SLOA011B January 2018 – July 2021 LF347 , LF353 , LM348 , MC1458 , TL022 , TL061 , TL062 , TL071 , TL072 , UA741
Selecting the right operational amplifier for a specific application requires you to have your design goals clearly in mind along with a firm understanding of what the published specifications mean. This paper addresses the issue of understanding data sheet specifications.
This paper begins with background information. First, introductory topics on the basic principles of amplifiers are presented, including the ideal op amp model. As an example, two simple amplifier circuits are analyzed using the ideal model. Second, a simplified circuit of an operational amplifier is discussed to show how parameters arise that limit the ideal functioning of the operational amplifier.
The paper then focuses on op amp specifications. Texas Instruments’ data book, Amplifiers, Comparators, and Special Functions, is the basis for the discussion on op amp specifications. Information is presented about how Texas Instruments defines and tests operational amplifier parameters.