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Operational amplifier configurations
This option topic applies op-amp models to standard circuit configurations.
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Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
90 min
Study time
AqaA LevelPhysicsElectronics
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Syllabus checklist
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Inverting amplifier configuration4 objectives
- Identify an inverting amplifier circuit.
- Calculate voltage gain for an inverting amplifier.
- Explain phase inversion.
- Analyse output limits due to supply voltage.
Non-inverting amplifier configuration4 objectives
- Identify a non-inverting amplifier circuit.
- Calculate voltage gain for a non-inverting amplifier.
- Explain why the output is not phase inverted.
- Compare inverting and non-inverting configurations.
Summing amplifier configuration4 objectives
- Describe how a summing amplifier combines input signals.
- Calculate output voltage for simple summing amplifier circuits.
- Explain the role of input resistors.
- Apply summing amplifiers to signal processing contexts.
Real operational amplifiers4 objectives
- Identify limitations of real operational amplifiers.
- Explain bandwidth and slew-rate effects qualitatively.
- Discuss output saturation.
- Compare ideal and real op-amp behaviour.
Key terms
Inverting amplifierInverting configurationPhase inversionnon-inverting amplifiervoltage gain of a non‑inverting amplifierVoltage gainNon‑inverting amplifierSumming amplifierWeighted sum of inputsOutput voltage of a summing amplifierVoltage gain of a summing amplifierSignal processing
Exam tips
- Inverting amplifier configuration: transistor relay driver exam tip: Use the input condition, component response, and output consequence for Inverting amplifier configuration before writing the final answer.
- Remember the inverting amplifier gain formula: Use the formula Av = -Rf/Rin. For example, if Rf = 10 kΩ and Rin = 2 kΩ, substitute: Av = -(10 kΩ)/(2 kΩ) = -5. The negative sign shows phase inversion. The magnitude 5 tells you the output is five times larger in amplitude.
Common mistakes
- Input connected to non‑inverting input: In an inverting amplifier the input signal is applied to the inverting (−) input through the input resistor, the non‑inverting (+) input is grounded, and a feedback resistor connects the output back to the inverting input.
- Incorrect sign of voltage gain: Use the formula Av = -Rf/Rin. Substitution: For Rf = 10 kΩ and Rin = 2 kΩ, Av = -(10 kΩ)/(2 kΩ) = -5. The negative sign shows the output is inverted. The magnitude of the gain is 5, so the output voltage is 5 × Vin but inverted.
Practice preview
- EC51: For Operational amplifier configurations, a student is analysing a communications receiver stage. Which option gives the best Inverting amplifier configuration reasoning for the objective "Identify an inverting amplifier circuit"?
- Electronics case 34: Which option best applies frequency modulation to Inverting amplifier configuration for the objective "Identify an inverting amplifier circuit"?
- data logger input ? select the conditioning purpose. Use this to support: Identify an inverting amplifier circuit.
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