Op-Amp Responses

This chapter identifies the basic areas of op-amp responses and analyzes the open- and closed-loop responses of an op-amp.

Key Concepts

• Open-loop vs closed-loop gain
• Open-loop frequency and phase response
• Closed-loop frequency and phase response
• Phase-lag compensation
• Bandwidth
• Phase shift
• Loop gain
• Phase margin
• The gain of an op-amp amplifier is dependent upon frequency.
• Unity-gain bandwidth is the frequency at which the output is equal to one or unity.
• The internal R-C networks in an op-amp causes a phase shift between the input and the output.
• Each internal stage affects the frequency response.
• Each internal stage adds to the overall phase lag between the input and the output.
• An uncompensated op-amp is one which has more than one critical frequency.
• All op-amps have designed input and output impedances.
• The use of negative feedback has a major impact on the input and output impedance that can be far different from the design parameters.
• Compensation is used to eliminate open-loop roll-off rates.
• Compensation is used to extend the -20dB/decade rate to a lower gain amplifier.
• A compensation network consists of an RC network.

opampgainvsfreq.jpg
© 2025 Microchip Technology, Inc.
Notice: ARM and Cortex are the registered trademarks of ARM Limited in the EU and other countries.
Information contained on this site regarding device applications and the like is provided only for your convenience and may be superseded by updates. It is your responsibility to ensure that your application meets with your specifications. MICROCHIP MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WRITTEN OR ORAL, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, RELATED TO THE INFORMATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ITS CONDITION, QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PURPOSE. Microchip disclaims all liability arising from this information and its use. Use of Microchip devices in life support and/or safety applications is entirely at the buyer's risk, and the buyer agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Microchip from any and all damages, claims, suits, or expenses resulting from such use. No licenses are conveyed, implicitly or otherwise, under any Microchip intellectual property rights.