Lab 8: Operational Amplifier (Op-Amps)

In this lab, you will be looking at the open-loop behavior of an operational amplifier
(op-amp). First, you will look at a detailed definition of an op-amp circuit and learn
what controls its behavior. Then, you will examine why op-amps are important and
how they are used in countless devices.

Through simulation and circuit-building, you will observe the outputs for different
inputs to an open-loop op-amp configuration. Additionally, you will build an op-amp
clipper circuit (a closed-loop configuration) and observe the output signal.

Figure 1 Op-Amp Circuit Diagram

Learning Objectives

After completing this lab, you will be able to complete the following activities:

1. Discuss the operation and application of op-amps.

2. Discuss the limiting factors imposed by the supply voltage to an op-amp.
3. Predict the output of an op-amp in an open-loop configuration given the input
parameters.
Required Tools and Technology
Platform: NI ELVIS III ✓ View User Manual:
Instruments used in this lab: http://www.ni.com/en-
us/support/model.ni-elvis-
● Instrument 1: Function Generator
iii.html
● Instrument 2: Oscilloscope
✓ View Tutorials:
Note: The NI ELVIS III Cables and
Accessories Kit (purchased separately) is https://www.youtube.com/playl
required for using the instruments. ist?list=PLvcPIuVaUMIWm8zi
aSxv0gwtshBA2dh_M
✓ Install Soft Front Panel
support:
http://www.ni.com/documentati
on/en/ni-elvis-iii/latest/getting-
started/installing-the-soft-front-
panel/

Hardware: NI ELVIS III Default ✓ View Breadboard Tutorial:

Prototyping Board http://www.ni.com/tutorial/5474
9/en

Hardware: TI Electronics Kit Components used in this lab:

• (1) 10 kΩ resistor
• (1) 220 Ω resistor
• (1) operational amplifier,
TL074, or similar

Software: NI Multisim Live ✓ Access online

● You will modify and run a pre- http://multisim.com
built Multisim Live circuit in order to ✓ View Help
understand the open-loop gain of http://multisim.com/help/
an op-amp.
Expected Deliverables

In this lab, you will collect the following deliverables:

✓ Calculations of output voltage

✓ Data from simulation and circuit-building
✓ Observations of the behavior of an Op-Amp

Your instructor may expect you complete a lab report. Refer to your instructor for
specific requirements or templates.
1.1 Theory and Background

Figure 1-1 Video Screenshot. View the video here: youtu.be/ph8zI9Emeuc

Video Summary

● Operational amplifiers, also known as Op-Amps, are one of the most

commonly used electronic devices.
● Op-Amps are an ideal choice for signal conditioning, filtering, and
mathematical operations.
● Op-Amps are considered a differential amplifier

What Are Op-Amp Circuits?

Operational amplifiers are one of the most commonly used electronic devices today.
They constitute one of the basic building blocks of analog electronic circuits. Op-
amps are linear devices that can provide close to ideal DC amplification making
them an excellent choice for signal conditioning, filtering and mathematical
operations.

What Do Op-Amp Circuits Do?

An op-amp is a type of differential amplifier. One of their most common uses is for
signal voltage amplification, which is what this lab will focus on. An op-amp’s inputs
typically consist of a non-inverting input marked with a plus symbol, and an inverting
input marked with a minus symbol. Ideally, the op-amp amplifies only the difference
between the two inputs, which is called the differential input voltage.

The output voltage of the op-amp is represented by the equation:

VOUT = AOL (V+ − V− )

Equation 1-1

where (V+ - V-) is the difference between the inverting and non-inverting inputs
and AOL is the open-loop gain of the amplifier. Open-loop refers to the absence of a
feedback loop from the output to the input. This feedback loop is typically achieved
with a resistor. The open-loop gain of an op-amp is typically very large, usually a
factor of 100,000 or more for integrated circuit op-amps. This means that very small
differences between the two inputs will drive the amplifier output nearly to the supply
voltage. Conditions where the output voltage is approximately equal to the supply
voltage are referred to as saturation of the amplifier.

Because the exact magnitude of the op-amp's gain is not well controlled by the
manufacturing process, it is impractical to use an op-amp as a stand-alone
differential amplifier. To achieve a more reliable and predictable magnitude of gain
from an op-amp, negative feedback is used. Negative feedback is achieved by
applying a portion of the output voltage to the inverting input. This is called a closed-
loop feedback and it greatly reduces the gain of the circuit. When negative feedback
is used, the circuit's overall gain is determined mostly by the feedback network rather
than the op-amp's characteristics. This effectively eliminates manufacturing
differences of the op-amp and allows for a predictable and repeatable factor of gain
in the circuit.
How Can We Use Op-Amp Circuits?

An op-amp of some type can be found in almost every piece of electronic equipment.
They are widely used in audio and video pre-amplifiers and buffers. Op-amps are
also used as differentiators and integrators, filters, rectifiers and regulators. Op-amps
are also critical components in analog-to-digital converters as well as digital-to-
analog converters. An important design feature of many op-amps is a standardized
pin-out that allows one type of op-amp to be swapped for another without having to
make difficult wiring changes.
 Check Your Understanding

Note: The following questions are meant to help you self-assess your understanding so far.
You can view the answer key for all “Check your Understanding” questions at the end of the
lab.

1-1 What is the correct equation for the output voltage of an op-amp?

A. VOUT = AOL (V- - V+)

B. VOUT = AOL (V+ / V-)
C. VOUT = AOL (V+ - V-)
D. VOUT = AOL (V+ * V-)

1-2 What is the saturation of an amplifier?

A. When the input voltage is less than the supply voltage.

B. When the output voltage is less than the supply voltage.
C. When the input voltage is equal to or greater than the supply voltage.
D. When the output voltage is approximately equal to the supply voltage.
1.2 Simulate: Open-Loop Behavior of an Op-Amp

1. Click the link below and examine the Multisim Live circuit.
2. https://www.multisim.com/content/UsTPm4Tn6L4HMjnW4tPP7Q/op-amps-
circuit/

Assembly this circuit.

Note: This circuit features a supply voltage of +/-5 V and a non-inverting input that
can be switched between +/-1 V.

3. Ensure that the switch is in the top position (click and press the icon that
appears to change the switch's position).
4. Click Run to begin simulating the circuit.

1-3 Measure the voltage out of the op-amp when the switch is in the top position
(input voltage is +1 V). What is the output voltage?

VOUT =

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1-4 Change the switch position to the bottom (input voltage is -1 V). Measure the
voltage out of the op-amp. What is the output voltage?

VOUT =

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Note: In this configuration, the output switches between the upper and lower voltage
values from the variable power supply.

Modify the Supply Voltages

1. Click on the supply voltage values and change them to +15 V and -15 V.

1-5 Measure the voltage out of the op-amp when the switch is in the top position
(input voltage is +1 V).

VOUT =

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1-6 Change the switch position to the bottom (input voltage is -1 V). Measure the
voltage out of the op-amp. What is the output voltage?

VOUT =

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Note: The output switches between approximately +15 V and -15 V.

2. Click Stop.

1-7 Record your observations on the op-amp in this configuration.

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1.3 Implement: Open-Loop Behavior

1. Use the NI ELVIS III to set up the following circuit:

Note: You may have a different op-amp, but it should behave similarly if you connect
the terminals in the same way.

• Consult the specification sheet for your op-amp for a guide to which
terminals are connected to which pin.
• Op-amps are often packaged in an integrated circuit. Therefore, it is
important to learn about the pin connections.

Figure 1-2 Circuit set-up

2. From the Instruments tab of Measurements Live, open the following
instruments:

• Function Generator (FGen-Arb)

• Oscilloscope
Note: For more information about accessing Measurements Live and launching
instruments, visit http://www.ni.com/documentation/en/ni-elvis-iii/latest/getting-
started/launching-soft-front-panels/.

3. In the Function Generator window, apply the following settings:

Table1-1 Function Generator Settings

Frequency 60 Hz

Amplitude 5 Vpp

4. Click Run.
5. In the Oscilloscope window, set the following settings:

Table1-2 Oscilloscope Settings

Horizontal and Acquisition

Time/Div 2 ms

Channels

Channel 1 and Channel 2 Active

Volts per division 5V

6. Click Run.

Observe the Oscilloscope

• Notice that the input signal on Channel 1 is a sine wave.

1-8 Does the behavior correspond with what you observed in Part 1?

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1-9 What does the graph indicate about the open-loop behavior of an op-amp?

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1.4 Exercise: Signal Clipping

Note: In this section, you will explore the behavior of an op-amp when the input
signal has a higher voltage than the supply voltage.

You will be building a closed-loop configuration of an op-amp, which will make it

easier to visualize its behavior.

1. Use the NI ELVIS III to set up the following circuit:

Figure 1-3 Circuit Set-up

2. Open the following instruments from Measurements Live:

• Function Generator (FGen-Arb)

• Oscilloscope (SCOPE)
• Variable Power Supply (VPS)
 3. In the Variable Power Supply window, set the following settings:

Table 1-3 Variable Power Supply Settings

Power Supply “+” Static

Voltage 4.00 V

Power Supply “-“ Static

Voltage -4.00 V

4. Click Run to provide supply voltage to the op-amp.

5. Configure the Function Generator as follows:

Table 1-4 Function Generator Settings

Frequency 60 Hz

Amplitude 5 Vpp

6. Click Run.

7. In the Oscilloscope window, set the following settings:

Table1-5 Oscilloscope Settings

Horizontal and Acquisition

Time/Div 2 ms

Channels
 Channel 1 and Channel 2 Active

Volts per division 2V

8. Click Run.

Observe the Behavior of the Op-Amp

• With these settings, the input signal has an amplitude of 5 V peak-to-peak,

which is less than the supply voltage.
• The output signal follows the input signal. You can disable the Channel 1
signal to see that the output signal (shown in blue) is almost identical.

1. Increase the amplitude of the input signal so that it is higher than the supply
voltage. In the Function Generator window, set the Amplitude to 9 Vpp.
2. Observe the response in the Oscilloscope.

• Notice that the output signal does not increase or decrease to the amount of
the input signal. This effect is called clipping.

1-10 What is the consequence of clipping in a circuit?

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1-11 What would happen if your output signal is expected to be of higher amplitude
than your supply voltage?

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1.5 Conclusion

These questions will help you review and interpret the concepts learned in this lab.

1-12 Summarize any observations from the lab that haven’t been addressed
elsewhere.

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1-13 In your own words, discuss the operation of an op-amp and some of its open-
loop and closed-loop applications.

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1-14 In your own words, discuss the limiting factors imposed by the supply voltage to
an op-amp.

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1-15 Predict the output of the following op-amp:

Figure 1-4 Determine the output.

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