A difference amplifier question

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perplexabot
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Hi. I am trying to find out what R4 is for or what its job is. Can anyone help? Thank you.
 
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  • Circuit schematic of an op-amp difference amplifier: V1 feeds R1 (100K) to the inverting input pin 2, R3 (100K) feeds back from output pin 6, V2 feeds R2 (100K) to non-inverting input pin 3, R4 (100K) from pin 3 to ground, output labeled Vout = V2 - V1.
    diffamp.gif
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This is a typical differential amp circuit that you have gain of -1 if you drive V1, gain of +1 if you drive V2. Remember the gain of the non inverted amp is R3/R1+1. In order to achieve gain of 1, you need to divid the V2 by 2 so when multiplied by 2, you get gain of 1. R4 form the divide network with R2.
 
yungman said:
This is a typical differential amp circuit that you have gain of -1 if you drive V1, gain of +1 if you drive V2. Remember the gain of the non inverted amp is R3/R1+1. In order to achieve gain of 1, you need to divid the V2 by 2 so when multiplied by 2, you get gain of 1. R4 form the divide network with R2.

I see, it is needed for a voltage divider. That makes sense. Thank you for your reply and sorry for my late reply.