Kirchoff's current law for an opamp

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL) to an operational amplifier (op-amp) circuit. Participants clarify that a closed boundary should be drawn around the op-amp, including the five connecting wires. The equation i2 + i3 + i7 - i4 - i6 = 0 is confirmed as correct, with the understanding that for an ideal op-amp, currents i2 and i3 are negligible. The significance of current magnitudes is emphasized, prompting analysis of where the majority of current flows within the circuit.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kirchhoff's Current Law (KCL)
  • Familiarity with operational amplifier (op-amp) concepts
  • Basic circuit analysis skills
  • Knowledge of ideal op-amp characteristics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of ideal vs. non-ideal op-amps in circuit design
  • Learn about current sources and sinks in op-amp circuits
  • Explore advanced applications of KCL in complex circuits
  • Investigate the impact of feedback on op-amp performance
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineering students, circuit designers, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of operational amplifier behavior and circuit analysis techniques.

-EquinoX-
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Homework Statement



http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3939/opamp.jpg

Draw an imaginary boundary around the op-amp, and apply KCL at the five wires that intersect the boundary

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I am having quite a problem understanding the question above... which boundary should I draw around? Could someone point this out?
 
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You draw a closed line around the op-amp that contains only the opamp and a part of the 5 wires that connect to it. According to KCL the sum of all the currents going into the opamp
must be 0.

This is an extremely unhelpful exercise, if the goal is understanding op-amps.
 
so is it:
i2 + i3 + i7 -i4 - i6 = 0

is this true?

based on the number that is there?
 
-EquinoX- said:
so is it:
i2 + i3 + i7 -i4 - i6 = 0

is this true?

based on the number that is there?

Yes. Of course, with an ideal op-amp I2 and i3 will be 0.
 
Now what does it mean when the question asks:

Discuss the significance of the relative current magnitudes??

what kind of answer should I provide?
 
I2 will be very small, and I3 will be very small .
which of the other currents would YOU like to be small?
Tell where you think most of the current comes from, and where most of it goes to .
 

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