Question
What is an operational amplifier?
Answer Options
- A) A high-gain, direct-coupled differential amplifier with very high input impedance and very low output impedance
- B) A digital audio amplifier whose characteristics are determined by components external to the amplifier
- C) An amplifier used to increase the average output of frequency modulated amateur signals to the legal limit
- D) A RF amplifier used in the UHF and microwave regions
Correct Answer: A
Explanation
An operational amplifier (\text{op-amp}) is a highly versatile, integrated circuit that forms the core of many analog circuits. Its name comes from its original use in performing mathematical ‘operations’ in analog computers (integration, differentiation, summing, etc.).
An op-amp is defined as a high-gain, direct-coupled differential amplifier with very high input impedance and very low output impedance. These ideal characteristics—especially its massive open-loop gain and high input/low output impedance—make its function almost entirely dependent on the external feedback components (resistors and capacitors), allowing it to be used reliably in a huge range of applications.
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