ) is small (since Ri of the Op Amp is
large) → the buffer has a large input resistance.
* As we have seen earlier, AV is large → Vi ≈ 0 V → VA = VB = Vs .
* The resistance seen by RL is R 0 ≈ Ro , which is small → the buffer has a small
output resistance. (To find R 0 , deactivate the input voltage source (Vs )
→ AV Vi = 0 V .)

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp buffer

Vo1 Vo2 Vo
Rs i2 buffer
Ro RL
buffer
i1 load
Vi
Vs AV Vi
Ri
source

amplifier

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp buffer

Vo1 Vo2 Vo
Rs i2 buffer
Ro RL
buffer
i1 load
Vi
Vs AV Vi
Ri
source

amplifier

Since the buffer has a large input resistance, i1 ≈ 0 A,

and V+ (on the source side) = Vs → Vo1 = Vs .

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp buffer

Vo1 Vo2 Vo
Rs i2 buffer
Ro RL
buffer
i1 load
Vi
Vs AV Vi
Ri
source

amplifier

Since the buffer has a large input resistance, i1 ≈ 0 A,

and V+ (on the source side) = Vs → Vo1 = Vs .
Similarly, i2 ≈ 0 A, and Vo2 = AV Vs .

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp buffer

Vo1 Vo2 Vo
Rs i2 buffer
Ro RL
buffer
i1 load
Vi
Vs AV Vi
Ri
source

amplifier

Since the buffer has a large input resistance, i1 ≈ 0 A,

and V+ (on the source side) = Vs → Vo1 = Vs .
Similarly, i2 ≈ 0 A, and Vo2 = AV Vs .
Finally, Vo = Vo2 = AV Vs , as desired, irresepective of RS and RL .

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

Vi3
R 3 i3
Vi2 if
R 2 i2 Rf

Vi1
R 1 i1 i ii Vo

RL

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

Vi3
R 3 i3
Vi2 if
R 2 i2 Rf

Vi1
R 1 i1 i ii Vo

RL

V− ≈ V+ = 0 V → i1 = Vi1 /R1 , i1 = Vi2 /R2 , i1 = Vi3 /R3 .

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

Vi3
R 3 i3
Vi2 if
R 2 i2 Rf

Vi1
R 1 i1 i ii Vo

RL

V− ≈ V+ = 0 V → i1 = Vi1 /R1 , i1 = Vi2 /R2 , i1 = Vi3 /R3 .

 
Vi1 Vi2 Vi3
i = i1 + i2 + i3 = + + .
R1 R2 R3

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

Vi3
R 3 i3
Vi2 if
R 2 i2 Rf

Vi1
R 1 i1 i ii Vo

RL

V− ≈ V+ = 0 V → i1 = Vi1 /R1 , i1 = Vi2 /R2 , i1 = Vi3 /R3 .

 
Vi1 Vi2 Vi3
i = i1 + i2 + i3 = + + .
R1 R2 R3
Because of the large input resistance of the Op Amp, ii ≈ 0 → if = i, which gives,

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

Vi3
R 3 i3
Vi2 if
R 2 i2 Rf

Vi1
R 1 i1 i ii Vo

RL

V− ≈ V+ = 0 V → i1 = Vi1 /R1 , i1 = Vi2 /R2 , i1 = Vi3 /R3 .

 
Vi1 Vi2 Vi3
i = i1 + i2 + i3 = + + .
R1 R2 R3
Because of the large input resistance of the Op Amp, ii ≈ 0 → if = i, which gives,
   
Vi1 Vi2 Vi3 Rf Rf Rf
V o = V − − if Rf = 0 − + + Rf = − Vi1 + Vi2 + Vi3 ,
R1 R2 R3 R1 R2 R3
i.e., Vo is a weighted sum of Vi1 , Vi2 , Vi3 .

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Op Amp circuits (linear region)

Vi3
R 3 i3
Vi2 if
R 2 i2 Rf

Vi1
R 1 i1 i ii Vo

RL

V− ≈ V+ = 0 V → i1 = Vi1 /R1 , i1 = Vi2 /R2 , i1 = Vi3 /R3 .

 
Vi1 Vi2 Vi3
i = i1 + i2 + i3 = + + .
R1 R2 R3
Because of the large input resistance of the Op Amp, ii ≈ 0 → if = i, which gives,
   
Vi1 Vi2 Vi3 Rf Rf Rf
V o = V − − if Rf = 0 − + + Rf = − Vi1 + Vi2 + Vi3 ,
R1 R2 R3 R1 R2 R3
i.e., Vo is a weighted sum of Vi1 , Vi2 , Vi3 .
If R1 = R2 = R3 = R , the circuit acts as a summer, giving
Vo = −K (Vi1 + Vi2 + Vi3 ) with K = Rf /R .

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Summer example

1.2

Vi1

0.6
Vi3 Vi3
R 3 i3
Vi2 if
0
R 2 i2 Rf

Vi1 Vi2
R 1 i1 i ii Vo −0.6

Vo
−1
RL

−2
R1 = R2 = R3 = 1 kΩ
Rf = 2 kΩ
−3
→ Vo = −2 (Vi1 + Vi2 + Vi3 )

0 1 2 3 4
t (msec)

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Summer example

1.2

Vi1

0.6
Vi3 Vi3
R 3 i3
Vi2 if
0
R 2 i2 Rf

Vi1 Vi2
R 1 i1 i ii Vo −0.6

Vo
−1
RL

−2
R1 = R2 = R3 = 1 kΩ
Rf = 2 kΩ
−3
→ Vo = −2 (Vi1 + Vi2 + Vi3 )

0 1 2 3 4
t (msec)

* Note that the summer also works with DC inputs. This is true about the
inverting and non-inverting amplifiers as well.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Summer example

1.2

Vi1

0.6
Vi3 Vi3
R 3 i3
Vi2 if
0
R 2 i2 Rf

Vi1 Vi2
R 1 i1 i ii Vo −0.6

Vo
−1
RL

−2
R1 = R2 = R3 = 1 kΩ
Rf = 2 kΩ
−3
→ Vo = −2 (Vi1 + Vi2 + Vi3 )

0 1 2 3 4
t (msec)

* Note that the summer also works with DC inputs. This is true about the
inverting and non-inverting amplifiers as well.
* Op Amps make life simpler! Think of adding voltages in any other way.

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay

Summer example

1.2

Vi1

0.6
Vi3 Vi3
R 3 i3
Vi2 if
0
R 2 i2 Rf

Vi1 Vi2
R 1 i1 i ii Vo −0.6

Vo
−1
RL

−2
R1 = R2 = R3 = 1 kΩ
Rf = 2 kΩ
−3
→ Vo = −2 (Vi1 + Vi2 + Vi3 )

0 1 2 3 4
t (msec)

* Note that the summer also works with DC inputs. This is true about the
inverting and non-inverting amplifiers as well.
* Op Amps make life simpler! Think of adding voltages in any other way.
(SEQUEL file: ee101 summer.sqproj)

M. B. Patil, IIT Bombay