The Op Amp Comparator

Objective
In this exercise, the performance of a typical op amp will be examined in the open-loop mode. This
circuit is often referred to as a comparator. The investigation will include the effect of both DC and
AC input signals.

Theory Overview
The open-loop voltage gain of the typical op amp is very high, approaching 100,000 at low
frequencies. With such a high gain, even minute differences between the inverting and non-inverting
input signals will be magnified to the point of causing saturation. Thus, if the non-inverting input
signal exceeds the inverting input signal, the output will be at positive saturation. If the signals are
reversed, then negative saturation results. If both inputs are identical, then the output will go to either
positive or negative saturation, depending on the internal offsets of the op amp.

Schematic

Figure 1

Computer Simulation

1. Calculate the voltages at points A, B, and C, and record them in Table 1.

2. Using the input combinations listed in Table 2, apply the appropriate signals to V1 and V2.
Measure the output signal using the oscilloscope and record the values in Table 2.
3. Using Transient Analysis echoing steps 4 through 7.
4. Connect V1 to a 10-volt peak-to-peak 1 kHz sine wave. Measure V1, V2 and .
5. Connect V2 to point A. Measure the output voltage Vout and save as graph1.
6. Connect V2 to point B. Measure the output voltage Vout and save as graph2.
7. Connect V2 to point C. Measure the output voltage Vout and save as graph3.
Data Tables

Connection Node Voltage

Table 1

V1 V2 Vout

A A

A B

A C

B A

B B

B C

C A

C B

C C

Table 2
Questions
1. What happens when V1 > V2? Why?

2. What happens when V1 < V2? Why?

3. What happens when V1 = V2? Why?

4. Explain the differences in the waveforms recorded in Graphs 1 through 3.

5. How would the waveform displays be altered if the oscilloscope inputs were set to AC Coupling
instead of DC Coupling in step 4?

6. How would the results of this exercise change if the op amp had a very low gain, say only 1 or 2?