Operational Amplifiers (Op-amps)
Dale R. Patrick, Stephen W. Fardo, Ray E. Richardson, Vigyan Chandra · River Publishers eBooks · 2023
The amplifier circuits are directly coupled and contain several transistor devices. Opamps are faster, cheaper, and easier to work with than discrete component circuits. However, power-handling capability is still a consideration. The schematic symbol of an op-amp is generally displayed as a triangle symbol. The fundamental operation of an op-amp is based on a unique circuit known as a differential amplifier. The intermediate amplifier stage of an op-amp follows the input differential amplifier stage and feeds the output stage. Operational amplifiers have several important characteristics. The manufacturer of the device supplies data sheets that identify the pin-out and operating data. Signals applied to an op-amp are applied to one input or with opposite polarities on both input lines. Op-amps are very versatile devices with stable operating characteristics over a wide range of temperature, frequency, input supply voltage, and output load demands.