

10 V/mV corresponds to a voltage gain of 10 000.

Quoting the the gain in these terms enables the gain to be written in a more convenient format. This is the gain of the operational amplifier on its own.įigures are often quoted in the op amp data-sheets in terms of volts per millivolt, V/mV. Gain figures for the op amp in this configuration are normally very high, typically between 10 000 and 100 000. In other words it is running in an open loop format. Open loop gain: This form of gain is measured when no feedback is applied to the op amp circuit. There are two main scenarios that can be considered when looking at op amp gain and electronic circuit design using these electronic components: In some circumstances positive feedback may be used, but this is normally undertaken in a particular way to achieve a particular effect. In other op amp circuits, the feedback may be used to provide other effects such as filtering, and the like. Whilst op amps themselves offer huge levels of gain, this gain is seldom used in this form to provide signal amplification - it would be hugely difficult to utilise as even very small input signals would drive the output to beyond the rail voltages with the resulting limiting or clipping of the output.īy using a technique known as negative feedback within the electronic circuit design, the huge levels of gain can be used to good effect, providing flat frequency responses, low distortion, and very defined levels of gain for the overall circuit, not dependent upon the actual gain of the IC, but on that of the external components whose values can be accurately chosen. Even with op amps of the same type there may be large gain variations as a result of the fabrication processes used. Under open loop conditions, the op amp gain may be anything upwards of 10 000, with some operational amplifiers having gain levels extending to well over ten times this figure.

Operational amplifiers on their own offer huge levels of gain when used in what is termed an open loop configuration. One of the key aspects of the performance of operational amplifiers and their electronic circuit design is the gain. Introduction Op amp gain Bandwidth Op amp slew rate Offset null Input impedance Output impedance Understanding specifications How to choose an op amp Op amp circuits summary Op Amp Gain: explanation & equations Gain is a key aspect of op amp circuit design: calculations can be undertaken for generic circuits or with more specific formulas for inverting & non-inverting amplifiers.
