Operational amplifierAn operational amplifier (often op amp, op-amp, or opamp) is a DC-coupledelectronicamplifier with a differential input, a (usually) single-ended output voltage, and an extremely high gain. Its name comes from its original use of performing mathematical operations in analog computers.
Input impedanceIn electrical engineering, the input impedance of an electrical network is the measure of the opposition to current (impedance), both static (resistance) and dynamic (reactance), into a load network or circuit that is external to the electrical source network. The input admittance (the reciprocal of impedance) is a measure of the load network's propensity to draw current.
Buffer amplifierIn electronics, a buffer amplifier is a unity gainamplifier that copies a signal from one circuit to another while transforming its electrical impedance to provide a more ideal source (with a loweroutput impedance for a voltage buffer or a higher output impedance for a current buffer).
Differential amplifierA differential amplifier is a type of electronic amplifier that amplifies the difference between two input voltages but suppresses any voltage common to the two inputs.Input offset voltageThe input offset voltage ( V o s {\displaystyle V_{os}} ) is a parameter defining the differential DC voltage required between the inputs of an amplifier, especially an operational amplifier (op-amp), to make the output zero (for voltage amplifiers, 0 volts with respect to ground or between differential outputs, depending on the output type).
ComparatorIn electronics, a comparator is a device that compares two voltages or currents and outputs a digital signal indicating which is larger. It has two analog input terminals V+{\displaystyle V_{+}} and V−{\displaystyle V_{-}} and one binary digital output Vo{\displaystyle V_{\text{o}}}.Virtual groundIn electronics, a virtual ground (or virtual earth) is a node of a circuit that is maintained at a steady reference potential, without being connected directly to the reference potential. In some cases the reference potential is considered to be that of the surface of the earth, and the reference node is called "ground" or "earth" as a consequence.
Positive feedbackPositive feedback (exacerbating feedback, self-reinforcing feedback) is a process that occurs in a feedback loop where the outcome of a process reinforces the inciting process to build momentum. As such, these forces can exacerbate the effects of a small disturbance. That is, the effects of a perturbation on a system include an increase in the magnitude of the perturbation.
MOSFETType of field-effect transistorTwo power MOSFETs in D2PAKsurface-mount packages.
Negative feedbackNegative feedback (or balancing feedback) occurs when some function of the output of a system, process, or mechanism is fed back in a manner that tends to reduce the fluctuations in the output, whether caused by changes in the input or by other disturbances. Whereas positive feedback tends to instability via exponential growth, oscillation or chaotic behavior, negative feedback generally promotes stability.Comparator applicationsA comparator is an electronic component that compares two input voltages. Comparators are closely related to operational amplifiers, but a comparator is designed to operate with positive feedback and with its output saturated at one power rail or the other. If necessary, an op-amp can be pressed into service as a poorly performing comparator, but its slew rate will be impaired.
Johnson–Nyquist noiseFigure 1.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.