Op-Amp Errors




Static (DC)
Dynamic (AC)
Linear
Error
Source
Offset Voltage
DC Bias Current
Finite Bandwidth
Text
Sec. 2.7
Sec. 2.5
Analysis
Strategy
  1. Add DC sources to ideal op-amp to model errors

  2. Analyze with superposition to find contribution of each error source to output voltage

  3. Add in "worst case" fashion
  • Offset voltage can be either polarity
  • Bias current polarity known from type of op-amp input stage

Model closed loop behavior with first-order transfer function:
  • DC gain from ideal op-amp assumptions
  • Closed loop bandwidth (3-dB  frequency)
       f3-dB from gain-bandwdith product relationship
Gain-bandwidth product procedure:
  1. Redraw circuit with all inputs suppressed (set = 0)
  2. Find feedback factor β (fraction of output fed back to inverting input)
  3. Closed loop bandwidth f3-dB will be unity gain frequency ft mutliplied by β
Non-Linear
Error
Source
Output voltage swing limit
Output current limit
Slew rate limit
Text
Sec. 2.6.1, 2.6.2
Sec. 2.6.3
Analysis
Strategy
  1. Determine maximum total vOUT, iOUT, excursion at op-amp output from linear system model

  2. Compare maximum, minimum to op-amp limits
  1. Determine vOUT(t) from linear system behavior (transfer function for sine wave, general exponential response for step)
  2. Calculate time derivative dvOUT(t)/dt
  3. Compare maximum positive and negative dvOUT(t)/dt to op-amp slew rate limit

Textbook: Sedra and Smith, Microelectronic Circuits, 5th ed.