Op-Amp Integrator: Understand 10MOhm Feedback Resistor

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the function and significance of a 10MOhm feedback resistor in an operational amplifier (op-amp) integrator circuit. Participants explore theoretical and practical implications of this component, including its effect on the output signal and the behavior of the circuit under various conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the role of the 10MOhm feedback resistor in the integrator circuit and its significance in deriving the proof for the integrator.
  • Another suggests converting the circuit to its Laplacian equivalent to derive the transfer function, emphasizing the properties of ideal op-amps.
  • A participant notes that the voltage across a capacitor can be expressed as an integral of the current, which may relate to understanding the integrator function.
  • One contribution explains that the feedback resistor prevents a small constant voltage from appearing at the inverting input, which would otherwise be integrated, and mentions a frequency where the capacitor's impedance equals that of the feedback resistor.
  • Another participant states that the feedback resistor limits the gain at DC to 100, preventing saturation of the op-amp due to small input offsets, which could disrupt the circuit's intended function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple perspectives on the role of the feedback resistor, with some focusing on its impact on integration and gain, while others emphasize its necessity to prevent saturation. There is no consensus on a single explanation, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the complete understanding of the feedback resistor's function.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a definitive conclusion on the implications of removing the feedback resistor, and there are varying assumptions about the circuit's behavior under different conditions.

fatalenergy
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Hi,
I was assigned a lab that requires me to build the attached circuit and show how the output signal is the integral of the input signal. Basically I can't understand what the function of the 10MOhm feedback resistor is. Its giving me a headache when I try to derive my proof for the integrator, and part of the lab is to explain its significance and what would happen if it were removed.

I don't know if I should be posting this in homework help but this isn't really a math question so I figured I could try here 1st.

Thanks
 

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Try tackling the problem systematically...

Convert the circuit to the Laplacian equvilent (i.e. C becomes 1/(Cs) and derive the transfer function. The only special things you have to remember are:

a. For an ideal op-amp, the currents entering the inverting and non-inverting terminals is zero.
b. For an ideal op-amp, the voltage between the inverting and non-inverting terminals is zero.

Clue: In the s domain, a 1/s denotes an intergral.

Try this and see if it makes more sense to you.
 
Or that the voltage across a cap:

[tex]Vc = \frac{1}{C} \int i_c dt[/tex]
 
The [tex]R(f)=10M\Omega[/tex] resistor is there to make sure you do not have a small constant voltage on the inverted input (this would be integrated and you don’t want that). You can show that there is a frequency where the impedance of the capacitor equals the impedance of the R(f) resistor. Over this frequency the circuit acts as an integrator, so you can try to neglect that resistor in your calculations
 
The feedback resistor limis the gain at DC to 100. If it was not there the theoretical gain at DC would be infinit. Any small input offset would cause an integration that would eventually saturate the op amp. Then all the usual assumptions about op amps go to H@$^*.
Joe
 

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