4.

2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

Module:4 Operational Amplifier Characteristics and
Applications
Course: BECE206L – Analog Circuits
-Dr Richards Joe Stanislaus
Assistant Professor - SENSE
Email: 51749@vitstudent.ac.in
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

Module 4:
Module:4 Operational Amplifier Characteristics and
Applications 7 hours
• Operational amplifier, Ideal and Nonideal characteristics of OP-AMP,
DC and AC characteristics - Operational amplifier with negative
feedback: Voltage Series, Voltage Shunt feedback amplifier -
Applications of OP-AMP - summing, scaling, and averaging
amplifiers, I/V and V/I converter, Integrator, Differentiator,
Instrumentation amplifiers and Precision Rectifiers.
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

1. Introduction
• Practical op-amps do not behave in similar way for dc voltages and
ac voltages
• Practical op-amp : some dc output voltage even with both input
voltages as zero voltage(grounded).
• Factor responsible for this and the compensation technique are
discussed
• IDEAL Op-amp: no current is drawn from sources, response is
independent of temperature
• Practical Op-amp: Current is taken in inputs from sources
• Two inputs respond and draw different currents due to transistor
mismatch
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

1. Introduction
• Practical Op-amp: response varies with temperature
• The non-ideal characteristics that add error componsnets to dc
output voltage are:
Input bias current
Input offset current
Input offset voltage
Thermal drift
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

2. Input bias current

• Op-amp’s input is diff-amp with
either BJTs or MOSFETs and should have
been biased into linear regions by supplying currents into bases from
external circuits.
• Though ideal Op-amp does not allow input current,
practical op-amp has small dc base currents entering
the base terminals of the Diff-amp (𝐼𝐵− and 𝐼𝐵+ )
• Due to internal imbalances at input, 𝐼𝐵− ≠ 𝐼𝐵+
• Manufacturers provide 𝐼𝐵 as average of 𝐼𝐵− , 𝐼𝐵+ .
− +
𝐼𝐵 +𝐼𝐵
• 𝐼𝐵 =
2
• For 𝐵𝐽𝑇 Op-amp, 𝐼𝐵 ≤ 500nA and for FET Op-am: 𝐼𝐵 ≤ 50𝑝𝐴 at room
temperature
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

2. Input bias current

• Consider an inverting amplifier as shown in figure with 𝐼𝐵− and 𝐼𝐵+
• If input voltage is set to zero, 𝑣𝑖 = 0𝑉, the output
voltage should ideally be zero.
But due to 𝐼𝐵− entering inverting(-)
terminal, current through 𝑅𝑓 is 𝐼𝐵−
Output voltage 𝑉𝑜 = 𝐼𝐵− 𝑅𝑓
• For 741 op-amp, if 𝐼𝐵− = 500𝑛𝐴,
𝑅𝑓 = 1𝑀Ω: Output voltage 𝑉𝑜 = 500𝑚𝑉
• 𝑉0 = 500𝑚𝑉 is unacceptable when both inputs are zero, as many
applications operate in mV precision.
• We need to compensate this bias currents with compensation
resistor
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

2. Input bias current

• 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 is compensation resistor
connected between non-inverting input and ground
• Current 𝐼𝐵+ will now create an voltage of 𝑉1
across 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝
• 𝑉0 = 𝑉2 + 𝑉𝑎 = 𝑉2 − 𝑉1
(both inputs of Op-amp are
same: 𝑉𝑎 = −𝑉1 )
• By proper selection of 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝
𝑉2 can be equated to 𝑉1
and 𝑉𝑜 = 0 (when both inputs
are zero)
• We shall find 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

2. Input bias current

• 𝑉𝑎 = −𝑉1 = −𝐼𝐵+ 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝
• 𝐼𝐵+ = 𝑉1 /𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝
𝑉𝑖 −𝑉𝑎 0+𝑉1
• 𝐼1 = = = 𝑉1 /𝑅1
𝑅1 𝑅1
• 𝐼2 = 𝑉2 /𝑅𝑓
• For compensation 𝑉𝑜 should
be zero when 𝑉𝑖 = 0, 𝑉2 = 𝑉1
• In such case: 𝐼2 = 𝑉1 /𝑅𝑓
• Applying KCL at node a:
𝑉1 𝑉1 𝑉1 𝑅𝑓 +𝑅1
𝐼𝐵− =𝐼1 + 𝐼2 = + =
𝑅1 𝑅𝑓 𝑅1 𝑅𝑓
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

2. Input bias current

• 𝐼𝐵+ = 𝑉1 /𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝
𝑉1 𝑉1 𝑉1 𝑅𝑓 +𝑅1
• 𝐼𝐵− =𝐼1 + 𝐼2 = + =
𝑅1 𝑅𝑓 𝑅1 𝑅𝑓
• Assuming 𝐼𝐵+ = 𝐼𝐵−
𝑉1 𝑅𝑓 +𝑅1
= 𝑉1
𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 𝑅1 𝑅𝑓
𝑅1 𝑅𝑓
• 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 = = 𝑅1 ∥ 𝑅𝑓
𝑅1 +𝑅𝑓
• This compensation resistor
should be at non-inverting
terminal for compensating
𝐼𝐵 and its effects on 𝑉𝑜
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

2. Input bias current

• For non-inverting amplifier:
𝑅1 𝑅𝑓
• 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 = = 𝑅1 ∥ 𝑅𝑓
𝑅1 +𝑅𝑓
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

3. Input offset current

• If 𝐼𝐵+ ≠ 𝐼𝐵− (different bias currents) we have offset current 𝐼𝑂𝑆 = 𝐼𝐵+ − 𝐼𝐵−
• 𝐼𝑂𝑆 for BJT is 200nA and for MOSFET is 10pA
• Even with 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 for bias current compensation,
the presence of input offset current will still
produce non-zero output voltage
when 𝑉𝑖 = 0
• 𝑉1 = 𝐼𝐵+ 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝
+
𝑉1 𝐼𝐵 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝
𝐼1 = =
𝑅1 𝑅1
• KCL at node a:
+
𝐼𝐵 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝
𝐼2 = 𝐼𝐵− − 𝐼1 = 𝐼𝐵− −
𝑅1
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

3. Input offset current + +

𝑉1 𝐼𝐵 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 𝐼𝐵 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝
• 𝐼𝑂𝑆 = 𝐼𝐵+ − 𝐼𝐵− ; 𝑉1 = 𝐼𝐵+ 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 ; 𝐼1 = = ; 𝐼2 = 𝐼𝐵− −
𝑅1 𝑅1 𝑅1
• Apply KVL relating 𝑉𝑜 and 𝑉𝑎 (= −𝑉1 )
• 𝑉𝑜 = 𝐼2 𝑅𝑓 + 𝑉𝑎 = 𝐼2 𝑅𝑓 − 𝑉1
+
𝐼𝐵 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝
= 𝐼𝐵− − 𝑅𝑓 − 𝐼𝐵+ 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝
𝑅1
𝑅1 𝑅𝑓
On substituting 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 =
𝑅1 +𝑅𝑓
𝑉𝑜 = 𝑅𝑓 𝐼𝐵− − 𝐼𝐵+
= 𝑅𝑓 𝐼𝑜𝑠
If 𝑅𝑓 = 1𝑀Ω, 𝐼𝑜𝑠 = 200𝑛𝐴
𝑉0 = 1M(200n)=200mV (when 𝑉𝑖 = 0)
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

3. Input offset current + +

𝑉1 𝐼𝐵 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 𝐼𝐵 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝
• 𝐼𝑂𝑆 = 𝐼𝐵+ − 𝐼𝐵− ; 𝑉1 = 𝐼𝐵+ 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 ; 𝐼1 = = ; 𝐼2 = 𝐼𝐵− −
𝑅1 𝑅1 𝑅1
𝑉𝑜 = 𝑅𝑓 𝐼𝑜𝑠
For reducing 𝑉𝑜 , 𝑅𝑓 can be made small, but
not going to work for sufficient gain requirement
Hence:T feedback is preferred:
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

3. Input offset current + +

𝑉1 𝐼𝐵 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 𝐼𝐵 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝
• 𝐼𝑂𝑆 = 𝐼𝐵+ − 𝐼𝐵− ; 𝑉1 = 𝐼𝐵+ 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 ; 𝐼1 = = ; 𝐼2 = 𝐼𝐵− −
𝑅1 𝑅1 𝑅1
𝑉𝑜 = 𝑅𝑓 𝐼𝑜𝑠
For reducing 𝑉𝑜 , 𝑅𝑓 can be made small, but
not going to work for sufficient gain requirement
Hence:T feedback is preferred:
𝑅𝑡2 +2𝑅𝑡 𝑅𝑠
𝑅𝑓 =
𝑅𝑠
Select 𝑅𝑡 ≪ 𝑅𝑓 /2
𝑅𝑡2
𝑅𝑠 =
𝑅𝑓 −2𝑅𝑡
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

Problem1: Design inverting amplifier with gain -10, input

impedance 𝑅𝑖 = 10𝑀Ω. Calculate 𝑅𝑡 , 𝑅𝑆 , 𝑅1
• 𝑅𝑖 ≡ 𝑅1 =
𝑅𝑓
• 𝐴𝐶𝐿 = −
𝑅1
• Select 𝑅𝑡 ≪ 𝑅𝑓 /2
𝑅𝑡2
𝑅𝑠 = =
𝑅𝑓 −2𝑅𝑡
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

Problem1: Design inverting amplifier with gain -10, input

impedance 𝑅𝑖 = 10𝑀Ω. Calculate 𝑅𝑡 , 𝑅𝑆 , 𝑅1
• 𝑅𝑖 ≡ 𝑅1 = 10𝑀Ω
𝑅𝑓
• 𝐴𝐶𝐿 = − Therefore 𝑅𝐹 = −𝐴𝐶𝐿 𝑅1 = − −10 10𝑀 = 100𝑀Ω
𝑅1
• Select 𝑅𝑡 ≪ 𝑅𝑓 /2 𝑅𝑡 = 47𝑘Ω
𝑅𝑡2 47𝑘 2
𝑅𝑠 = = = 22Ω
𝑅𝑓 −2𝑅𝑡 100𝑀−2∗47𝑘
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

4. Input offset voltage

• Inspite of previous compensation
techniques, 𝑉𝑜 ≠ 0 with 𝑉𝑖 = 0𝑉
• This is due to unavoidable imbalances
inside Op-amp such that 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 = 𝑉1 − 𝑉2
• We may have to provide additional offset input voltage 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 = 𝑉1 − 𝑉2 to
further compensate and make sure 𝑉𝑜 = 0𝑉
• When 𝑉𝑖 = 0 for both inverting and non-inverting amplifiers:
𝑅1
At (-) :𝑉2 = 𝑉𝑜 and rearrange
𝑅1 +𝑅𝑓
𝑅𝑓
• 𝑉𝑜 = 1 + 𝑉2
𝑅1
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

4. Input offset voltage

𝑅𝑓
• 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 = 𝑉1 − 𝑉2 and 𝑉𝑜 = 1 + 𝑉2
𝑅1
• At (+) 𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑖 = 0
• 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 = 0 − 𝑉2 = 𝑉2
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

4. Input offset voltage

𝑅𝑓
• 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 = 𝑉1 − 𝑉2 and 𝑉𝑜 = 1 + 𝑉2
𝑅1
• At (+) 𝑉1 = 𝑉𝑖 = 0
• 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 = 0 − 𝑉2 = 𝑉2
𝑅𝑓
• So 𝑉0 = 1 + 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 (𝑉𝑖 = 0 for both inverting and
𝑅1
non inverting)
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

5. Total output offset voltage

• Without any compensation: when 𝑉𝑖 = 0:
The offset output voltage 𝑉𝑜𝑇 =
offset due to (input offset voltage+bias current)
𝑅𝑓
𝑉𝑜𝑇 = 1 + 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 + 𝑅𝑓 𝐼𝐵
𝑅1
With the use of compensation voltage and
𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 as in input offset current section with 𝐼𝑂𝑆 = 𝐼𝐵+ − 𝐼𝐵−
𝑅𝑓
𝑉𝑜𝑇 = 1 + 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 + 𝑅𝑓 𝐼𝑂𝑆
𝑅1
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

5. Total output offset voltage

• Most op-amps provide offset compensation pins to nullify offset
voltage (provided in datasheet of manufacturer)
• Manufacturer for uA741 recommend
connecting 10kΩ potentiometer
between offset null pins 1 and 5
• Connect 𝑉 − (pin 4) to wiper
(adjustable knob) of potentiometer
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

5. Total output offset voltage

• Without offset null pinks:
the external balancing techniques
as shown may be followed for
inverting and non-inverting amplifier
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP
Problem 2: Non-inverting amplifier has 𝑅1 = 1𝑘Ω ; 𝑅𝑓 = 10𝑘Ω; LM307
opamp has 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 = 10𝑚𝑉; 𝐼𝐵 = 300𝑛𝐴; Ios = 50nA.
A) Find maximum output offset voltage due to 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 and 𝐼𝐵
b) Calculate value of 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 to reduce effect of 𝐼𝐵
C) Calculate max output offset voltage if 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 calculated in (b) is
connected in circuit
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP
Problem 2: Non-inverting amplifier has 𝑅1 = 1𝑘Ω ; 𝑅𝑓 = 10𝑘Ω; LM307
opamp has 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 = 10𝑚𝑉; 𝐼𝐵 = 300𝑛𝐴; Ios = 50nA.
A) Find maximum output offset voltage due to 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 and 𝐼𝐵
b) Calculate value of 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 to reduce effect of 𝐼𝐵
C) Calculate max output offset voltage if 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 calculated in (b) is
connected in circuit
• 𝑉𝑜𝑇 = 1 + 𝑅𝑓 /𝑅1 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 + 𝑅𝑓 𝐼𝐵 =
• Value of 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 needed
𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 = 𝑅1 ∥ 𝑅𝑓 =
• When 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 is connected
𝑉𝑜𝑇 = 1 + 𝑅𝑓 /𝑅1 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 + 𝑅𝑓 𝐼𝑜𝑠
=
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP
Problem 2: Non-inverting amplifier has 𝑅1 = 1𝑘Ω ; 𝑅𝑓 = 10𝑘Ω; LM307
opamp has 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 = 10𝑚𝑉; 𝐼𝐵 = 300𝑛𝐴; Ios = 50nA.
A) Find maximum output offset voltage due to 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 and 𝐼𝐵
b) Calculate value of 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 to reduce effect of 𝐼𝐵
C) Calculate max output offset voltage if 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 calculated in (b) is
connected in circuit
10𝑘
• 𝑉𝑜𝑇 = 1 + 𝑅𝑓 /𝑅1 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 + 𝑅𝑓 𝐼𝐵 = 1 + 10𝑚𝑉 + 10𝑘 300𝑛 = 113𝑚𝑉
1𝑘
• Value of 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 needed
𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 = 𝑅1 ∥ 𝑅𝑓 = 1𝑘 ∥ 10𝑘 = 990Ω
• When 𝑅𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝 is connected
𝑉𝑜𝑇 = 1 + 𝑅𝑓 /𝑅1 𝑉𝑖𝑜𝑠 + 𝑅𝑓 𝐼𝑜𝑠
10𝑘
= 1+ 10𝑚𝑉 + 10𝑘 50𝑛 = 110.5 𝑚𝑉
1𝑘
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

6. Thermal drift
• Bias current, offset current and offset voltage change with
temperature.
• At 25°𝐶 if the circuit is carefully nulled
then at 35°C it may not work
• This is called drift
(Change in offset for each degree Celsius change in temperature)
• Offset current drift is expressed in 𝑛𝐴/°𝐶
• Offset voltage drift is expressed in 𝑚𝑉/°𝐶
• Keep away the op-amp from source of heat and may use forced air
cooling to stabilize ambient temperature
 4.2 DC characteristics of OP-AMP

Problem 3: Non inverting amplifier with gain 100 is nulled at

25°C. What will happen to output voltage if temperature rises
to 50°𝐶 for offset voltage drift of 0.15mV/°C.
• Input offset voltage due to temperature rise:
0.15𝑚𝑉/°𝐶 × 50°𝐶 − 25°𝐶 = 3.75𝑚𝑉
• Since this is input change: output voltage will change by
• 𝑉𝑜 = 𝑉𝑜𝑠 × 𝐴𝐶𝐿
= 3.75𝑚𝑉 × 100 = 375𝑚𝑉
Major shift in output voltage.