Electronics Determining Op Amp Gain.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the gain of an operational amplifier (op-amp) circuit based on given input and output voltages. Participants explore the implications of the circuit's configuration, including whether it is an ideal op-amp and the potential presence of feedback components. The scope includes homework-related problem-solving and technical reasoning regarding op-amp behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the gain using the formula A = Vo/VI but expresses confusion over the discrepancy in the expected answer, suggesting a misunderstanding of the circuit configuration.
  • Several participants question the completeness of the circuit description, specifically the absence of a feedback resistor and the grounding of the negative terminal.
  • Another participant suggests that the op-amp may not be ideal and proposes considering it as a general amplification stage with finite gain.
  • There is a claim that the calculated gain of A = 4004 is correct based on the provided values, but this conflicts with the textbook answer of 1001, leading to speculation about a possible error in the textbook.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to adjust their solution if the op-amp is assumed to be non-ideal.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the circuit as presented, with some believing it is missing critical components while others defend its integrity based on textbook consistency. There is no consensus on the correct gain calculation or the implications of the op-amp's ideality.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the lack of additional characteristics of the amplifier, such as input impedance, which could influence the gain calculation. The discussion highlights the potential for misunderstanding due to the circuit's unusual presentation compared to typical op-amp problems.

OmniNewton
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Homework Statement


Determine the Op amp gain of the following circuit.
e4fd4417ef5239fdd5df6ff139ca5cb1.png


V1 = 1v Vo = 4 V

Homework Equations


A = Vo/ VI

The Attempt at a Solution



Using voltage division I determined the voltage for the node at the +ve terminal

VI = V1(1k/ ([1000 + 1]k)) = 1/1001 V
Vo = 4v Given

Therefore A = Vo/VI = 4/(1/1001) = 4(1001)

However the answer is A = 4/(4/1001) = 1001

So somehow I'm off by a factor of 4. I am really unsure why VI is 4/1001.

Thank you so much for your time.
 
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The circuit does not make sense to me. Are you sure you don't have a feedback resistor somewhere? Also, are you sure the "-" terminal is connected to ground? Perhaps someone else can figure it out, but to me, it looks like it is missing something.
 
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Charles Link said:
The circuit does not make sense to me. Are you sure you don't have a feedback resistor somewhere? Also, are you sure the "-" terminal is connected to ground? Perhaps someone else can figure it out, but to me, it looks like it is missing something.

I strongly felt the same way as well Charles. But this is a problem directly from my textbook and it has not been modified for the last 3 editions so I'm assuming it is correct. Thank you so much for the response though.

EDIT: It is definitely very strange compared to the Operational amplifier problems I am used too. I am seeking enlightenment
 
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The circuit is okay, it's just that the op-amp depicted is not an ideal op-amp. Perhaps it would be better to think of it in terms of some general amplification stage with a finite gain. The idea is to find that gain given the "measured" input and output voltages.
 
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OmniNewton said:
I strongly felt the same way as well Charles. But this is a problem directly from my textbook and it has not been modified for the last 3 editions so I'm assuming it is correct. Thank you so much for the response though.

EDIT: It is definitely very strange compared to the Operational amplifier problems I am used too. I am seeking enlightenment
Taking the circuit as is, for a small positive input voltage, the output voltage would be pinned at +12 Volts or whatever bias you use for it. For a small negaive input voltage, the output would pin itself at -12 volts.
 
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Charles thanks for taking to the time to help out as well. I think gneill has the right idea of how to approach this problem so if we are to approach the problem assuming it is not an ideal OP amp what would I have to change in my solution?
 
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From what is given it appears to me that your result of A = 4004 is correct. Is the question complete as shown or were there other "characteristics" of this amplifier, such as input impedance?
 
gneill said:
From what is given it appears to me that your result of A = 4004 is correct. Is the question complete as shown or were there other "characteristics" of this amplifier, such as input impedance?

Yes you are absolutely right my A will be 4004 but the correct answer is indicated to be 1001 in all previous editions. the circuit provided is all information. The only additional information says Vo = 4 V and v1 = 1.0 V
 
There is nothing provided in the given circuit to account for a factor of 4 other than the gain itself, so I'm thinking that there's an error in the book.
 
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OmniNewton said:
Charles thanks for taking to the time to help out as well. I think gneill has the right idea of how to approach this problem so if we are to approach the problem assuming it is not an ideal OP amp what would I have to change in my solution?
I had difficulty reading the line in your OP where you have ## V1=+1.0 ## Volts and ## V_{out}=+4.0 ## Volts. I am glad that @gneill was able to help get the correct solution.
 

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