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Introduction to Operational Amplifiers

Comparators

Last modified by Microchip on 2026/01/09 08:12
   Open Loop Configuration  Part 3 - Op-Amp Responses   

Op-amps are normally not used in an open-loop configuration except when being used as comparators and/or oscillators due to their extremely high open-loop gain. When used as a comparator, an op-amp compares two voltages or currents and switches its outputs to indicate which is larger.

A standard op-amp used as a comparator is shown in Figure 1.

Comparator Configuration

Figure 1: Comparator Configuration

Vout = VDD when V1 > V2
Vout = VSS when V1 < V2

When the non-inverting voltage input (V+) is higher than the inverting input (V-), the high gain of the op-amp causes it to output the most positive voltage it can possibly be (positive rail). When the non-inverting input (V+ ) drops below the inverting input (V- ), the op-amp outputs the most negative voltage it can possibly be (negative rail).