KreativeKommit LogoKreativeKommit
Op‑Amps — Small Signal and Applications
Learn2026-01-14

Op‑Amps — Small Signal and Applications

#electronics#op-amp#analog

What you’ll learn: ideal and real op‑amp models, gain‑bandwidth tradeoffs, and common circuit topologies.

Prerequisites

  • Basic circuit analysis and familiarity with passive components
  • Exposure to small-signal and frequency-domain concepts (helpful for gain‑bandwidth topics)

Learning objectives

  • Understand ideal vs real op‑amp behaviour and common non-ideal parameters
  • Build and measure simple inverting and non-inverting amplifier circuits
  • Apply op‑amps to active filter and summing applications

Parts list

  • General purpose op‑amp (e.g., LM358 or TL072)
  • Resistors and capacitors for feedback networks
  • Breadboard and power supply (± supply examples optional)
  • Oscilloscope

Hands-On Mini Task: build a non‑inverting amplifier and measure gain and bandwidth.

Diagram: Non-inverting amplifier schematic and frequency response placeholder

Step-by-step

  1. Assemble a non‑inverting amplifier: input -> +, feedback network R1/R2 between output and - to set gain = 1 + R2/R1.
  2. Measure DC gain with a small-signal sine (low frequency) and verify the expected ratio.
  3. Sweep frequency to find the -3 dB bandwidth and compare to the op‑amp's gain‑bandwidth product.

Worked example

For R1 = 10 kΩ and R2 = 40 kΩ, gain = 1 + R2/R1 = 1 + 40k/10k = 5.

Expected result

  • DC gain should match 1 + R2/R1 within resistor tolerances; bandwidth will be limited by the chosen op‑amp.

Navigation