What is virtual ground in an op-amp inverter?

  • Thread starter Thread starter uzair_ha91
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Ground Virtual
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Start your own thread to ask a follow-up.
2 replies · 4K views
uzair_ha91
Messages
92
Reaction score
0
What is the principle of virtual ground? Please elaborate.
Attempt:
The input impedance of an op-amp is so high that virtually all input current is shunted to the feedback resistor when is works as interver. When noninverting input is grounded and internal resistance of op-amp is very high, then due to no potential drop the inverting input is also grounded and this is called virtual ground.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In these feedback circuits, the op-amp adjusts the output voltage in such a way as to keep the inverting input (-) at or close to ground potential.

However, current cannot actually flow into (-) to ground. That's why it's referred to as a virtual ground.
 
Last edited:
The op-amp attempts to force its inputs to the same voltage. If one input is grounded (i.e. held at 0V), the op-amp will force the other input to also be grounded. It's virtual because you cannot source or sink current from it; the op-amp inputs have very high impedance.

The "virtual ground" principle is really just a special case of the "virtual short" principle.

- Warren