A non-inverting amplifier is a type of operational amplifier (op-amp) circuit configuration commonly used to amplify an input signal while preserving its original polarity. It's called "non-inverting" because the output signal is not inverted or flipped compared to the input signal. This configuration is often used when you want to increase the amplitude of a signal without changing its phase.
Here's how a non-inverting amplifier works:
Components: The non-inverting amplifier consists of an operational amplifier (op-amp) and a few passive components: resistors.
Op-Amp Input: The non-inverting input (+) of the op-amp receives the input signal you want to amplify. The inverting input (-) of the op-amp is connected to the output through a resistor network.
Feedback Resistor Network: A feedback resistor (Rf) is connected between the op-amp output and the inverting input (-). Another resistor (R1) is connected between the non-inverting input (+) and the common ground (0V reference).
Operation:
When an input voltage (Vin) is applied to the non-inverting input (+), the op-amp tries to make its two inputs equal by adjusting its output voltage.
The voltage at the non-inverting input (+) is divided by the resistor network (R1 and Rf) and is fed to the inverting input (-).
Due to the high open-loop gain of op-amps, the op-amp adjusts its output voltage to make the inverting input (-) voltage equal to the non-inverting input (+) voltage.
This results in a virtual short circuit between the inverting (-) and non-inverting (+) inputs, making the voltage at the inverting input the same as the input voltage: Vin.
The op-amp output voltage is then determined by the feedback resistor Rf and the input voltage Vin, using the formula: Vout = Vin * (1 + Rf / R1).
The gain of the amplifier is given by (1 + Rf / R1), and since Rf is usually larger than R1, the gain is typically greater than 1, meaning the output is amplified.
Amplification: The output voltage Vout is an amplified version of the input voltage Vin. The degree of amplification is determined by the ratio of the feedback resistor (Rf) to the input resistor (R1). By adjusting these resistor values, you can control the amplification factor of the circuit.
Output Range: It's important to note that the output voltage of an op-amp circuit can't exceed the power supply limits. If the output goes too close to the power supply voltage, it will saturate, and further amplification won't be possible.
In summary, a non-inverting amplifier is a configuration that allows you to amplify an input signal while maintaining its original polarity. It uses a feedback resistor network to control the gain of the amplifier and provides a simple and effective way to increase the amplitude of a signal.