PHY 321, 2021F

Experiment 10
Operational Amplifier Circuits
1 Motivation
Operational amplifiers (op amps) are highly versatile integrated circuits that have numerous appli-
cations. They can create nearly ideal linear circuits that evaluate addition, subtraction, differentia-
tion, and integration. They are also important for nonlinear applications like voltage comparators,
latches, and controlled oscillators. Their large input impedance and low output impedance facil-
itates building a series of amplifying stages that are buffered from each, simplifying information
processing steps.

2 Background
In this experiment you will examine the properties of several of the most often used op amp circuits.
Circuits that perform close to perfect mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, integration,
and differentiation ) can be constructed using negative and operational feedback. Non-linear op amp
circuits that employ positive feedback are also useful. You will be using the general purpose “741”
integrated circuit, often considered the prototypical operational amplifier. The circuit diagram for
the single-amplifier version of the “741” is shown in Fig. 1. The test circuit board you will use
provides banana-terminal connections to the op amp IC to which you will connect other components
using banana patch cables.
The “741” has a typical DC input bias current of about 80 nA (a non-ideal characteristic of an op
amp), and it can source a maximum output current of about ±25 mA. Together these imply that
resistors in the range 1 kΩ to 100 kΩ should be used to construct feedback circuits. The attached
data sheet provides information regarding the device’s properties and limits as well as suggestions
for use. It also shows the full internal integrated circuit, which is similar to Fig. 9.1 in Sprott. Many
commonly used integrated circuits are manufactured by several companies. The base part number,
e.g. “741”, is combined with other labeling that identifies the manufacture and other information
like “grades” of performance. Analog Devices labels their’s AD741, while Texas Instruments labels
their’s LM741, etc. Usually devices with the same base labeling are interchangeable, but you should
always check the manufacturers’ data sheets and verify compatibility.

+VS
3 7
Non-Inverting Input, V+ +
6
741 Output, Vout
2
Inverting Input, V− −
4

−VS

Figure 1: The “741” operational amplifier integrated circuit. The numbers refer to the device’s
“pins” (terminals). The “offset null” control (pins 1 and 5) are not shown. Pin 8 has no internal
connection. The pin assignment is somewhat standardized, e.g., “3” is often the non-inverting input
and “2” is often the inverting input for a single-amp package. But there is no enforced standard
for pin assignments.

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Exp 10: Operational Amplifier Circuits PHY 321, 2021F

3 Equipment
For this experiment, you will use:
• One white DC power supply
• One Tektronix MSO 2014B Digital Storage Oscilloscope
• One AFG2021 Arbitrary Function Generator
• One circuit board for testing operational amplifier circuits (“741” already in socket)
• Two ELC variable resistance boxes
• One ELC variable capacitance box
• One small circuit board with three diodes

4 Procedure
Linear Op Amp Circuits: The op amp requires a ±VS DC voltage source, called a “dual power
supply.” For this experiment, use the white DC power supply to provide fixed voltages VS = ±15 V
plus ground (a.k.a. common). These are the three color-coded terminals on the right side of the
power supply chassis. Leave the dual supply connected to the circuit for all steps in the procedure
(since it powers the op amp.) Use the oscilloscope to make all of your voltage measurements.

R2

R1
vin −
741 vout
+

Figure 2: Operational feedback amplifier (“inverting amplifier”)

1. Construct the operational feedback amplifier shown in Fig. 2 with R1 = 1 kΩ and R2 = 20 kΩ.
Note that the DC supply voltages are not shown in the circuit diagram. The voltage supply
connections are often not shown in op amp circuits, but they are nevertheless required. You
must connect VS = ±15 V across the proper terminals and ground (common), even though
not shown in the schematic.
(a) What is the ideal closed-loop gain for your amplifier?
(b) Set vin = 0 by grounding the input using a patch cable. Use a small screw driver and
adjust the potentiometer on the circuit board until vout ≈ 0 V. It is possible that vout is
already small from prior use of the circuit. If so, try turning the potentiometer anyway
so that you see what it does, then re-zero the output. The potentiometer is connected to
the op amp’s “offset null” control terminals. Circuitry inside the op amp allows nulling
residual DC errors associated with finite input offset voltage and current. (See data
sheet for details)
(c) Remove the ground on the input. Set the function generator to make a sine wave with
|vin | = 0.5 V peak-to-peak and input this to your amplifier circuit. Measure and tabulate
|vin | and |vout | and their relative phase for 1 kHz < f < 1 MHz. Take measurements at
three points per decade (1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, ...). Plot the amplifier’s gain (log-log) and
relative phase (semi-log) versus frequency.

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Exp 10: Operational Amplifier Circuits PHY 321, 2021F

(d) The closed-loop gain for the operational feedback (inverting) amplifier is given by

vout A0 (ω)R2
A(ω) = = . (1)
vin A0 (ω)R1 + R2

The open-loop gain, A0 (ω), depends on frequency and is well-approximated as

A0,dc
A0 (ω) = (2)
1 + jω/ω0

where for the “741” op amp, ω0 ≈ 10π rad/s. For ω ≫ ω0 , Eq. 1 can be written

R2 /R1 ejϕ
 
R1 ω
A(ω) = p , ωc = A0,dc ω0 , ϕ = π − tan−1 (3)
1 + (ω/ωc )2 R2 ω c

This resembles the response of a low-pass filter but with low-frequency gain, A = R2 /R1 .
Your data for the closed-loop gain, A(ω), should reveal the corner frequency, ωc . Use
your measured value for ωc to estimate the open-loop DC gain, A0,dc . (You may want
to take a couple extra measurements to better resolve ωc .) Compare your measurement
with the plot of “Open-Loop Gain vs. Frequency” in the AD741 data sheet. Note that
the amplifier’s “gain-bandwidth product,” A∆ω = A(ωc )ωc = A0,dc ω0 . (The closed-
loop bandwidth, ∆ω, is DC to ωc .) There is always a tradeoff in the closed-loop gain
and frequency bandwidth—both cannot be simultaneously large.
2. Change R2 = 10 kΩ and set f = 1 kHz. Increase the amplitude of vin until vout exhibits
saturation at both positive and negative voltages. Measure the saturation voltages and make
a sketch of the waveform at saturation in your lab notebook.
3. An amplifier’s “slew rate” is the maximum possible rate of change of the output voltage.
Set the function generator to produce a square wave with f = 10 kHz. Adjust vin to obtain
|vout | = 10 V peak-to-peak. Measure the slew rate by observing δvout (t)/δt and compare your
result to the typical value listed in the AD741’s data sheet.

The next steps investigate linear operational amplifier circuits that perform “analog” differentiation
and integration.

R
C
vin −
741 vout
+

Figure 3: “Differentiator” amplifier

4. Construct the differentiating amplifier circuit shown in Fig. 3 with C = 100 nF and R = 2 kΩ.
Set the function generator to produce a triangle wave with f = 1 kHz and |vin | = 2.0 V
peak-to-peak.
(a) Measure |vout | and sketch the input and output waveforms in your lab notebook. Com-
d
pare your measurement with the expected result, vout (t) = −RC dt [vin (t)].

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Exp 10: Operational Amplifier Circuits PHY 321, 2021F

(b) Vary the function generator frequency and comment on the relationship between |vout |
and |vin |.
(c) Set the function generator for a square wave (f = 1 kHz) and reduce the input voltage
to |vin | = 0.5 V peak-to-peak. Sketch vin and vout . Why does vout look the way it does?
It will help to think about the Fourier series representation of a square wave and the
impact of the amplifier’s finite bandwidth.
5. Construct the integrating amplifier circuit shown in Fig. 4 with C = 100 nF, R1 = 10 kΩ
and R2 = 200 kΩ. Set the function generator to produce a square wave with f = 1 kHz and
|vin | = 2.0 V peak-to-peak.
(a) Sketch the vout and vin waveforms
R in your lab notebook and compare with the expected
result, vout (t) = −(1/RC) vin (t) dt.
(b) Vary the function generator frequency and comment on the relationship between |vout |
and |vin |.
(c) Set the function generator to make a triangle wave (f = 1 kHz and |vin | = 2.0 Vpp ). Can
you explain the functional form of vout ?
(d) Observe what happens to vout as you make R2 larger or smaller. What happens when
R2 is removed from the circuit entirely, i.e., R2 → ∞? Why must feedback resistance
be included in any practical integrating circuit?

R2

R1
vin −
741 vout
+

Figure 4: “Integrator” amplifier

Non-linear Op Amp Circuits: An operational amplifier can be used in logic-like applications

to make voltage comparators and “latch” circuits that memorize signal states. These are useful
in process control. When used with a diode, an op amp can perform non-linear mathematical
operations like logarithmic or exponential amplification. For this section of the experiment, please
note that it is possible to burn out the op-amp by applying a voltage to the op amp inputs that
exceeds the supply voltages, VS = ±15 V.

1. Construct the voltage comparator circuit shown in Fig. 5. The white power supply has a
separate, single-output DC voltage supply (left side of the box). The voltage of this single-
output supply is variable ±9 V (might be ±5 V). Use this to provide the reference voltage,
V1 , for the comparator. It will help you understand the circuit if you monitor V1 using a
third channel on the scope, even though the voltage is constant in time. Use the function
generator to apply a sine wave, v2 (t), to the inverting input. Use a frequency, f = 200 Hz,
and amplitude, |v2 | = 4 V, peak-to-peak. Observe what happens at vout (t) as you increase
and decrease V1 . Write a brief explanation in your log notebook of the comparator circuit’s
function. Make a sketch of the input and output voltages for one particular comparator

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Exp 10: Operational Amplifier Circuits PHY 321, 2021F

R2
v2 (t) −
741 vout (t) R1
+ +
+ + 741 Vout
V1 − Vin − −

Figure 5: Voltage comparator circuit Figure 6: Op amp “latch” circuit

setting, say V1 = 1.5 V.

2. Construct the latch circuit shown in Fig. 6 with R1 = 1 kΩ and R2 = 25 kΩ. (The circuit
looks almost the same as the negative feedback amplifier, so pay close attention to the op
amp input assignments.) Use the variable ±9 V DC voltage supply for Vin (might be ±5 V
DC). Describe the behavior of Vout as you increase and decrease Vin . Determine the values of
Vin at which the output changes states. A latch circuit “memorizes” the polarity of the last
input signal (typically voltage pulses in real applications). Explain the role of resistor, R2 , in
this circuit.
3. Construct the logarithmic amplifier shown in Fig. 7 using R = 500 Ω and the germanium diode
(mounted on the circuit board with two other diodes). The output voltage of a logarithmic
amplifier is  
Vin
Vout = −α ln (Vin > 0) (4)
I0 R
with α ≈ kT /e. For Vin , use the variable ±9 V (might be ±5 V) DC voltage supply. Measure
and tabulate the amplifier’s input and output voltages by adjusting Vin to make Vout =
−100 mV to −450 mV in −50 mV steps. You can use two DMMs to make more precise DC
voltage measurements. Plot Vout versus Vin . Do you see why the amplifier is logarithmic?

R
−
+ 741 Vout
Vin − +

Figure 7: Logarithmic amplifier

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a Low Cost,
High Accuracy IC Op Amps
AD741 Series
FEATURES CONNECTION DIAGRAMS
Precision Input Characteristics TO-99 (H) Package
Low VOS: 0.5 mV max (L)
Low VOS Drift: 5 mV/8C max (L)
Low Ib: 50 nA max (L)
Low lOS: 5 nA max (L)
High CMRR: 90 dB min (K, L)
High Output Capability
AOL = 25,000 min, 1 kV Load (J, S) TMIN to TMAX
VO = 610 V min, 1 kV Load (J, S)
Chips and MIL-STD-883B Parts Available

NC = NO CONNECT

Mini-DIP (N) Package

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Analog Devices AD741 Series are high performance mono-
lithic operational amplifiers. All the devices feature full short
circuit protection and internal compensation.
The Analog Devices AD741J, AD741K, AD741L, and AD741S
are specially tested and selected versions of the standard AD741
NC = NO CONNECT
operational amplifier. Improved processing and additional elec-
trical testing guarantee the user precision performance at a very
low cost. The AD741J, K and L substantially increase overall HIGH OUTPUT CAPABILITY
accuracy over the standard AD741C by providing maximum Both the AD741J and AD741S offer the user the additional
limits on offset voltage drift and significantly reducing the errors advantages of high guaranteed output current and gain at low
due to offset voltage, bias current, offset current, voltage gain, values of load impedance. The AD741J guarantees a minimum
power supply rejection and common-mode rejection. For example, gain of 25,000 swinging ± 10 V into a 1 kΩ load from 0°C to
the AD741L features maximum offset voltage drift of 5 µV/°C, +70°C. The AD741S guarantees a minimum gain of 25,000
offset voltage of 0.5 mV max, offset current of 5 nA max, bias swinging ± 10 V into a 1 kΩ load from –55°C to +125°C.
current of 50 nA max and a CMRR of 90 dB min. The AD741S All devices feature full short circuit protection, high gain, high
offers guaranteed performance over the extended temperature common-mode range and internal compensation. The AD741J,
range of –55°C to +125°C, with max offset voltage drift of K and L are specified for operation from 0 to +70°C and are
15 µV/°C, max offset voltage of 4 mV, max offset current of available in both the TO-99 and mini-DIP packages. The
25 nA, and a minimum CMRR of 80 dB. AD741S is specified for operation from –55°C to +125°C, and
is available in the TO-99 package.

REV. A
Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and
reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its
use, nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106, U.S.A.
which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or Tel: 617/329-4700 World Wide Web Site: http://www.analog.com
otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices. Fax: 617/326-8703 © Analog Devices, Inc., 1997
AD741 Series–SPECIFICATIONS (typical @ +258C and 615 V dc, unless otherwise noted)
AD741C AD741 AD741J
Model Min Typ Max Min Typ Max Min Typ Max Units
OPEN-LOOP GAIN
RL = 1 kΩ, VO = ± 10 V 50,000 200,000 V/V
RL = 2 kΩ, VO = ± 10 V 20,000 200,000 50,000 200,000 V/V
TA = min to max RL = 2 kΩ 15,000 25,000 25,000 V/V
OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS
Voltage @ RL = 1 kΩ, TA = min to max 610 ± 13 V
Voltage @ RL = 2 kΩ, TA = min to max 610 ± 13 610 ± 13 V
Short Circuit Current 25 25 25 mA
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Unity Gain, Small Signal 1 1 1 MHz
Full Power Response 10 10 10 kHz
Slew Rate 0.5 0.5 0.5 V/µs
Transient Response (Unity Gain)
Rise Time CL ≤ 10 V p-p 0.3 0.3 0.3 µs
Overshoot 5.0 5.0 5.0 %
INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE
Initial, RS ≤ 10 kΩ, Adjust to Zero 1.0 6.0 1.0 5.0 1.0 3.0 mV
TA = min to max 1.0 7.5 1.0 6.0 4.0 mV
Average vs. Temperature (Untrimmed) 20 µV/°C
vs. Supply, TA = min to max 30 100 µV/V
INPUT OFFSET CURRENT
Initial 20 200 20 200 5 50 nA
TA = min to max 40 300 85 500 100 nA
Average vs. Temperature 0.1 nA/°C
INPUT BIAS CURRENT
Initial 80 500 80 500 40 200 nA
TA = min to max 120 800 300 1,500 400 nA
Average vs. Temperature 0.6 nA/°C
INPUT IMPEDANCE DIFFERENTIAL 0.3 2.0 0.3 2.0 1.0 MΩ
INPUT VOLTAGE RANGE1
Differential, max Safe ± 30 V
Common-Mode, max Safe ± 12 ± 13 ± 12 ± 13 ± 15 V
Common-Mode Rejection,
RS = ≤ 10 kΩ, TA = min to max,
VIN = ± 12 V 70 90 70 90 80 90 dB
POWER SUPPLY
Rated Performance ± 15 ± 15 ± 15 V
Operating ±5 ± 18 V
Power Supply Rejection Ratio 30 150 30 150 µV/V
Quiescent Current 1.7 2.8 1.7 2.8 2.2 3.3 mA
Power Consumption 50 85 50 85 50 85 mW
TA = min 60 100 mW
TA = max 45 75 mW
TEMPERATURE RANGE
Operating Rated Performance 0 +70 –55 +125 0 +70 °C
Storage –65 +150 –65 +150 –65 +150 °C
NOTES
1
For supply voltages less than ± 15 V, the absolute maximum input voltage is equal to the supply voltage.
All min and max specifications are guaranteed. Specifications shown in boldface are tested on all production units at final electrical test. Results from those tests are
used to calculate outgoing quality levels.
Specifications subject to change without notice.

–2– REV. A
 AD741 Series
AD741K AD741L AD741S
Model Min Typ Max Min Typ Max Min Typ Max Units
OPEN-LOOP GAIN
RL = 1 kΩ, VO = ± 10 V 50,000 200,000 V/V
RL = 2 kΩ, VO = ± 10 V 50,000 200,000 50,000 200,000 V/V
TA = min to max RL = 2 kΩ 25,000 25,000 25,000 V/V
OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS
Voltage @ RL = 1 kΩ, TA = min to max V
Voltage @ RL = 2 kΩ, TA = min to max 610 ± 13 610 ± 13 610 ± 13 V
Short Circuit Current 25 25 25 mA
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Unity Gain, Small Signal 1 1 1 MHz
Full Power Response 10 10 10 kHz
Slew Rate 0.5 0.5 0.5 V/µs
Transient Response (Unity Gain)
Rise Time 0.3 0.3 0.3 µs
Overshoot 5.0 5.0 5.0 %
INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE
Initial, RS ≤ 10 kΩ, Adjust to Zero 0.5 2.0 0.2 0.5 1.0 2 mV
TA = min to max 3.0 1.0 4 mV
Average vs. Temperature (Untrimmed) 6.0 15.0 2.0 5.0 6.0 15 µV/°C
vs. Supply, TA = min to max 5 15.0 5 15.0 30 100 µV/V
INPUT OFFSET CURRENT
Initial 2 10 2 5 2 10 nA
TA = min to max 15 10 25 nA
Average vs. Temperature 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.1 0.1 0.25 nA/°C
INPUT BIAS CURRENT
Initial 30 75 30 50 30 75 nA
TA = min to max 120 100 250 nA
Average vs. Temperature 0.6 1.5 0.6 1.0 0.6 2.0 nA/°C
INPUT IMPEDANCE DIFFERENTIAL 2.0 2.0 2.0 MΩ
INPUT VOLTAGE RANGE1
Differential, max Safe ± 30 ± 30 ± 30 V
Common-Mode, max Safe ± 15 ± 15 ± 15 V
Common-Mode Rejection,
RS = ≤ 10 kΩ, TA = min to max,
VIN = ± 12 V 90 100 90 100 90 100 dB
POWER SUPPLY
Rated Performance ± 15 ± 15 ± 15 V
Operating ±5 ± 22 ±5 ± 22 ±5 ± 22 V
Power Supply Rejection Ratio 20 20 20 µV/V
Quiescent Current 1.7 2.8 1.7 2.8 2.0 2.8 mA
Power Consumption 50 85 50 85 50 85 mW
TA = min 60 100 mW
TA = max 75 115 mW
TEMPERATURE RANGE
Operating Rated Performance 0 +70 0 +70 –55 +125 °C
Storage –65 +150 –65 +150 –65 +150 °C

REV. A –3–
AD741 Series
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS METALIZATION PHOTOGRAPH
All versions of the AD741 are available in chip form.
AD741, J,
Contact factory for latest dimensions.
Absolute Maximum Ratings K, L, S AD741C Dimensions shown in inches and (mm).
Supply Voltage ± 22 V ± 18 V
Internal Power Dissipation 500 mW1 500 mW
Differential Input Voltage ± 30 V ± 30 V
Input Voltage ± 15 V ± 15 V
Storage Temperature Range –65°C –65°C
to +150°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature
(Soldering, 60 sec) +300°C +300°C
Output Short Circuit Duration Indefinite2 Indefinite
NOTES
1
Rating applies for case temperature to +125°C. Derate TO-99 linearity at
6.5 mW/°C for ambient temperatures above +70°C.
2
Rating applies for shorts to ground or either supply at case temperatures to
+125°C or ambient temperatures to +75°C.

ORDERING GUIDE
Temperature Initial Off Package Package
Model1 Range Set Voltage Description Option
AD741CN 0°C to +70°C 6.0 mV Mini-DIP (N-8)
AD741CH 0°C to +70°C 6.0 mV TO-99 (H-08A)
AD741JN 0°C to +70°C 3.0 mV Mini-DIP (N-8)
AD741JH 0°C to +70°C 3.0 mV TO-99 (H-08A)
AD741KN 0°C to +70°C 2.0 mV Mini-DIP (N-8)
AD741KH 0°C to +70°C 2.0 mV TO-99 (H-08A)
AD741LN 0°C to +70°C 0.5 mV Mini-DIP (N-8)
AD741LH 0°C to +70°C 0.5 mV TO-99 (H-08A)
AD741H –55°C to +125°C 5.0 mV TO-99 (H-08A)
AD741SH –55°C to +125°C 2.0 mV TO-99 (H-08A)
NOTE
1
J, K and S grade chips also available.

OUTLINE DIMENSIONS
Dimensions shown in inches and (mm).
TO-99 (H) Mini DIP (N)

–4– REV. A
 AD741 Series–Typical Performance Curves

Figure 1. Input Bias Current vs. Temperature Figure 4. Open-Loop Phase Response vs. Frequency

Figure 2. Input Offset Current vs. Temperature Figure 5. Common-Mode Rejection vs. Frequency

Figure 3. Open-Loop Gain vs. Frequency Figure 6. Broad Band Noise vs. Source Resistance

REV. A –5–
AD741 Series

C687b–0–5/97
Figure 7. Input Noise Voltage vs. Frequency Figure 10. Output Voltage Swing vs. Supply Voltage

Figure 8. Input Noise Current vs. Frequency Figure 11. Output Voltage Swing vs. Load Resistance

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

Figure 9. Voltage Follower Large Signal Pulse Response Figure 12. Output Voltage Swing vs. Frequency

–6– REV. A