Op Amp Amplifier Chaining - Oscillations & Coupling

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of chaining two operational amplifier (op amp) circuits, specifically addressing issues related to oscillations and coupling methods. Participants explore the implications of using capacitive coupling and seek alternatives to mitigate oscillations in the circuit.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that they are experiencing oscillations in the first op amp due to the capacitive load and questions the possibility of AC coupling without using a capacitive load.
  • Another participant requests specific details about the frequency of oscillation, gain of the circuits, frequency range, and a schematic to better understand the issue.
  • A participant provides details indicating the frequency of oscillation is 8MHz, with a gain of 10000, and mentions the use of a low pass filter at 100kHz.
  • One participant clarifies that a coupling capacitor is not typically regarded as a capacitive load in this context.
  • Another suggests trying a smaller ceramic or polyfilm capacitor as a potential solution to the oscillation problem.
  • A later reply reveals that the source of the oscillations was identified as the low pass filter, with the output cable contributing to the capacitive load, which was resolved by adding a 20 Ohm resistor in series.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the causes of oscillations and the effectiveness of different coupling methods. There is no consensus on a single solution, as multiple approaches and their implications are discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific circuit configurations and parameters, but the discussion does not resolve the broader implications of coupling methods or the underlying reasons for oscillations in op amp circuits.

Who May Find This Useful

Electronics enthusiasts, engineers working with op amp circuits, and those interested in signal processing may find this discussion relevant.

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I am trying to chain two op amp amplifiers. I thought that I could couple them through a capacitor so the output offset of the first amplifier doesn't get amplified. Now the first one is oscillating because of the capacitive load. Is there a way to do ac coupling without using a capacitive load for the first amplifier, or another way to prevent the oscillations?
 
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1. What is the frequency of oscillation?
2. What is the gain of the op amp circuits?
3. What is the frequency range you are amplifying?
4. As always, a schematic will help.
 
1.) 8MHz
2.) 10000
3.) 20kHz - 100kHz
4.) G=100 Instrumentation amp followed by a G=100 inverting amp followed by a sallen key 100kHz low pass.
I haven't really found the source of the oscillations, but driving capacitive loads is discouraged, so I wondered if there is any way around it.
 
0xDEADBEEF said:
I am trying to chain two op amp amplifiers. I thought that I could couple them through a capacitor so the output offset of the first amplifier doesn't get amplified. Now the first one is oscillating because of the capacitive load. Is there a way to do ac coupling without using a capacitive load for the first amplifier, or another way to prevent the oscillations?


A coupling capacitor is not generally considered a capacitive load.
 
I know this is obvious, but have you tried using a smaller ceramic/polyfilm capacitor?
 
I found the bug: Ironically the low pass was doing the MHz oscillations. The cable on the output was enough of a capacity! 20 Ohms in series and the problem is gone...
 

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