Important Document
Important Document
APPLICATIONS OF OPERATIONAL
AMPLIFIERS
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1. Purpose of the exercise
The purpose of this exercise is to present some selected applications of operational amplifiers
commonly used in modern electronic analog systems.
Operational amplifiers (op-amp) are now used in all modern electronic systems. The rapid increase
of the interest of operational amplifiers has occurred after the introduction in the 1970s to mass
production, monolithic integrated circuits with very good properties and low price.
The variety of functions implemented using modern operational amplifiers is, practically speaking,
unlimited. In addition to the typical functions for the operation of the operational amplifier in analog
computers (basic arithmetic operations and logarithm, integrating and differentiating), are other uses of
this system should be mentioned, e.g.:
voltage limiters,
comparator systems,
linear rectifiers
analog to digital and digital to analog converters,
generators of rectangular, triangular and sinusoidal waveforms,
active filters.
Terminal IN1 labeled "-" is inverting input, because the output signal is reversed in phase by 180
relative to the applied signal.
Terminal IN2 labeled "+" is noninverting input, because the output signal is in phase with the applied
input signal.
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The operational amplifier may operate in unbalanced input system if the input signal is supplied to
one of the two inputs IN1 or IN2 (the signal is connected between the input terminal and the ground at
the second terminal is attached to ground). In the system with symmetrical input, the input signal is
supplied between inputs IN1 and IN2 of the amplifier. This signal is called a differential signal. The
output voltage is proportional to the value of the differential signal, which is the equal to the difference
of input voltages according to the dependence:
Where:
UIN1, uIN2 - input voltages,
UOUT - output voltage,
UD - differential input voltage,
AU - voltage gain of the amplifier with open feedback loop (differential gain).
Important feature of the operational amplifier (op-amp) is that the output signal should be equal to
zero when both inputs have identical signals relative to the ground. The same signal given on both
inputs is called a common signal. Op-amps suppresses the common signal.
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In this characteristic three ranges of op-amp operation may be identified: linear operation range and two
saturation ranges. For linear operation, the output voltage is defined by the formula:
In range of saturation, the output voltage has a positive or negative saturation voltage value, which is
usually less by 1 to 2 V from the supply voltage. The linearity range of the op-amp without the feedback
is very small. For example, when the op-amp has a saturation voltage of ±10 V and gain AU is
100000 V/V, the linearity of the input voltage is in the range ±0, 1 mV.
When the linearity range is exceeded, the op-amp enters the saturation state. The output voltage of the
op-amp should be zero at difference of the input voltage equal zero (UIN= 0).
In practice, there is a certain voltage in this situation, called an unbalanced output voltage.
In Fig. 2.2. a dashed line corresponds to the transformation characteristic for the case when the
unbalanced output voltage is greater than zero (UIN> 0). Modern op-amp have the possibility of simple
compensation of the unbalance of the output voltage. In practice, this compensation is carried out using
the P potentiometer attached to the specially derived amplifier terminals, as shown in figure. 2.3.
Figure. 2.3. Compensation (balancing, resetting) of the imbalance voltage of the op-amp A 741 (a)
and the arrangement of its terminals (b)
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Tab. 2.1.
where:
DIFFERENTIAL VOLTAGE GAIN. AU - ratio of the output voltage to the differential
input voltage at the open loop,
INPUT DIFFERENTIAL RESISTANCE RID - resistance between the input terminals,
OUTPUT RESISTANCE RO - resistance between the output terminal and
the ground in a balanced amplifier with an
open loop,
LIMIT FREQUENCY fT - the highest frequency at which the
(UNIT AMPLIFICATION BAND) differential gain equals t o the
m a x i m u m g a i n for DC.
From the data presented in the Tab. 2.1 it follows that the ideal parameters of the op-amp are a certain
theoretical limit to which the parameters of the commonly constructed op-amp are approaching.
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Figure 3.1 Inverting amplifier
If AU → ∞ than:
→0
The potential of point "0" is equal to the potential of the noninverting input, so it is close to the potential
of ground. For this reason, "0" is called the "apparent ground".
If RID → ∞ and I-= 0, I+= 0 than:
By selecting the resistance R2 (usually R1= const) you can obtain the required gain.
In the case of R1= R2 , an inverter with a gain of 1 is obtained .
Inverting amplifier input resistance:
Because the resistance R1 has low value the resistance RI has also low value.
In practice, additional resistor with a value equal to the resistance of parallel connection of R1 and R2
is often connected to the input "+" to achieve best compensation of error caused by unbalance voltage.
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3.3. Noninverting amplifier
In the noninverting amplifier system, the input signal is applied to the noninverting input - Fig. 3.2.
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Figure 3.3. Voltage follower
By adopting in the formula for gain of the noninverting amplifier R1=∞ we receive:
The voltage follower has a gain equal to 1 and is characterized by very high input resistance and low
output resistance. For this reason, it is ideal for use as a buffer separating electronic circuits (e.g. in a
memory-sampling system).
In practice, the resistance value R2 must be equal to the resistance of the internal input source.
If the op-amp is ideal (U+ and U- voltage at the inputs of op-amp in relation to the ground):
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The output voltage value is obtained:
In most cases:
In addition, if 1, then .
....
Using different values of resistors R1, R2... RN is obtained different signal amplification for individual
inputs, additionally, performs the function of multiplying the input signals by the corresponding
constants. If R1=R2=... =RN=TF is:
....
In practice, between the input terminal "+" and the ground a resistor is connected with a value equal to
the resistance of parallel connection of resistors R1, R2,..., rn, Rf.
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Fig. 3.6. Integrating amplifier
1
∙
It should be noted that the integrating circuits are working property when the output signal is at a
frequency less than 1/. In Fig. 3.6 A triangular waveform of the output signal is shown, which is the
integral of the rectangular waveform input. The practical system of integrator is usually much more
complex, because it contain additional elements that set the initial working conditions (containing
capacitor C) and compensate errors.
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In Fig. 3.7 a rectangular waveform of the signal is shown, which is derived from the input triangle
waveform. A properly selected R1 resistor switch on to the circuit improves the stability of the amplifier.
For the same reason, there is also necessity to include an additional capacitor in the loop circuit (parallel
to the R2 resistor).
D1 and D2 diodes are cut off if the output voltage of the op-amp is < |0, 7 V|, the gain of the system is
determined by the differential gain of op-amp (open loop).
Closing the loop occurs when the output voltage of op-amp> |0, 7 V|.
The cut-off zone of the diodes D1 and D2 corresponds to a very low range of the input voltage (with op-
amp for which AU= 100 000 V/V the range of non rectified input voltages at which the diodes are cut
off is 0,7 V: 100 000 V/V = ±6 V). This small range of non rectified input voltages practically has no
effect on the accuracy of AC voltage processing in to DC voltage. For positive input voltages > + 6 V
diode D2 leads, so the D1 diode is cut off. The voltage UOUT is equal to zero. The D2 diode is used to
protect the op-amp before it enters saturation.
When the negative voltages are input <-6 V, the D1 diode leads and the D2 diode is cut off. The output
voltage of the system is equal:
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In case R1= R2 , the gain of the system equals - 1 and the negative half of the input voltage is repeated
at the output as positive.
The system occurs the bilateral limit of the input waveform to the value (Uz+ UF),with the Zener voltage
of the D1 or D2 diodes, and UF -their voltage in the direction of conduction. In the range of voltages in
which the D1 and D2 diodes do not lead and none of them work in the Zener area, the system acts as a
reinverting amplifier:
4.3. Comparator
The function of the comparator system is to comparing the analog input of the UIN with the reference
signal Uo. On the output of the system, a comparison is obtained in the form of a two-state logical signal
indicating the difference between the input signal and the transmission signal. The comparator system
is therefore an elementary single bit - analog-to-digital converter and is the intermediate link between
analog and digital circuits.
Comparators distinguish between threshold discriminators (Reference voltage U0 ≠ 0) or with Zero-
pass detectors (U0= 0). In Fig. 4.3 a differential threshold discriminator system is presented.
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Figure 4.3. Comparator (threshold discriminator)
The output voltage in this system is equal to the Zener voltage UZ if UIN < Uo or voltage UF Zener diode
polarized in the direction of conduction (about -0,7 V) if the UIN> U0.
To reduce the error caused by unbalance voltage, select R1= R2.
Resistor R3 is used to limit the current of Zener diodes D. By selecting the Zener diode, the output
voltage levels appropriate for the cooperation with the logic gates of different types are determined.
A fairly high voltage can occur between the op-amp inputs due to the difference in input and reference
voltages. This fact must be taken into account for the type of amplifier with an appropriately high
permissible input differential voltage.
Given in Fig. 4.3 the threshold discriminator system can also operate as a Zero pass detector if the R2
resistor is attached to the ground (U0= 0).
The input signal changes state each time the value of the analog inputs exceeds the zero level.
The zero-pass detectors are widely used in various systems for testing and processing analog signals.
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The voltage obtained at the output is limited by Zener diodes D1 and D2. The Elements R2 and C form
an integral system that determines the frequency of the generator. The frequency adjustment is best done
by changing the value of resistor R2.
The Zener D1 and D2 diodes limit and stabilize the amplitude of oscillation. The RC elements of the
Wiena bridge are placed in the positive loop. These elements determine the frequency of the generator.
4.6.1. Introduction
Filters built with the use of the op-amps are called active filters.
The active filter is a group of passive RC components and active elements, most often operational
amplifiers. The properties of amplifiers, including filters, describe frequency characteristics. The
primary is the amplitude characteristic, which determines the dependence of the amplification module
on the frequency. The two frequency values at which the gain decreases to the specified value are called
boundary frequencies: lower fL and upper fH , and they denote the frequency response . In amplifiers as
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typical assumed a reduction in the gain to the value 0,707 of what the logarithmic scale corresponds
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to 3dB.
The task of passband filters is to transform signals of frequencies lying in the transformation band,
and suppress signals with frequency lying outside in this band.
Band-stop filters fulfill the inverse function, suppress the signals of the frequencies lying in the band-
stop, and transmit all other signals with frequencies lying out of the band-stop.
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Active filters, compared with the passive filters RLC have many advantages, eg. high stability of
operation, accuracy, ease of frequency tunability, lack of attenuation of the signal and even the
possibility of its amplification, elimination of inductance elements (L) costly and uncomfortable due to
large dimensions. RC active filters can operate in a wide range of frequencies - from the thousandths of
parts hertz to tens, and even to several hundred kilohertz. The upper frequency of the filter operation is
the deliberately and the transmission of the op-amp band.
The frequency at which maximum signal attenuation occurs is the central (or zero) frequency of f0.
For the filter presented in Fig. 4.6:
1
; 1
2
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Figure. 4.7. Low-pass filter
In this filter:
1
; 1
2
1
; 1
2
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4.6.5. Bandpass filter
The pass (central-pass) filters are mainly used in cases where one frequency signal or a narrow
frequency band should be removed, the accompanying noise or interference with frequencies that are
similar to the frequency of the signal.
The bandpass filter is shown in Fig. 4.9.
In this filter:
1
; 1
2
2
5. Laboratory studies
All circuits from the op-amp are prepared in the form of a combined device. All attachments,
adjustments and measurements are made using the buttons, knobs and voltmeters mounted on the front
of the device. The only elements attached to the outside are oscilloscopes and a generator.
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5.2. Inverting amplifier
System tested is presented in Fig. 3.1.
A. Attach voltage UIN with " +" or "-" polarization. Attach the voltmeter to the outputs terminals and
supply UIN measure the UOUT value for individual amplifier gains. Note the results in the table. Based
on the results of the measurements, determine the actual gain of Aufr amplifier (as the average of the
measurements).
Based on the characteristics, determine the voltage of the UOUT at which the amplifier reach the
saturation
+ UOUTsat=.....
- UOUTsat=.....
UIN V 2 4 6 8 10
UOUT V
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5.5 Differential amplifier
System tested is presented in Fig 3.4.
Check the operation of the amplifier by dealing different voltage values UIN1 and UIN2 and measuring
UOUT. Compare one of the results obtained with the value obtained as a result of the calculation according
to the theoretical relationship describing the amplifier. Specify Auf layout. Results note in the table.
UIN1 V +5 +5 -5 +5
UIN2 V + 2 -2 +2 +5
UOUT V
UIN1 V +5 +5 -5 +5
UIN2 V + 2 -2 +2 +5
UOUT V
| Auf| =……………
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5.10 Voltage limiter
System tested is presented in Fig 4.2.
Attach voltage UIN. Attach the voltmeter to the terminals of the OUT. When adjusting the UIN of the two
polarizations "+" and "-", measure the characteristics of UOUT= f (UIN) of the system. Specify Auf of the
system. Note the results in the table.
UIN V -2.0 -1.0 -0.5 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 + 0.1 + 0.2 + 0.3 + 0.5 + 1.0 + 2.0
UOUT V
Auf =....
On the basis of the characteristics determine the values of Zener voltages UZ1, UZ2 diodes D1 and D2.
Assume that the voltage drop on the conductive diode is UF1= UF2= 0,7 V.
UZ1=....
UZ2=....
5.11. Comparator
System tested is presented in Fig 4.3.
Attach voltage UIN. Attach the reference voltage U0. Attach the voltmeter to the terminals of the OUT.
Set the reference voltage value (e.g. Uo= + 2v). Adjust UIN voltage in the range: UIN< U0... UIN= U0...
UIN> U0 by measuring the UOUT voltage.
Measure the voltage in UIN at which the state of the output is changed -thus defining the characteristics
of the UOUT= f (UIN) of the system. On the basis of the characteristics determine the value of the Zener
UZ diode D and its voltage in the direction of conduction UF.
U0= + 2v
UIN V -1.0 0 + 1.0 + 1.9 + 2.0 + 2.1 + 3.0 + 4.0 UZ=....
UOUT V UF=....
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5.14 Band-stop filter
System tested is presented in Fig 4.6.
Attach the generator to the IN terminals. Set the sine waveform witch the amplitude UINmax= 1 V.
Adjust the input voltage frequency. Measure the amplitude of the output voltage UOUTmax. The
measurements are performed using an oscilloscope - thus determining the frequency characteristics of
the transformation of the filter - . Note the results in the table.
UINmax= 1 V
f kHz 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1
UOUTmax V
On the basis of the characteristics specify |Auf| of the system, the central frequency f0, the lower
frequency fL, the upper frequency fH , and the bandwidth f.
|Auf| = ....
f0 =....
fL =....
fH =....
f =....
UINmax= 1 V
f kHz 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
UOUTmax V
On the basis of the characteristics specify |Auf| The system and the upper frequency fH.
|Auf| = ....
fH =....
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5.16 High-pass filter
System tested is presented in Fig 4.8.
Perform steps as in P. 5.14. Designate the filter transformation characteristics - . The
results of the measurements are in the table.
UINmax= 1 V
f kHz 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
UOUTmax
V
On the basis of the characteristics specify |Auf| The system and the lower frequency fL.
|Auf| = ....
FL =....
UINmax= 1 V
f kHz 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1
UOUTmax V
On the basis of the characteristics specify |Auf| The system, the centre frequency f0, the lower frequency
fL, the upper frequency fH and the f bandwidth.
|Auf| =. ...
f0 =....
fL =....
fH =....
f =....
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Literature
1. Nadachowski N., Kulka Z.: Analog integrated circuits. Warsaw, WKiŁ 1979
2. Kulka Z., Nadachowski M.: Operational amplifiers and their application Part 2 practical realizations.
Warsaw, WNT 1982.
3. Sonta S., Kotlewski H.: Linear integrated circuits and their use. Warsaw, WNT 1977.
4. Rusek M., Ćwirko R., Marciniak W.: A guide to electronics. Warsaw, WNT 1986.
5. Horowitz P., Hill W.: The Art of electronics, part. 1 and 2. Warsaw WKiŁ 1996.
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