Hello,

If we use a typical LM324 op amp with rails of +/- 15VDC, is it normal that:

A) When the non inverting input is +5Vdc and the inverting input is +3Vdc, the output results in the rails minus approximately 1V. Output measured is +13.7 Vdc?

B) Also the opposite happens when the non inverting input is +3Vdc and the inverting input is +5VDC, the output results in the negative rail plus approximately 1V. Output measured is -13.7 Vdc?

I think this is normal behavior but not sure, can someone please confirm this.

Thanks

 

Most op amps do not output the full power supply voltage. The datasheet will tell you what to expect but it's usually the power rail less 1V to 2V.

 

Try read this
http://e2e.ti.com/blogs_/archives/b...input-and-output-clearing-some-confusion.aspx

 

thanks guys

 

Hello,

If we use a typical LM324 op amp with rails of +/- 15VDC, is it normal that:

A) When the non inverting input is +5Vdc and the inverting input is +3Vdc, the output results in the rails minus approximately 1V. Output measured is +13.7 Vdc?

B) Also the opposite happens when the non inverting input is +3Vdc and the inverting input is +5VDC, the output results in the negative rail plus approximately 1V. Output measured is -13.7 Vdc?

I think this is normal behavior but not sure, can someone please confirm this.

Thanks

You need to start looking at datasheets. It will take some effort to start being comfortable pulling out the information you need and, frankly, there will always be sections of most datasheets that you ignore largely because they deal with issues that haven't bit you... at least yet.

With the Wonderful World of Google, all you usually have to do is just type in the part number and you will get a link to the manufacturer's datasheet.

http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/lm124-n.pdf

You are looking for the spec on Output Voltage Swing. You see that with a 30V supply and 10kΩ loading, the LM324 typically gets to within 2V of the supply but is only guaranteed to get within 3V.

On the otherhand, it is supposed to get very close to the lower supply claiming to get below at least 100mV when powered between 0V and 5V with a 10kΩ load. But I think that is misleading. I can't find if or where they give their test circuit, but I think that 10kΩ load is to ground. So it is completely unloaded. If the output is comparably loaded, you can probably expect to get to within roughly the same 2V to 3V of the negative rail.

 

Jony130,

I appreciate your tutorial the part where you show:

So now we force input voltage 1V directly into the op amps input and let's see what will be going to happen.


.... then you show the four pics with different gains ... cool!

I never had thought of simply using just the feedback resistor... but seems pretty simple....

Thanks!

 

WBahn,

Yes I am looking at it as we speak... I have the LM324 from ST... I guess their the same...

thanks

 

WBahn,

When I initially posted, I was intrigued as to why the output would almost equal the rails when assigning two different voltages directly to the op amp's inputs, but okay, I seem to understand now, as these op amps have a huge gain by themselves and even if one applies a 1 volt difference, the output will hit the roof almost attaining the rail voltage.

And now I also understand that even if the inputs are both grounded or both held at say for example 5Vdc, the amplifier is internally imperfect and so there will always be a small difference in voltage causing the output to hit the roof again lol!

Interesting little critters these op amps aren't they.

As for the voltage swing, bof... I will discuss in accordance to your spec, as the ST one may differ a little.

The way I see it, at Voltage output High (VOH) at 30Vdc with a 10Kohm load, they guarantee 27 Vdc or typically 28Vdc in respect to a 30Vdc supply rail. In contrast, when looking for the maximum Voltage output low (VOL) in respect to the negative rail, with a 10Kohm load and a 5 Vdc positive supply rail you may come as close to the low rail by 5mv typical to maximum 20mv. Yup, I don't get it either... weird... Maybe I should try building a circuitand see what really gives.... but not today...
Its labor day weekend and I'm at-a here

Anyways, I get the point, I experimented by simply lowering the rails in one of my experiments, and the lower I went the more my output was attenuated by a volt or so beneath its respective rail.

Thanks guys

 

And now I also understand that even if the inputs are both grounded or both held at say for example 5Vdc, the amplifier is internally imperfect and there will always be a small difference in voltage causing the output to hit the roof again lol!

This applies to comparators as well, such as LM339. If you attempt to compare against ground on one of the inputs, you cannot take for granted where the output will be. A bit of testing can resolve the issue, but I generally use some reference voltage other than ground so that I can be certain of the result.

What I've said may make no sense to you unless you've experienced the problem for yourself. The take-home message is to not assume you know what an IC is doing under "borderline" conditions. Study the datasheet and/or experiment.

Assume ignorance, and you will often be right!