Op-Amp Internal Circuit

S Nazeer Hussain
Op-Amp
• An op-amp is a multi-stage, direct coupled, high gain negative feedback amplifier that has one or
more differential amplifiers and its concluded with a level translator and an output stage.
Differential amplifier stage
• The first stage includes two cascaded Differential amplifiers
• This stage provides the voltage gain required for the amplifier along
with the input resistance for the op-amp.
• The output of the initial stage is given to the intermediate stage,
which is driven by the output of the input stage.
• In this stage direct coupling is used, which makes the dc voltage at the
output of the intermediate stage above ground potential.
Level shifter & Output stage
• The dc level at its output must be shifted down to 0 Volts with respect
to the ground. For this, the level shifting stage is used where usually
an emitter follower with the constant current source is applied.
• The level shifted signal is then given to the output stage where a
push-pull amplifier increases the output voltage swing of the signal
and also increases the current supplying capability of the op-amp.
Differential Amplifier

Development of Diferential Amplifier

Types of Differential Amplifier
• There are four Differential configurations available:
• Dual Input Balanced Output
• Dual Input Unbalanced Output
• Single Input Balanced Output
• Single Input Unbalanced Output
Types of Differential Amplifier

Dual Input Balanced Output Dual Input Unbalanced Output

Types of Differential Amplifier

Singe Input Balanced Output Single Input Unbalanced Output

Level Shifter using Emitter Followers
Here LS act like a buffer to isolate
high gain stages from output. The
amount of shift obtained is
Vo-Vi= -Vbe (0.7V)
• If the shift provided by above circuit the
output can be taken at a junction of two
resistors R1 and R2 as shown in fig 2
• The disadvantage is the output voltage is also
attenuated by R2/R1+R2
Level Shifter using Emitter Followers

V0-Vi= Vbe/R4 (1+ (R3/R4))

If R2 is replaced by current mirror

I as shown
The shift in level now is V0-Vi= -
(Vbe+IR1)
Output Stage
The function of output stage is to supply the load current and provide low
impedance output.
It also provide large output voltage, ideally total supply voltage Vcc+Vee

If Vi is positive , Q1 is ON and supplies current to

load RL
If Vi is negative, Q1 is Cutoff, Q2 acts as sink to
remove current from load RL.
The limitation of this circuit is the output voltage
Vo remains zero until Vi exceeds Vbe (cut-in). This
is called cross over distortion.
Output Stage

The problem with above circuit can be eliminated

by applying bias voltage V slightly greater than
2Vbe = 1 V between two bases, so that small
current flows in transistors even in Quiescent
state.
The figure shows the output stage of uA741
opamp. V represents VBE Multiplier and 25 ohm
resistor to stabilize Quiescent base current