Op-Amps - Using Operational Amplifiers

Op-amps are like analog building blocks; you can create almost anything with them. Today, we’ll learn how to use these versatile components, alone and with an Arduino.

Operational Amplifiers, or “op-amps,” were initially designed for use in analog computers back in the 1940s. In fact, the “operational” in the name is a reference to the op-amp's ability to perform mathematical operations on voltages, which is how analog computers represent numbers.

Op-amps have been available in integrated circuit (IC) format for nearly 60 years and have become a vital component in analog electronic design. There are two reasons for their popularity:

1 - They are versatile - Op-amps can be configured into dozens of basic circuits.
2 - They are inexpensive - Op-amps are pretty cheap! One of the devices we will look at today costs about 10 cents per op-amp.

You can also use operational amplifiers to “glue” analog and digital electronics; in fact, one of the demos today uses an op-amp with an Arduino.

Aside from that, we’ll also learn how op-amps work, how to configure them into several basic “analog building block” circuits, how to build a light-sensitive switch using them, and how to turn a single power supply into a dual one using an op-amp.

Here is the Table of Contents for today's video:

00:00 - Introduction
02:20 - Operational Amplifiers
12:14 - Popular Op-Amps
16:17 - Op Amp Basic Circuits Hookup
18:32 - Voltage Follower (Buffer)
21:03 - Inverting Amplifier
22:36 - Non-Inverting Amplifier
24:06 - Low-Pass Filter
25:53 - High-Pass Filter
27:33 - Square & Triangle Wave Generator
29:22 - Op Amps with Arduino
34:58 - Light-Sensitive Switch
38:00 - Single to Dual Power Supply
42:13 - Conclusion

One other thing to note is that “classic” components, like op-amps, didn’t seem to be affected by the global chip shortage. One more reason to consider using them in your designs!

Hope you enjoy the video.

Bill