Electronic Circuits-Compute voltage gain for OP-amplifiers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the voltage gain for operational amplifiers (op-amps) in a specific circuit configuration. Participants explore various approaches to analyze the circuit, focusing on the relationships between input and output voltages.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their initial approach, assuming specific voltages at the op-amp terminals and calculating the output voltage, leading to a ratio of input to output voltage that they believe is incorrect.
  • Another participant suggests analyzing the circuit by introducing a common mode voltage, vx, to retain information from the lower resistances.
  • A different participant emphasizes the importance of determining the voltage at the positive input of the third op-amp in terms of the input voltage.
  • One participant presents their calculations for the output voltage based on their assumptions about the input voltages and the current through the resistors, arriving at a relationship that suggests a gain of -1 under certain conditions.
  • Another participant questions the direction of current flow in the circuit, suggesting that it may affect the sign in their calculations.
  • A later reply indicates that a recalculation without the common mode voltage led to a different result, which they assert is correct, confirming a gain of -1.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct approach to analyzing the circuit, with some proposing alternative methods and assumptions. There is no consensus on a single correct method or outcome, as multiple interpretations and calculations are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on various assumptions about voltage levels and current directions, which may affect their calculations. The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps and differing interpretations of circuit behavior.

Who May Find This Useful

Students and practitioners interested in operational amplifier circuits, voltage gain calculations, and circuit analysis techniques may find this discussion relevant.

beyondlight
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Homework Statement



We got the following circuit:

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=1zl7xg2&s=6

u_in is input
u_ut is output



The Attempt at a Solution



I assumed that the upper amp has voltage u_in on the positive terminal.
And that the lower amp has voltage 0 V on the positive terminal.

then i calculated u_ut but the ratio then becomes: u_in/u_ut = 0

Because the current from the upper amplifiers output terminal to the output terminal u_ut is

i=u_in/2R

which then gives us

u_ut=u_in -(i*2R) = u_in -u_in

the right answer should be -1

:'(

help please.
 
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I would analyze it by saying the voltage on the lower input is vx, and that on the upper input terminal is uin+vx, with vx being the common mode voltage.

Otherwise you are losing all the information associated with the lower pair of R resistances.
 
First step: determine, in terms of the input, the voltage at the (+) input of the third op-amp.
 
So this is how i did it:

On the positive input for the 3rd amplifier we have v_x/2.

And i suppose that the voltage on the output terminal of the upper amplifier is v_x+u_in

The current through the resistor then becomes:

i=\frac{\frac{v_x}{2}-(u_{in} + v_x)}{R}

Then the expression for the output u_o is:

u_o=\frac{v_x}{2} - R*i = {\frac{v_x}{2}-\frac{v_x-2u_{in}-2v_x}{2R}*R}

after simplifying we obtain:

u_o=-v_x-u_in

u_o/u_in = -1 (if v_x = 0)


Have i done correct?
 
beyondlight said:
So this is how i did it:

On the positive input for the 3rd amplifier we have v_x/2.

And i suppose that the voltage on the output terminal of the upper amplifier is v_x+u_in

The current through the resistor then becomes:
Which resistor? Which direction?[/color]

i=\frac{\frac{v_x}{2}-(u_{in} + v_x)}{R}

Then the expression for the output u_o is:

u_o=\frac{v_x}{2} - R*i
If we use your above expression for i, then the "-" here should be "+"
 
It is for the resistor after the output of the upper-most amplifier. I thought the current goes out of this amplifier and ends up at the output. So then it should be "-"

But i re-calculated this task with my method again, and got a quite different result. That turned out to be correct. I calculated without adding v_x.

The same current: i=(u_in/R)

u_out=0-Ri= -R(u_in/R)=-u_in

The gain then becomes -1.

I think this is sufficient.
 

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