Op-amp

How it is used

Used in sensor interfaces, filters and analog front ends. Engineers talk about inverting and non-inverting amplifiers, the voltage follower (buffer), rail-to-rail op-amps, input offset voltage and the gain-bandwidth product.

Example sentences

1. We use an op-amp as a buffer between the sensor and the ADC.

2. This op-amp isn't rail-to-rail, so its output can't get down to 0 V.

Common collocations

• op-amp circuit
• inverting amplifier
• voltage follower
• rail-to-rail op-amp
• gain-bandwidth product

Related terms

• amplifierA circuit or device that makes a signal larger, increasing its voltage, current or power while keeping its shape. How much larger it becomes is called the gain.
• gainThe ratio of a circuit's output to its input, showing how much it amplifies a signal. It can be given as a plain number, such as ×10, or in decibels.
• integrated circuitA complete electronic circuit made on a single small piece of silicon and sealed in a package with pins. Microcontrollers, op-amps and voltage regulators are all integrated circuits.
• filterA circuit that lets some frequencies pass and blocks or weakens others. Common types are low-pass, high-pass, band-pass and notch filters.
• ADCShort for analog-to-digital converter: a circuit that measures an analog voltage and turns it into a number a processor can use. Its resolution is given in bits, for example 12-bit.

More terms: Circuits and Components

• circuit
• short circuit
• open circuit
• resistor
• capacitor
• inductor
• diode
• transistor
• in series
• in parallel
• LED
• switch