Write the characteristics of operational amplifier. Define slew rate and CMRR.


Q.) Write the characteristics of operational amplifier. Define slew rate and CMRR.

Subject: electronic devices and circuits

Characteristics of Operational Amplifiers (Op-Amps)

  1. High Gain: Op-amps have a very high open-loop voltage gain, typically in the range of 100,000 to 1,000,000. This means that even a small input signal will be amplified to a large output signal.

  2. Linearity: Op-amps are linear devices, meaning that the output signal is proportional to the input signal over a wide range of input voltages. This linearity makes op-amps ideal for use in applications such as amplification, filtering, and signal processing.

  3. Low Input Bias Current: The input bias current of an op-amp is the current that flows into the input terminals when the output is zero. Ideally, the input bias current should be zero, but in practice, it is typically very small, typically in the picoampere range. The low input bias current makes op-amps suitable for use in high-impedance circuits.

  4. High Input Impedance: The input impedance of an op-amp is the resistance between the input terminals. Ideally, the input impedance should be infinite, but in practice, it is typically very high, typically in the megohm range. The high input impedance makes op-amps suitable for use in circuits with low-impedance sources.

  5. Low Output Impedance: The output impedance of an op-amp is the resistance between the output terminal and ground. Ideally, the output impedance should be zero, but in practice, it is typically very low, typically in the milliohm range. The low output impedance makes op-amps suitable for driving low-impedance loads.

  6. Wide Bandwidth: Op-amps have a wide bandwidth, meaning that they can amplify signals over a wide range of frequencies. The bandwidth of an op-amp is typically specified in terms of the gain-bandwidth product (GBP), which is the product of the open-loop voltage gain and the bandwidth.

  7. Slew Rate: The slew rate of an op-amp is the maximum rate at which the output voltage can change. The slew rate is typically specified in volts per microsecond. The slew rate of an op-amp limits the frequency response of the op-amp.

  8. Common-Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR): The CMRR of an op-amp is the ratio of the differential gain to the common-mode gain. The CMRR is typically specified in decibels (dB). The CMRR of an op-amp indicates how well the op-amp can reject signals that are common to both inputs.

Definition of Slew Rate and CMRR

Slew Rate: The slew rate of an op-amp is the maximum rate at which the output voltage can change. It is typically specified in volts per microsecond (V/µs). The slew rate limits the frequency response of the op-amp and determines the maximum frequency at which the op-amp can accurately amplify a signal.

CMRR: CMRR stands for Common-Mode Rejection Ratio and is a measure of how well an op-amp can reject signals that are common to both inputs. It is typically specified in decibels (dB). A high CMRR indicates that the op-amp is able to amplify the difference between the two input signals while rejecting any signals that are common to both inputs.