The Thevenin amplifier model shown in Figure 1-1 is redrawn in Figure 1-2 showing standard op amp notation. An op amp is a differential to single-ended amplifier. It amplifies the voltage difference, V_d = V_p - V_n, on the input port and produces a voltage, V_o, on the output port that is referenced to ground.

Figure 1-2 Standard Op Amp Notation

We still have the loading effects at the input and output ports as noted above. The ideal op amp model was derived to simplify circuit calculations and is commonly used by engineers in first-order approximation calculations. The ideal model makes three simplifying assumptions:

• Gain is infinite
  Equation 1. a = ∞
• Input resistance is infinite
  Equation 2. R_i = ∞
• Output resistance is zero
  Equation 3. R_o = 0

Applying these assumptions to Figure 1-2 results in the ideal op amp model shown in Figure 1-3.

Figure 1-3 Ideal Op Amp Model

Other simplifications can be derived using the ideal op amp model:

Because R_i = ∞, we assume I_n = I_p = 0. There is no loading effect at the input.

Because R_o = 0 there is no loading effect at the output.

If the op amp is in linear operation, V₀ must be a finite voltage. By definition V_o = V_d × a. Rearranging, V_d = V_o / a . Since a = ∞, V_d = V_o / ∞ = 0. This is the basis of the virtual short concept.

The ideal voltage source driving the output port depends only on the voltage difference across its input port. It rejects any voltage common to V_n and V_p.

No frequency dependencies are assumed.

There are no changes in performance over time, temperature, humidity, power supply variations, etc.