Introduction to Operational Amplifiers

Abstract

This self-paced class begins with operational amplifier (op amp) concepts and terminology such as op amp definition, op amp terminals, op amp input modes, op-amp basic ideal characteristics, specifications, feedback configurations, etc. This will help you understand real-world op amps and choose the right op amps for special applications.

Topics

Part 1 - Background, Characteristics, and Fundamental Operations

1. Key Concepts
2. History
3. Ideal Parameters
4. Terminals
5. Input Modes
6. Transfer Characteristics
7. Ideal Parameters Revisited
8. Linearity
9. Specifications
10. DC Specifications Explained
    • Input Voltage Range (V_IN,V_D,V_CM)
    • Output Voltage Swing (V_OH,V_OL)
    • Feedback
    • Open Loop Gain
    • Closed Loop Gain
    • Bandwidth
    • Input Offset Voltage (V_OS)
    • Input Bias and Offset Current
    • Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR)
    • Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR)
    • Power Supply Requirements
    • Output Impedance
    • Input Impedance
11. AC Specifications Explained
    • Bode Plot
    • Gain Bandwidth Product (GBWP)
    • Closed Loop Gain Bandwidth
    • Phase and Gain Margins
    • Slew Rate (SR)
    • Settling Time and Overshoot (t_S)

Part 2 - Basic Op-Amp Configurations

1. Key Concepts
2. Closed Loop Configuration
   • Inverting Amplifiers
   • Non-Inverting Amplifiers
   • Voltage Followers
3. Open Loop Configuration
   • Comparators

Part 3 - Op-Amp Responses

1. Key Concepts
2. Open-Loop Gain Revisited
3. Decibels (dB)
4. Closed Loop Gain Revisited
5. Bandwidth Revisited
6. Stability
7. Phase Margin and Gain Margin
8. Internal and External RC Networks
9. Compensation Network

Part 4 - Basic Op-Amp Circuits: Comparators and Summing Amplifiers

1. Key Concepts
2. Comparators
   • Comparators with Hysteresis (Schmitt Trigger)
3. Inverting Summing Amplifiers
4. Non-Inverting Summing Amplifiers

Part 5 - Basic Op-Amp Circuits: Integrators, Differentiators, and Converters

1. Key Concepts
2. Integrators
3. Differentiators

Part 6 - Active Filters: Low Pass, High Pass, and Band Pass

1. Key Concepts
2. Low Pass Filters
3. High Pass Filters
4. Band Pass Filters
5. Microchip FilterLab® Software
6. Butterworth Filters
7. Chebyshev Filters
8. Bessel Filters
9. Filter Summary
10. Filter Design Example
11. Mindi™ Filter Example

Part 7 - Basic Op-Amp Circuits: Oscillators and Timers

1. Key Concepts
2. Oscillator Basics
3. Feedback Oscillators
4. Phase Shift Oscillators
5. Relaxation Oscillators
6. Square Wave Oscillators

Part 8 - Special Function Amplifiers

1. Key Concepts
2. Instrumentation Amplifiers
3. Instrumentation Amplifier Applications
4. Programmable Gain Amplifiers