Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits

BASIC OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIER CIRCUITS

1. NON-INVERTING AMPLIFIER

Vo R Z i nf Z of
AVF (ideal ) = = 1+ F Vi n
Vin RE Iin RB 0A
V Vi n
ZIF (ideal ) = in = ∞ Vo
Iin
V RE 0A RF
ZOF (ideal) = o =0
Io Viu = 0
- + - +
IF IF

For minimum O/P DC offset voltage, make Vi n

RB ≈ RE RF with BJT input op amps.

For FET input op amps, in general, omit RB. If RE

and RF are very large (MΩ), do use RB ≈ RE RF . to
minimise O/P DC offset voltage.

NOTE: The ideal gain is positive therefore the output is in phase with the input which explains why this circuit
is called a non-inverting amplifier. This circuit is also ideal for buffering purposes, that is to isolate the load
from the source since ZIF = ∞ and ZOF = 0 - the source does not supply any current (Iin = 0) while the load
current is supplied by the output of the op amp which has 0Ω ideal output impedance.

Derivation of AVF and ZIF ideal

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
2. INVERTING AMPLIFIER

Vo R Z of
AVF (ideal ) = =− F 0V
Vin RE RB 0A
V
ZIF (ideal ) = in = RE Vo
Iin Z i nf
Vo RE 0A RF
ZOF (ideal) = =0
Io Viu = 0 Vi n
Iin + - Iin + -
For minimum O/P DC offset voltage, make 0V
RB ≈ RE RF with BJT input op amps.

For FET input op amps, in general, omit RB. If RE

and RF are very large (MΩ), do use RB ≈ RE RF . to
minimise O/P DC offset voltage.

NOTE: The gain is negative therefore the output is inverted with respect to the input. The input impedance is
not infinite therefore current is drawn from the source - this is not a buffer as seen with the non-inverting
amplifier.

Derivation of AVF and ZIF ideal

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
3. UNITY-GAIN BUFFER

Vo RINT 0A
AVF (ideal ) = =1
Vin Vi n
Vo
BJT I/P
V
ZIF (ideal ) = in = ∞
Iin 0A
RL

Vo RF
ZOF (ideal) = =0
Io Viu = 0

RINT 0A
For minimum O/P DC offset voltage, make
RF ≈ RINT with BJT input op amps. Vi n
FET I/ P Vo

For FET input op amps, in general, omit RF If RINT is 0A

RL
very large (MΩ), do use RF ≈ RINT . to minimise O/P
DC offset voltage.

NOTE: This circuit is ideal for buffering purposes, that is to isolate the load from the source since ZIF = ∞ and
ZOF = 0 - the source does not supply any current (Iin = 0) while the load current is supplied by the output of the
op amp which has 0Ω output impedance.

Current boosting-source only Current boosting-source and sink

(push-pull output)
+Vsup
RINT 0A SOURCE
ONLY +Vsup
Vi n
FET I/ P Q1 Vo

Q1 SOURCE
0A Cc A ND
RL RINT 0A
SINK
Vi n
FET I/ P Vo

0A
CC = 20 pF to 0,1 µF needed to stabilise the Q2
RL

feedback loop - the larger the input stray capacitance Cc

of the MOSFET is, the larger CC must be. Larger CC - Vsup

values yield smaller bandwidth and smaller slew rate

(dVo/dt max). If CC is too small, the feedback loop
may break into self oscillations - unstable feedback
loop.

Derivation of AVF and ZIF ideal

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
4. SUMMING AMPLIFIER (inverting)

 R  R  R  0V
Vo = −  F × V1  +  F × V2  +  F × V3  R1
 R1   R2   R3   V1

R I1 + R -
If R1 = R2 = R3 = RE ⇒ Vo = − F [V1 + V2 + V3 ] 2
RF
RE V2

V V V I2 + R - IF + -
ZIF1 = 1 = R1 Z IF 2 = 2 = R2 ZIF3 = 3 = R3 3
I1 I2 I3 V3
I3 + - Z of
V 0A
ZOF = o =0
Io Viu =0 RB 0A
Vo
For minimum O/P DC offset voltage, make
RB ≈ R1 R2 R3 RF with BJT input op amps. 0V

For FET input op amps, in general, omit RB. If resistors are

very large (MΩ), do use RB ≈ R1 R2 R3 RF . to minimise
O/P DC offset voltage.

Derivation of AVF and ZIF ideal

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
5. AUDIO MIXER

20 dB
b oost
2K 18K

V1
1 0K 1
LO G

R R
20 dB Vo
b oost
2K 18K R

4
R
V2
1 0K 2
LO G

20 dB
b oost
2K 18K

V3
1 0K 3
LO G

NOTE: Audio volume control pots should vary LOGARYTHMIC POT

logarythmically because the human ear responds
0 10 100 1K 10K 100K
logarythmically to the amplitude of the signal. This
means that if we use a slide pot, as we slide the
CURSOR
cursor in a linear fashion, the resistance increases
logarythmically which results in a linear increase of
the sound volume perceived by the human ear.
TAP

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits

6. SUBTRACTOR #1 (matched resistors)

Vo =
RF
[V2 − V1 ]Z OF = Vo =0
-
V = V
+
RE Io Viu =0 RE RF
I1 I1
V1 RE
Z IF 1 (var iable ) = =
V1
+ - + -
I1  RF V2  0A
1 −  
 RE + RF V1  Vo

V2
Z IF 2 ( fixed ) = = RE + RF R E 0A RF
I2 V2
+ -
I2 I2 + -
Both op amp inputs see RE RF resistance wise therefore V
+
DC O/P offset is minimised.

Derivation of AVF and ZIF ideal

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
6. SUBTRACTOR #1 (unmatched resistors)

  RE RF

  V1
Vo RF  0,5(1 + (∆RF RF )) RF
Ad = = 0,5 + ≈
V2 − V1 RE   ∆RE + ∆RF   RE Vo
 1 +   
  RE + RF  
V2
 ∆RF ∆RE  RE+∆ R E
−
Vo RF  R F RE  RF +∆ R F
Acm = =  
Vin RE + RF  ∆RE + ∆RF 
1+
 RE + R F  Both op amp inputs see RE RF resistance
−1 wise therefore DC O/P offset is minimised.
 ∆RF ∆RE 
1  RF 
−1
 R − R  1 ACM is the voltage gain when common
= 1 +  ×  F E
 + inputs are used, that is Vin = V1 = V2.
CMRRTOT  RE  1 + ∆RE + ∆RF  CMRROPA
 RE + RF 
−1
1  R  1
min = 1 + F  × (2TOLR ) +
CMRRTOT  RE  CMRROPA
V +V 
Vo = Ad (V2 − V1 ) + Acm  1 2 
 2 
Component mismatch usually determines ACM of the subtractor when discrete resistors are used and one
should use a trim pot to null ACM - with both inputs tied together, apply a large AC input and measure the AC
output on a sensitive scale while trimming the pot until the output reaches zero mV AC or reaches a minimum
level. Even with optimal setting of the pot, ACM cannot be exactly zero because of the op amp's own ACM
which has nothing to do with the external resistor mismatch. So the story is that even with perfectly matched
components, there will always be a residual ACM .

One can purchase a subtractor with all the resistors integrated and matched right on the chip for a good
CMRR. If the CMRR is not satisfactory, there is usually provisions for external trimming of ACM.

CMRR VALUES for Ad = RF/RE = 10 V/V and CMRROPA = 100 dB

% TOLERANCE 10 1 0,1 0,01 0,001
34,8 dB 54,8 dB 74,8 dB 94,8 dB 114,8 dB
CMRRideal
34,8 dB 54,76 dB 74,3 dB 91 dB 98,55 dB
CMRRactual

CMRRideal is with an ideal op amp whose Acm = 0 V/V and CMRRactual is for an actual op amp with
Acm=Ad/100K.

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
7. SUBTRACTOR #2 (high voltage)

Vo R
Ad = = F REE
V2 − V1 RE
V
Acm = o for Vin = V1 = V2 RE RF
Vin V1
 V1 + V2 
Vo = Ad (V2 − V1 ) + Acm
 2  Vo

Both op amp inputs see RE REE RF resistance wise RF

V2
therefore DC O/P offset is minimised.
RE
CMRR
REE does not affect the differential gain Ad but attenuates TRIM

the input voltages to a low value that can be handled by the

op amp inputs. For instance, V1 and V2 can be above REE
+ -
100V but REE can be selected such that V = V < Vin max
of op amp - Vin max is usually a few volts below and above
the positive and negative supply voltages respectively. The pot is used to maximise the CMRR in spite
of component mismatch.

8. SUBTRACTOR #3 (high input impedance)

Vo R RB
Ad = = 1+ 1
V1 − V2 R2 V1
Vo

V
Acm = o for Vin = V1 = V2 R1
Vin
 V + V2 
Vo = Ad (V1 − V2 ) + Acm 1 RB
 2  V2
R2

RB = R1 R2 for minimum DC O/P offset. R2

Resistors are not perfectly matched, therefore one of the

resistors should be trimmed to obtain maximum CMRR (or
minimum ACM). R1

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
9. INSTRUMENTATION AMPLIFIER (high input impedance)

LH0 0 3 6 INSTRUMENTA TION A MP

V1 RB
RE RF
A-1 Vo
GUA RD
Ix
TWISTED
RD=2 5 K 30K
+ PA IR
Rsense RG A-3
-
RD=2 5 K 30K CMRR
Ix RF( t r i m) A DJ UST

RB
A-2
RE RF
V2

Vo 2R 50K CMRR adjustment

Ad = = 1+ D = 1 +
V2 − V1 RG RG
Resistors RE and RF are equal therefore the second
V stage is a unity-gain subtractor. The resistors
Acm = o for Vin = V1 = V2 integrated on the chip are not perfectly matched
Vin which yields different values of CMRR depending on
 V + V2  the differential gain being used - see data sheets.
Vo = Ad (V2 − V1 ) + Acm 1 For better CMRR values, one can connect a 5K pot
 2  from the "CMRR ADJUST" pin to ground for trimming
purposes - if not used, the pin must be floated.
RB = RD (RG + RD ) for minimum DC O/P offset.

Input guarding: a guard drive pin with a 15K resistance is provided. This pin will drive the guard at the
common mode input voltage (that is at (V1+V2)/2) to minimise leakage currents picked up by the normal inputs
- the leakage currents are then picked up by the guard. In some applications the guard should be driven with
0Ω impedance with a unity-gain buffer whose input is connected to the guard pin of the LH0036.

Twisted pair: if remote sensing is done the wires carrying the signal will pick up stray AC signals (magnetic
induction). If the wires are twisted they will pick up about the same amount of signal which will appear as a
common mode input and will be heavily attenuated by the instrumentation amplifier if it has a good CMMR.

Shielding: In very noisy (electrical noise) environments, the twisted pair should be shielded to prevent any
pick up from outside.

In the above circuit shown, the voltage across Rsense is sensed remotely and is amplified by the
instrumentation ampifier.

 50K 
Vo = Ad × (V2 − V1 ) = 1+ × I X Rsense assuming ACM = 0
 RG 

9. IDEAL INVERTING INTEGRATOR

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits

( )
t2 RESET
Vo (t2 ) = − 1
RE C F ∫ Vin (t ) dt + Vo (t1 ) CONTROL

t1
CF
V RE
ZIF (ideal ) = in = RE Vi n
Iin
Vo
ZOF (ideal) = =0
Io Viu = 0
RB Vo

RB = RE for minimum O/P DC offset.

Derivation of Vo(t)

dVC Iin I
Iin = Vin / RE Vo = −VC IC = Iin = CF ⇒ dVC = dt ⇒ VC = ∫ in dt + K
dt CF CF

where K is the integration constant.

Iin V
Vo = −VC = − ∫ dt − K = − ∫ in dt − K = − RE1C F ∫ Vin dt + K' where K' = −K
CF RE CF
t2

Vo (t2 ) = − ( )∫ V
1
RE C F
t1
in (t )
dt + K'

Now to find the integration constant, let t2 → t1 and let us solve the following limit:

 t2

Lim (V ) = V
t2 → t1
o (t2 ) o (t1 ) = Lim  −
t2 → t1 
( )∫ V
1
RE C F
t1
in (t )
dt + K'  = K'

therefore K' = Vo (t1)

t2

The integral is zero as t2 → t1 and the O/P is given by Vo (t2 ) = − ( )∫ V

1
RE C F
t1
in (t )
dt + Vo (t1 )

When using the above formula to determine the output, Vo(t1) will always be Vo at the start of the integration
period and Vo(t2) will be Vo at end of the integration period.

Reset control

At the end of the integration period the output can be reset to zero by discharging the capacitor and keeping it
discharged by leaving the switch ON (closed). If the switch is left OFF (open), even if there is no input signal,
the capacitor will be slowly charged by a very small DC leakage current caused by the small DC input offset
voltage of the op amp (Vio) and the small input bias currents of the op amp which would cause the capacitor to
charge until saturation of the output is reached. The switch should be open only during the integration period
when the capacitor is being charged by the input current which is normally much larger than the DC leakage
current.

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
Example: Integration of an aperiodic waveform Vc
FET- SWITCH
10K
Determine the output waveform given the input waveform
shown below assuming that the capacitor is initially
discharged, that is the FET switch is turned OFF only at the
start of the integration period. 20K
0, 1 µF

Vi n
t2 t2

Vo (t2 ) = − ( 1
20 K × 0,1µ )∫ Vt1
in (t) dt + Vo (t1 ) = − 500 ∫ Vin (t ) dt + Vo (t1 )
t1
20K Vo
Integration of a constant voltage (a):
∫ a × dt = a t + K ⇒ linear function, slope = a
Integration of a ramp voltage (at+b):

∫ (a t + b) dt = 0,5 a t
2
+ b t + K ⇒ parabola

0 2 4 6 7 9 10,5 12 13,5 t (ms)

+2V +2V
V
in (t) AREA-1 AREA-3
0V AREA-4
AREA-5
t
AREA-2
-2V
-2V
0V
PARABOLIC
t
-1V
V (t) WAVEFORM
o
-2V -2,5V

-3,25V

Interval Vo (t1 ) −500 ∫ Vin (t ) dt from t1 to t2 Vo (t2 )

0 to 2 ms 0 -500 x area = 0 0

2 to 4 ms 0 (area-1) -500 x (+2 x 2m) = -2 -2

4 to 6 ms -2 -500 x area = 0 -2

6 to 7 ms -2 (area-2) -500 x (-2 x 1m) = +1 -1

7 to 9ms -1 -500 x area = 0 -1

9 to 10,5 ms -1 (area-3) -500 x (+2 x 1,5m) = -1,5 -2,5

10,5 to 12 ms -2,5 (area-4) -500 x (+2 x 1,5m x 0,5) = -0,75 -3,25

12 to 13,5 ms -3,25 (area-5) -500 x (-2 x 1,5m x 0,5) = +0,75 -2,5

13,5 ms onward -2,5 -500 x area = 0 -2,5

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
10. UNIDEAL INVERTING INTEGRATOR

( )
t2
IR

∫ Vin (AC ) dt if ω 〉 R10C

1 RF
∆Vo = Vo (t2 ) − Vo (t1 ) = − R E CF F F
t1
CF
V RE I IC
= in = RE
in
ZIF (ideal ) Vi n
Iin
0A
V
ZOF (ideal) = o =0 0V
Io Viu = 0
0A RB Vo

RB = RE RF for minimum O/P DC offset. 0V

The unideal integrator is actually a low-pass filter which can be used to integrate (and attenuate) HF signals
and pass LF signals unattenuated with a gain of AVF (LF)= -RF/RE. Low-frequency signals will not be integrated,
therefore use the integration formula only for frequencies ω > 10/(RF CF) where 1/(RFCF) is the cutoff
frequency of the filter in r/s.

Derivation of Vo(t)
t2
I
dVC = − dVo = C dt ⇒ Vo (t2 ) = −
CF ( )∫ I dt + V
1
CF
t1
C o (t1 ) where IC = Iin − I R =
Vin
RE
− IR

To integrate the input voltage waveform properly, the input current should be fully integrated by CF but part of it
is shunted by RF . Therefore Iin will be integrated only if IC >> IR which will occur only if the frequency of the
input waveform is high enough such that the reactance of the capacitor is much smaller than RF. For a
periodic input signal, the following applies:

−Vo −Vo −Vo 1

IR = and IC = = −ω CF Vo ⇒ IC 〉〉IR ⇒ − ω CF Vo 〉〉 ⇒ ω 〉〉
RF 1 ωCF RF CF RF
If ω >> (RF CF)-1 , then IC ≈ Iin and the following holds true.
t2 t2 t2

Vo (t2 ) = − ()1
CF ∫ IC dt + Vo (t1 ) = −
t1
() 1
CF ∫ Iin ( AC) dt + Vo (t1 ) = −
t1
( )∫ V 1
R E CF
t1
in ( AC ) dt + Vo (t1 )

t2

( )∫ V
The formula beside can be used to determine the peak-to-
∆ Vo (PP) = Vo (t2 ) − Vo (t1 ) = − 1
RE C F in (AC ) dt peak amplitude of Vo provided that the interval t1 - t2
t1 corresponds the entire I/P waveform area either above or
below its DC component.

Notice that the DC component of Vin will never be integrated (ω = 0 for DC) because the capacitor will block
the DC component of Iin after 5 RFCF and that DC component will flow through RF. The steady-state DC
analysis, after the initial transient of 5 RFCF , can be done simply by replacing CF with an open circuit and
analysing for Vo - the result can be predicted easily, Vin(DC) will be amplified by the inverting gain of the circuit
AVF (DC)= -RF/RE.

NOTE: the above circuit will not saturate if there is no input signal as it was the case with the ideal integrator
because any small DC leakage current will be shunted by RF and will not flow through CF which will keep the
output at 0V DC .

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
Example: Integration of a periodic waveform 100K

Determine the output waveform given the input waveform 1 µF

shown below assuming that the initial transient has already 10K
occurred - this means that CF has fully charged to the final DC Vi n
voltage and that it is blocking the DC component of Iin.

9,1K Vo

+6V

area-1 0,6 0,4

V (t)
in ms ms

+1,2V DC

t
area-2

-2V

-12V DC 192 mV pp

V (t)
o

A) Calculation of the DC output.

The time average of a function over an interval t1 to  1  t2

=  V ( t ) dt
 t 2 − t1  ∫t1 in
t2 is given by the following expression: Vin ( DC ) = Vin ( ave )

t +T
For a periodic function, the average of the function is 1
the same over any one cycle of the function which
translates into:
Vin ( DC ) = Vin ( ave) =
T ∫V ()
in t
dt
t

The average of a squarewave is therefore given by:

1  1  + PW  1
PW T T
Vin ( ave ) =

T0∫ V +
in
dt + ∫
PW
V −
in
dt

=
 T
Vin ∫
0
dt + V −
in ∫ dt
PW 

=
T
[(
Vin+ × (t )0PW + Vin− × (t )TPW ) ( )]
 V+ V−
Vin ( ave) =  in (PW − 0 ) +  in (T − PW ) = Vin+
 T   T  ( )+ V ( )
PW
T
−
in
SW
T

Vin (ave) = Vin+ ( )+ V ( )= 6( )+ (−2)( )= +1,2V

PW
T
− SW
in T
0,4 m
1m
0,6m
1m Vo (DC ) = −
RF
RE
Vin ( DC) = −
100k
10k
× 1,2 = − 12V

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
B) Calculation of the AC output

The circuit will integrate the AC component of the input waveform only if

10 10
F〉 = = 15,9 Hz ⇒ F = 1 kHz〉15,9 Hz which is OK.
2 π RF CF 2π 100k × 1µ
t2

Therefore the formula ∆Vo ( PP ) = Vo ( t2 ) − Vo ( t1 ) = − ( )∫ V

1
R E CF
t1
(
in AC
) dt can be applied.

When Vin is above the DC level, we have:

PW

∆Vo (PP) = − ( )∫ 1
10 K×1µ
0
(6−1,2 ) dt = − (4,8 × 0, 4m) = −0,192VPP
where the negative sign means that Vo goes down.

When Vin is below the DC level, we have:

T

∆Vo ( PP ) = − ( )∫ (1
10 K×1 µ
PW
dt = − (−3,2 × 0,6m) = +0,192VPP
1,2 − ( − 2) )

where the positive sign means that Vo goes up.

C) Initial transient

5R C =0,5s tim e
0V F F

-1 2 V D C
192 m V pp

V (t)
o

Initially, the DC voltage across CF is 0V and will go down to -12V in five time constants.

100K
0V
+ - RF

0 , 1 2 mA
1 µF Vo
10K
+ 1,2V
DC
0 , 1 2 mA
CF
Vo 0 ,1 2 m A
DC
9,1K

The 0,12 mA current is equivalent to a perfect DC current source driving the RF CF parallel
combination, therefore CF is charged to the final DC voltage (0,12m x RF) in 5RF CF.

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
11. CURRENT SOURCES

Howland source Current sink Current source

R1 R1 +Vsup
+VE
I
Vi n L R1
R
L
ZI F VOA Vi n

RB CURRENT SINK I I
R1 Vo R1 L Cst ab L
V in +
+
ZOF
R
L
- -
I Cstab
L
RB CURRENT SOURCE I
L
I I
IL = Vin R1 L L Vi n R
L

R1
R1 Vi n - VE
ZIF =
1 − (RL R1 )
Vi n - Vsup

ZOF = ∞ IL = Vin R1 Z IF = ∞ ZOF = ∞ IL = Vin R1 ZIF = ∞ ZOF = ∞

RL is referenced to ground. RL is not referenced to ground. RL is not referenced to ground.
Load current cannot be high Load current can be high if a Load current can be high if a
because it is supplied by Vin and power MOSFET is used. Vin has power MOSFET is used. Vin has
the op amp output. Vin can be to be a positive DC voltage alone to be a negative DC voltage alone
either DC or AC, which means IL or with a superimposed AC or with a superimposed AC
can also be DC or AC. voltage with a net AC+DC positive voltage with a net AC+DC negative
voltage. voltage.

Ground-referenced current sources

Current source Current sink

+Vsup - Vsup

+ -
Vi n R1 - Vi n R1
+v e R - - ve R +
R R
Vi n Vi n

I I
Cst ab L Cst ab L
+ -

Vs - Vi n - - Vs - Vi n +

I I
L L
R R R R
+Vsup R - Vsup R
L L

The first stage of the above two circuits is a unity-gain subtractor used to generate VSUP-Vin which is applied to
the bottom of R1 thus forcing VR1 to equal Vin and IL = Vin/R1. The MOSFET is used to boost the current
capacity of the op amp. The inputs of the second op amp should be able to accommodate the voltage Vsup-
Vin : if Vsup-Vin is close to Vsup, the input voltage range of the selected
op amp must go right up to the supply rail..

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
12. Phase Shifters

Lead network Lag network Lead network

RF RF RF RF

RF RF
C1
CE Vo
Vo Vo

PE Vi n
RB P1
Vi n Vi n CE
PE

P1 + jXC − P1 − jXC P1 + jXC

AVF = AVF = AVF =
P1 − jX C P1 − jX C P1 − jX C

AVF = 1 AVF = 1 AVF = 1

XC XC XC
/ AVF = 2arctan / AVF = π + 2arctan / AVF = 2arctan
P1 P1 P1

Since the magnitude of the gain is one, the output amplitude will always be equal to the input amplitude. The
adjustment range of the phaseshift will depend on the size of P1 and C and also on the frequency because XC
varies with frequency.

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
13. THE IDEAL DIFFERENTIATOR

Assuming an ideal op amp, we have: CE

I in I in RF
0V
dVin dVin Vi n
Iin = CE Vo = − Iin RF = − RF CE + -
dt dt
RB = RF to balance input resistances in order to
RB 0A
minimise the O/P DC offset. Vo

0V

Stability problem

The above circuit is not a stable one because of the phaseshift introduced by the feedback network :
 − jX C 
V − = Vo ×  E
 phaseshift of V- w.r.t. Vo varies from 0 to -90° over frequency
R
 F − jX CE 

the op amp itself will introduce -180° because of the inversion, and internal compensation of the op amp
introduces an additional -90°. Additional phaseshifts will be introduced by the internal circuit of the op amp at
high frequencies. What all this means is that total phaseshift of the feedback loop will reach -360° at a
particular frequency and if the loop gain is greater than 0 dB, the circuit will self-oscillate and will therefore be
useless for differentiation of the input signal.

THE UNIDEAL DIFFERENTIATOR

If Vin is a periodic waveform and XCE >> RE, then CE I in I in

RE RF
most of Vin will be dropped across CE, that is if XCE Vi n
0V
>10 RE, then

( )
Vin = Iin RE + Iin − jXC E ≈ − jI in X C E and
RB 0A Vo
dVin dVin
Iin = CE Vo = − Iin RF = − RF CE
0V

dt dt

Periodic input signal Aperiodic input signal

The above circuit will differentiate the input signal The above circuit will differentiate the input signal
only if VRE 〈〈 VC E which occurs at only if VRE 〈〈 VC E which occurs if

Fin < 0,1/(2πRE CE).  dV dV V

Iin RE ≈ CE in  RE = RE CE in 〈 in
 dt  dt 10

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
Design procedure

Given the following design parameters, determine the components using the procedure.

Input signal: maximum frequency Fmax and maximum rate of change (dVin/dt)max
Output signal: maximum amplitude Vo max
Op amp: minimum values of saturation voltage, gain-bandwidth product (GBW) and current limit.

1. Determine CE max necessary to keep the  dV Ilim (min ) 2

output current of the op amp to less than half of its IOPA (max) = CE  in  ⇒ CE 〈
minnimum current limit: dt max (dVin dt )max
2. Select CE RE combination that meets the
Fmax 〈(20 π CE RE ) ⇒ CE RE 〈 (20π Fmax )
−1 −1
differentiation criterion - select CE RE close to limit for
maximum output voltage.

3. Determine RF max for a stable differentiator

circuit - no ringing in O/P waveform. RF 〈 RE [(0,5π CE RE GBWmin ) − 1]
4. Select RF required for a given maximum O/P
voltage. If RF exceeds limit of step 3, circuit will be  dVin 
Vo (max) = CE RF
unstable, therefore reduce RF to calculated limit and  dt  max
add amplifier required to produce required maximum
O/P amplitude.

Example: Design and analysis of differentiator

A) Design a stable differentiator that is used to differentiate a triangular wave whose amplitude and
frequency range are 0 to 4 VPP and 0 to 500 Hz respectively. Assume that an LF347 op amp is used with
±15V supply voltages.

LF347: GBW > 1 MHZ, IVSATI > 12V and minimum current limit ±10 mA (source and sink).
The maximum slope of the input signal will occur when both the amplitude and the frequency are maximum,
that is at 4 VPP and 500 Hz.

4 V PP max
 dVin  4
 dt  max = ± 1m = ± 4000 V / s
1 ms
max

Input waveform

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits

Ilim (min ) 2 10m 2

1. CE 〈 = = 1,25 µF maximum CE
(dVin dt )max 4000
CE RE 〈 (20π Fmax ) = (20 π 500) = 31,83 µs
−1 −1
2.
Let CE RE = 30 µs - close to limit for maximum output voltage. CE =10 nF and RE = 3K

3. For stability RF 〈 RE [(0,5π CE RE GBWmin ) − 1]= 3K × [(0,5 π 30µ × 1M) − 1]= 138,4K

 dVin  Vo (max) 8
4. maximum O/P Vo (max) = CE RF ⇒ RF = = = 200K
 dt  max  dVin  10n × 4000
CE
 dt  max

Maximum O/P cannot be achieved with differentiator alone because circuit would be unstable,
therefore let RF = 100K for a stable circuit and then add an amplifier to obtain 8VP max.

 dVin 
Vo (max) = CE RF 10n × 100K(4000) = 4VP
Differentiator O/P
 dt  max =

Amplifier gain must be 8VP / 4VP = 2 V/V Let's use an non-inverting amp with RF = RE = 20K

Final circuit

Differentiator Amplifier
1 0 nF
3K 100K 20K 20K
Vi n

LF347 V 02
LF347
V 01

B) Determine the waveforms Vo1, Iin and VRE relative to Vin for a 500 Hz and 4 VPP triangular wave
input.

 dVin 
Vo = −CE RF 100K × (± 4000) = + 4VP
 dt  max = −10n ×

 dVC   dVin 
Iin = CE ≈ 10n × (± 4000) = ±40 µA
 dt  =
CE if Vin ≈ VCE
 dt 

VRE = Iin RE = ± 40 µ × 3000 = ±0,12VP

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Electronics II Theory Basic Op Amp Circuits
Waveforms

+2 VP

V
in

-2V P

1 ms

+4 VP

V
O1

-4 VP

V +0,12V P
RE

-0,12V P

+40 µA P
I
in

-40 µA P

The above waveforms are valid for Vin >> VRE which is true for most of the input waveform voltages except
when Vin is close to zero volt because VRE is ±0,12VP . The actual waveforms for VO, Iin and VRE will have very
short exponential edges (non-zero rise and fall times) instead of straight vertical edges (zero rise and fall
times) as shown above. One can show that the 10%-90% rise and fall times of V01 is given by the following:

t r = t f = 2,2 CE RE = 2,2 × 10n × 3000 = 66 µs

which is negligible compared to the half period of 1 ms. Therefore the waveforms can be assumed to be good
squarewaves.

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