1. What is Op Amp Gain?

The gain of an operational amplifier (op amp) is the ratio of output voltage to input voltage. It represents how much the op amp amplifies the input signal.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic op amp gain equation:

Where:

• \( V_{out} \) — Output voltage (V)
• \( V_{in} \) — Input voltage (V)

Explanation: The gain is dimensionless as it's a ratio of two voltages. For ideal op amps in open-loop configuration, the gain is theoretically infinite.

3. Importance of Gain Calculation

Details: Understanding gain is essential for designing amplifiers, filters, and other signal processing circuits. It helps determine the amplification needed for specific applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both output and input voltages in volts. The input voltage must be non-zero to avoid division by zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between open-loop and closed-loop gain?
A: Open-loop gain is the intrinsic gain of the op amp (very high), while closed-loop gain is determined by external feedback components and is typically much lower.

Q2: What are typical gain values?
A: In closed-loop configurations, gains typically range from 1 to 100,000, depending on the circuit design and application.

Q3: How does gain relate to bandwidth?
A: There's typically a gain-bandwidth tradeoff - higher gain generally means lower bandwidth, following the gain-bandwidth product rule.

Q4: What is unity gain?
A: Unity gain (gain = 1) means the output voltage equals the input voltage, commonly used in voltage follower circuits.

Q5: Can gain be negative?
A: Yes, negative gain indicates phase inversion (180° phase shift) between input and output, common in inverting amplifier configurations.