ECE201 Linear Circuit Analysis I

(Prof. H. Z. Tan)
Topics: Operational Amplifier (Op-Amp) basics: dependent source models

Operational Amplifiers (Op Amp)

1. Notation
The Op Amp is a 3 terminal device:

inverting
input
v– – output
vo
v+ +
non-inverting
input

v–: voltage drop from inverting input to ground.

v+: voltage drop from non-inverting input to ground.
v0: voltage drop from output to ground.

2. The Ideal Operational Amplifier

For any Operational Amplifier:

Let v d Δ
= v+ − v−
Then vo = f(vd), and it looks like the following:

vo = f(vd )

+ saturation

vd = v+ – v–
0

linear active region

vo
– saturation A= (very large)
vd

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(1) An ideal OpAmp has infinite gain: A → ∞
vo

Vsat

v d = v + – v–
0

–Vsat

• If vd = 0, then –Vsat ≤ vo ≤ Vsat (the exact value of v0 depends on the circuit)

• If vd > 0, then vo = Vsat
• If vd < 0, then vo = –Vsat

• Note that vo can only be controlled if vd = 0. Therefore, for analysis of ideal OpAmp,
v+ = v– i.e., virtual short circuit.

(2) An ideal OpAmp has infinite input resistance

v– –
vo
v+ +

Ri
v– − v+ v+ − v−
circuit model for input end: i– = i+ =
Ri Ri

v– → i–

Ri

→ i+
v+

From Ri → ∞, i+ = i– = 0.

v– → i– = 0

open circuit
→
v+
i+ = 0

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 Summary:
• The input circuit model of an ideal OpAmp is an open circuit with virtual short circuit.

QR i → ∞ ∴ open circuit QA → ∞, ∴ virtual short circuit

(3) An ideal OpAmp has zero output resistance

v– –
vo
v+ +

Ro

circuit model for output end:

Ro
vo
+ Avd
- Ro = 0

Finally, the circuit model for an ideal Op Amp:

i– = 0
v– →

vo
→ +–
v+ Avd
i+ = 0

Ideal OpAmp

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3. Ideal OpAmp Circuit Analysis Examples

i+ = i− = 0
The Key is to remember: v + = v − i.e., open circuit and virtual short at input.
− Vsat ≤ v o ≤ Vsat

Example 1: The Inverting Amplifier

Rf
Rs →
i =0
→–
vs3 v– –
+ Ideal vo
- i+ =0 v
→ ++

vo R
Find (i) voltage gain ; (ii) If f = 5 , Vsat = 8V , v s = 2V , Find vo .
vs Rs

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Example 2: A Non-inverting Amplifier

if → Rf
Rs v–
– v
→ Find vo .
i–=0 Ideal vo vs3
i+=0
→ v+ +
vs3 +
-

(Note that vs is connected to “+”, thus “non-inverting”)

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Example 3. Find (i) vo/vs and (ii) Req.

→ Rf
is Rs
→ i =0
–
→ v– –
→ Ideal vo
vs3 + i+=0 v+
- → +

Rf
Req Rf