Output voltage and output current of an Opamp

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the output voltage and output current of an operational amplifier (op-amp), specifically analyzing a problem that involves both ideal and non-ideal op-amp assumptions. Participants explore calculations, assumptions, and implications of different gain values in the context of a homework problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the output voltage calculation of -0.75 V is correct based on their assumptions about the op-amp being ideal.
  • Another participant agrees with the initial calculation but questions the assumption of an ideal op-amp given the stated gain of A=200.
  • Some participants suggest that the gain of A=200 might be a typo, as typical op-amps have much higher gains.
  • There is a discussion about the complexity of calculating with a non-ideal op-amp and whether the exercise aims to teach ideal configurations.
  • One participant mentions that a by-hand analysis could be feasible using nodal analysis despite the non-ideal gain.
  • Concerns are raised about the input impedance and how it relates to the calculations, with some participants unsure about the implications of the given values.
  • Another participant highlights a potential arithmetic error in the original calculations, prompting a correction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the gain value provided is appropriate for the problem, with some believing it to be a misprint while others argue it serves a purpose in demonstrating op-amp behavior. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of using an ideal versus non-ideal op-amp in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem involves specific values for gain and input impedance, which may not align with typical characteristics of modern op-amps. There is uncertainty about the necessity of using ideal approximations versus accounting for non-ideal behavior in the calculations.

Pushoam
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Homework Statement


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Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



Output voltage and output current of an OP-Amp

Taking the OP-Amp as an ideal OP-Amp, the voltage at terminal 1 is 0 with respect to ground.

The voltage at B is ## V_B = - 0.5 V ##

## i_{in} ## is from A to B.

There is another 5 mA current going from C to B.

I think both of these current should go towards D. Then, no current is coming out of the OP-Amp, i.e. the direction of ## i_o ## is opposite to what is given in the question.Since, ## i_in ## is very very less than 5mA, approximately 5 mA goes through 50 ## \Omega ## resistor. So, the voltage drop across this resistor is 0.25 V. Since, the current is towards D, ## V_o = -0.5V -0.25V = -0.75 V ##So, the correct option is (c).

Is this correct?
 

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Yes, this is correct. :)
 
Thanks.
 
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Charles Link said:
Yes, this is correct. :)

Charles - please, can you explain ? Why do you think, that (c) is correct?
Pushoam has started his calculation with an assumption (ideal opamp) that is NOT in accordance with the task description (A=200).
 
LvW said:
Charles - please, can you explain ? Why do you think, that (c) is correct?
Pushoam has started his calculation with an assumption (ideal opamp) that is NOT in accordance with the task description (A=200).
Perhaps an oversight on my part. I spotted the ## A=200 ## also, but I think (maybe incorrectly) that that is a typo. Usually Op-Amps have very high gain, e.g. ## A=200,000 ## and higher. The assumption is made that the inverting terminal is a virtual ground. A gain of only 200 would likely make that assumption somewhat inaccurate. ## \\ ## Additional comment: I believe the purpose of the exercise is to teach students to calculate ideal op-amp configurations by hand. A hand calculation of the non-ideal A=200 would be somewhat difficult. I'm not sure what is presently in use for that=when I was in school in 1980, a program called SPICE would have computed the result.
 
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Yes - without any doubt, a gain calculation based on an open-loop gain of only A=200 would be somewhat more involved.
However, based on Black`s classical feedback formula, it is not a big problem.
On the other hand, perhaps you are right and there was a typing error - and A=200k would be the envisaged number,
But - who knows?
 
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A by-hand analysis would not be too difficult. The op-amp is replaced by a suitable input resistance and a controlled voltage source with a gain of 200. Two essential nodes means that nodal analysis will be easy enough to do by hand.
 
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gneill said:
A by-hand analysis would not be too difficult. The op-amp is replaced by a suitable input resistance and a controlled voltage source with a gain of 200. Two essential nodes means that nodal analysis will be easy enough to do by hand.
I do think though, in the multiple choice question, they were simply looking for the answer for an ideal op-amp. I do think the gain of ## A=200 ## was mislabeled.
 
But, in the question, input impedance is also given.
But, I don't know any other way to calculate it.
But, from the given options, doesn't it become clear whether one has to idea op - amp approximation or not?
 
  • #10
Pushoam said:
But, in the question, input impedance is also given.
But, I don't know any other way to calculate it.
But, from the given options, doesn't it become clear whether one has to idea op - amp approximation or not?
In general, an ideal op-amp is well known to require a very large gain factor. ## A=10^6 ## is not uncommon for a commercial op-amp. I do think this was probably a misprint, because learning how to compute the case of the ideal op-amp is much more important than doing the non-ideal case with a low gain such as ## A=200 ##.
 
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  • #11
I doubt that it was a misprint as both the gain and input impedance of the amplifier were given, and both values were much less that typical of a modern, garden variety op-amp. The question has the benefit of demonstrating how close to ideal performance you can get with even modest gain and input impedance, thanks to the feedback loop. The early, discrete component op-amps (both tube and transistor based) had characteristics akin to these specs.

Recognizing that you can use an ideal approximation to choose amongst the given multiple choice answers is commendable. Being able to justify that approximation is an even better thing :smile:
 
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  • #12
I believe there is a bigger problem than Ideal vs Non-ideal op-amp. The 50KΩ feedback resistor needs 5V -0.5V across it to balance the ID (+5% for the input current). That puts 5V -0.5V volts at the junction of the 100Ω and the 50Ω resistors. However the problem asks for the voltage at VO, not the voltage at the 100Ω resistor
 
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  • #13
Tom.G said:
I believe there is a bigger problem than Ideal vs Non-ideal op-amp. The 50KΩ feedback resistor needs 5V across it to balance the ID (+5% for the input current). That puts 5V voltage at the junction of the 100Ω and the 50Ω resistors. However the problem asks for the voltage at VO, not the voltage at the 100Ω resistor
Please check your arithmetic. It's -.5 volts, not 5 Volts. I believe the OP got a reasonably accurate answer.
 
  • #14
Charles Link said:
Please check your arithmetic. It's -.5 volts, not 5 Volts.
Oops! You're right. Thanks. Am correcting the post. (That's what happens when I don't write things down.) :H
 
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