Calculating the unknown voltages in ideal op-amp circuits

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating unknown voltages in ideal operational amplifier (op-amp) circuits. The first op-amp circuit analysis resulted in a non-inverting input voltage (V1) of 10V and an inverting input voltage (V-) of approximately 0.909V. The second op-amp circuit confirmed a non-inverting input voltage (V+) of 6V, validating the calculations based on the ideal op-amp assumptions. Key insights include the importance of correctly applying voltage divider principles and understanding the concept of virtual ground in op-amp configurations.

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Homework Statement
FIGURE 1 shows two amplifier circuits, each of which has one unknown
voltage (shown highlighted). Select, from TABLE A, the most
appropriate value for the unknown voltages for each circuit. Assume that
the op-amps are ideal and that the magnitude of their output voltages is
less than their maximum peak output voltage swing (VOM).
Relevant Equations
V+ = V1/(R+10R)

(V2 - V-)/R = -(Vo - V-)/10R
1603881915089.png1603884922052.pngHi - I have made an attempt at both of these circuits, but I am not 100% sure I am correct. Would it be possible to check if I have this right, and if not, please give me some pointers as to where I have gone wrong? Thanks

First op-amp
Given data:
Vo = 5V
I have called the voltage feeding into the non-inverting input V1 = 0.5V
voltage feeding into the inverting input = V2

For non inverting input V+ = V1/(1+10)

For inverting input V- :
(V2 - V-)/R= -(Vo - V-)/10R
V2 - V- =(-Vo + V-)/10
10(V2 - V-)-V- = -Vo
10V2 - 11V- = -Vo
Plug in values
(10*0.5) - 11V- = -5
-11V- = -10
V- =10/11 = 0.909V

As it is an ideal op-amp:

V+ = V- = 0.909V

Therefore:

V+ =V1/(10+1)

V1 = V+ * 11
V1 = 0.909*11 = 10V

Second op-amp

At non-inverting input:

V+ =Vo/(R+R)
V+=12/2=6V

As it is an ideal op-amp:

V+ = V- =6V
Due to short from inverting input to output, output voltage (V) is 6V
 
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peasngravy said:
For non inverting input V+ = V1/(1+10)
You are relating the non-inverting "feeding" voltage (V1) to the actual voltage at the non-inverting node (V+) right?
In that case, you have incorrectly applied the voltage divider formula here.
 
cnh1995 said:
You are relating the non-inverting "feeding" voltage (V1) to the actual voltage at the non-inverting node (V+) right?
In that case, you have incorrectly applied the voltage divider formula here.

Yep that's what I was trying to do. What have I done wrong with the formula?
 
peasngravy said:
Yep that's what I was trying to do. What have I done wrong with the formula?
Your V+ is the voltage across 10R.
The total series resistance is 11R.
How are V1 and V+ related then?
 
cnh1995 said:
Your V+ is the voltage across 10R.
The total series resistance is 11R.
How are V1 and V+ related then?

So should it be
(0.5-V2)/R = (V2-5)/10R
?
 
No.
You have input voltage V1 and two series resistances R and 10R forming a voltage divider.
What fraction of V1 is dropped across 10R?

You have calculated that fraction. You need to find V1 from that fraction.
 
cnh1995 said:
No.
You have input voltage V1 and two series resistances R and 10R forming a voltage divider.
What fraction of V1 is dropped across 10R?

You have calculated that fraction. You need to find V1 from that fraction.

I see - so it is 10/11?
 
peasngravy said:
I see - so it is 10/11?
Yes.
 
Thank you - so

V1= 10/(11*0.91) = 0.99V?
 
  • #10
peasngravy said:
V1= 10/(11*0.91) = 0.99V?
Sure, but if you keep all the terms in fraction form till the end, you will get V1= 1V, which is the accurate answer.
 
  • #11
Thank you so much for helping me to understand.

Does the second op-amp look Ok to you?
 
  • #12
peasngravy said:
Does the second op-amp look Ok to you?
Yes 6V looks correct to me.
 
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  • #13
Thanks again for your help
 
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  • #14
If the circuit is working (ie the amp is in its linear working range and the output is not driven to either rail voltage) then the difference between the -ve and the +ve inputs will be Vout / Amp gain. As the Amp gain is very, very high, the difference will be effectively zero. That is why they are called "virtual Earth's".

The input resistance (actually impedance) of the amp will be very, very high so you can ignore it.

Everything else then follows.

Then do a final check - do the voltages you calculate give the output voltage?
 

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