Voltage Limiter Circuit Using Op-amp

Date: 2012-8-21Author: anonymousReading(568)Collection this page

An op-amp is usually used as a comparator in cases where its speed and accuracy are not critical. As
illustrated in the earlier post (OP-AMP COMPARATOR), the switching speed of the op-amp comparator can be
improved and noise can also be eliminated. The offset problems can also be reduced by adding a voltage
compensating network and a offset reducing resistor. Since the op-amp is originally designed to act as an
amplifier, its output will not act linearly with logic families like TTL. A TTL requires input voltages which range
between (0-5) volts. Thus, to keep the op-amps output voltage swing between these ranges, other
components like zener diodes are added onto the circuit. Such circuits with specified output swing are called
voltage limiters.
Some of the most commonly used voltage limiter circuits are shown below.
In the figure shown below, there are two zener diodes that are connected in the feedback path of the op-amp
circuit. This design helps in keeping the voltage limit between the positive and negative values of the output
voltage, V0.As shown in the waveform, as the voltage Vin increases from 0 to positive voltage, the value of V0
increases in the opposite direction (negative). This goes on until the diode D1 becomes forward biased and D2
goes into avalanche breakdown.

Op-Amp-comparator-circuit
At this condition, V0= VZVD1

VZ Zener Voltage
VD1 Voltage drop across D1 = 0.7V
If Vo increases from 0 to negative voltage, Vo increases positively until diode D2 is forward biased and D1
goes into avalanche condition.
A t this condition, V0= VZVD2
VZ Zener Voltage

VD1 Voltage drop across D2= 0.7V

Thus the limit of output voltage swing is between (VZ0.7) and (VZ0.7).
In the figure, ROM is used to reduce the offset problems. Vin will appear across resistor R, since the v 1=v2=0V
(virtual ground).
The figure below shows a combination of zener diode and rectifier diodes. This circuit is used to bring the level
of swing of V0 to a positive direction.
When Vinranges from 0 to positive voltage, D2 is reverse biased and thus V0 = -Vsat.
When Vinranges from 0 to negative voltage, D2 is forward biased and D1 goes into avalanche condition. Thus
V0 = VZVD2.

Op-amp-comparator-circuit

The figure below shows the use of a single zener diode in the feedback path of an op-amp. This enables the
output to be limited between VZ and VD.
VZ Zener Voltage
VD Voltage drop across the forward biased zener.

Op-amp comparator circuit

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