Non Ideal
Non Ideal
In practice, the ideal characteristics cannot be achieved. However, in many practical situations, op-
amps can approximate these characteristics. Some of the important characteristics of op-amp are
viewed briefly in the upcoming sessions. Since this information is important for electronic
designers, they are normally available in data sheet.
Various error terms arise in practical operational amplifiers due to non-ideal behavior.
Some of the non-ideal characteristics include:
➢ Finite open-loop gain that causes gain error
➢ Nonzero output resistance
➢ Finite input resistance
➢ Finite CMRR
➢ Common-mode input resistance
➢ DC error sources
➢ Output voltage and current limits
Vo
Positive
saturation
VCC1
Vd
-VCC2
negative
saturation
Limited Bandwidth
Practical op amps offer frequency response characteristics from zero hertz to upper limits of
approximately 100 KHz or more. The typical frequency response (open-loop) is single-time-constant
(STC) low-pass response shown below.
Most op-amps have very small band width and very large gain which is unacceptable for practical
use. Consequently, we can use closed loop operation to trade off gain to bandwidth. As long as the
gain band width product is not changed, we will have the new cut-off frequency given by
Where
Slew rate
Another nonlinear distortion for large output signals are so-called slew-rate limiting. This refers to
the maximum allow rate of change of signal, defined as:
So the maximum changing rate is given by , which depends on both the maximum output voltage and
frequency. If exceeds maximum SR, distortion happens as shown below.
Offset Voltages
Practical open-loop op-amps have non-zero output even when there is no applied input voltage
called output offset voltage. This voltage is mainly caused by the mismatch of amplifier the
internal circuit parameters. The corresponding input voltage required to produce zero output is
defined as input offset voltage (Vos). The input offset voltage can be modeled as the dc voltage in
series with a hypothetical offset free op-amp. Many op amps provide external terminals
specifically for offset adjustment. This adjustment is a potentiometer which changes the biasing
of the two transistors of the diff amp which makes the output voltage as close to zero as possible.
Actual Op-amp
+
Vos
Offset-free op-amp
Offset and Bias Currents
In a practical op-amp, both input terminal are supplied with dc currents to function. Generally, the bias
current of the inverting terminal is different from that of the non-inverting terminal. When the op-amp is
operated in a closed loop the bias currents will start to circulate in the external circuit elements producing
none-zero output voltage. These two currents are modeled with two current sources as shown in the figure
below. The average of these two currents is referred as input bias current. The different between these two
currents is referred as input offset current.
IB1
IB2