Question

What is a non-inverting amplifier?

Answer 1

A non-inverting amplifier is a type of electronic circuit commonly used in analog signal processing. It is designed to amplify an input voltage while preserving the same polarity (or phase) of the input signal. In other words, the output signal is in-phase with the input signal, which means that if the input increases, the output will also increase, and if the input decreases, the output will decrease.

The basic configuration of a non-inverting amplifier consists of an operational amplifier (op-amp) and two resistors, as shown below:

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      V_in
       +     R1
       |------>--- Output (V_out)
       |     |
  V_in -     R2
       |
      GND


Here's how the non-inverting amplifier works:

Input voltage (V_in): The input voltage to be amplified is applied to the non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier.

Feedback resistor (R1): The feedback resistor connects the output of the op-amp to its non-inverting input, creating a feedback loop.

Gain-setting resistor (R2): The gain-setting resistor is connected between the non-inverting input and the ground (GND).

The gain of the non-inverting amplifier (A_v) is determined by the ratio of the two resistors, R1 and R2, and can be calculated using the following formula:

A_v = 1 + (R1 / R2)

The gain of a non-inverting amplifier is always greater than or equal to 1 (unity gain) since R1 is connected to the non-inverting input and forms a voltage divider with R2. By adjusting the values of R1 and R2, the amplification factor can be set to the desired level.

Advantages of a non-inverting amplifier include high input impedance, low output impedance, and a wide range of applications in signal conditioning, audio amplification, sensor interfacing, and many other electronic systems.