Op Amp Books: Gain, Feedback & Examples

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on recommended books for understanding operational amplifiers (op amps), emphasizing the importance of gain, feedback, and practical examples. Participants suggest several titles, including "The Art of Electronics" by Horowitz and Hill, which covers a broad range of electronics topics and provides practical design tips. Other recommendations include "The Opamp Cookbook" and works by Bob Pease, highlighting the significance of feedback in op amp applications. The conversation also suggests starting with foundational texts on diodes and transistors to better grasp op amp concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of electronic components, specifically diodes and transistors.
  • Familiarity with operational amplifier concepts, including gain and feedback.
  • Knowledge of circuit analysis techniques.
  • Experience with practical electronics design and troubleshooting.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "The Art of Electronics" by Horowitz and Hill for comprehensive op amp and circuit design insights.
  • Explore Bob Pease's writings on operational amplifiers for both educational and entertaining content.
  • Study "Op Amp Circuits" by Forest Mims for concise and practical applications of op amps.
  • Investigate "How to Build and Use Electronic Devices Without Frustration, Panic, Mountains of Money, or an Engineer Degree" by Stuart Hoenig for hands-on op amp projects.
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, hobbyists, and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of operational amplifiers and their applications in various electronic circuits.

Boltzman Oscillation
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I was wanting to get a book on Op Amps. Ideally it would have lots of examples but I also need it to explain gain, feedback, and all that important material in an understandable manner.
 
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I think that you can never go wrong with the "dummies" line of books. I have read a few and used to get one for every class i was taking. I bet the "circuit analysis for dummies" would have a lot of good info on op amps. They also have good activity books to go along with it.

Maybe you should start with a diode or transistor book. Op amps are made from transistors and once you learn the analysis on one everything makes much more sense.

Good luck. Please let us know what you find. Id be interested as well.

jeff
 
Boltzmann Oscillation said:
I was wanting to get a book on Op Amps. Ideally it would have lots of examples but I also need it to explain gain, feedback, and all that important material in an understandable manner.
My first opamp book was a little paperback called "The Opamp Cookbook". I don't remember the author, but it might be one of these that came up with an Amazon search:

1572381292040.png


I also recommend "The Art of Electronics" by Horowitz and Hill. It has lots more stuff than just opamps (from basic electronics to more complicated digital and analog circuits), but it is especially good at giving you very practical tips in designing opamp circuits and other circuits:

1572381398846.png


Here is a fun thread that we had a while ago based on one of the features of the H&H book: "Bad Circuits"

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/bad-circuits-test-your-knowledge.178516/
 
jeff davis said:
I think that you can never go wrong with the "dummies" line of books. I have read a few and used to get one for every class i was taking. I bet the "circuit analysis for dummies" would have a lot of good info on op amps. They also have good activity books to go along with it.

Maybe you should start with a diode or transistor book. Op amps are made from transistors and once you learn the analysis on one everything makes much more sense.

Good luck. Please let us know what you find. Id be interested as well.

jeff
I just took a shot at this one. The explanations for the ideal op amp is great but unfortunately I was looking for non ideal,feedback, and beyond. It does not touch on these subjects. It is pretty good for beginning in op amps though. Thank you.
 
berkeman said:
My first opamp book was a little paperback called "The Opamp Cookbook". I don't remember the author, but it might be one of these that came up with an Amazon search:

View attachment 252034

I also recommend "The Art of Electronics" by Horowitz and Hill. It has lots more stuff than just opamps (from basic electronics to more complicated digital and analog circuits), but it is especially good at giving you very practical tips in designing opamp circuits and other circuits:

View attachment 252035

Here is a fun thread that we had a while ago based on one of the features of the H&H book: "Bad Circuits"

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/bad-circuits-test-your-knowledge.178516/
Wow I am really enjoying the Art of Electronics. It has so much information! I will consider buying a printed version soon
 
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Boltzmann Oscillation said:
I just took a shot at this one. The explanations for the ideal op amp is great but unfortunately I was looking for non ideal,feedback, and beyond. It does not touch on these subjects. It is pretty good for beginning in op amps though. Thank you.
That's cool. I wasn't implying you a beginner I hope ypu took no offense.
I am just now learning about how diodes are made and it flows into transistors and then op amps. It's pretty interesting. It is taking me thru the atom level up into each component.

Actually the book for this course is the art of electronics.

Hope ypu find a book that peaks your interest.
Mind my asking why op amps?
 
jeff davis said:
That's cool. I wasn't implying you a beginner I hope ypu took no offense.
I am just now learning about how diodes are made and it flows into transistors and then op amps. It's pretty interesting. It is taking me thru the atom level up into each component.

Actually the book for this course is the art of electronics.

Hope ypu find a book that peaks your interest.
Mind my asking why op amps?
I am a beginner, Junior undergraduate in electrical engineering. Op amps are used for a lot of applications from filters to oscillators to measuring equipment. I do wish I had that book of yours last semester when I was just learning about ideal op amps without consideration of feedback but feedback is very very very important in op amps.
 
I would recommend that you search for everything written by Bob Pease on the subject. He will educate and entertain.
There was also a little monograph put out by Radio Shack written by Forest Mims: "Op Amp Circuits" or something similar...maybe 50 pages...really good I thought.
 
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I used a book years ago by Franco or di Franco that was very clear.
 
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I can recommend
How to Build and Use Electronic Devices Without Frustration, Panic, Mountains of Money, or an Engineer Degree
by Stuart Hoenig,

It is all about Op Amps and their applications.
 

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