Operations And Usage
Report on one of the topics from the list below and explain in your OWN words its basic operation, and uses. Identify which basic operational amplifier configuration is being used in the application (inverting, non-inverting or voltage divider) and which gain equation is needed for the application.
Comparators
Summing Amplifiers
Integrators
Differentiators
The most common use for a comparator is to compare two analog signals against each other and convert them into digital signals by producing a “high” or “low” output based on which input has a higher voltage at any given time. A basic example would be using a pair of resistors in series with one being connected to ground and the other being connected to an input signal with varying levels over time. By connecting these resistors together and then connecting this junction point to one end of an op-amp configured as an inverting amplifier we can then feed this inverted signal back into the non-inverting terminal of our op-amp thus creating positive feedback between both terminals causing it to swing high when one end is higher than the other – essentially creating what is known as a Schmitt Trigger configuration.
This type of circuit can also be used for threshold detection purposes so long as proper scaling techniques are employed prior to feeding this scaled signal into our inverting amplifier setup – allowing us to set predetermined thresholds wherein if exceeded cause our amplifier output to rise above its resting state becoming high for that period until some predetermined amount falls below it reverting itself back low again. As you can see, using quick comparisons such as those provided by comparators allow us not only detect changes in analog waveforms but also quickly interpret them into digital outputs making them invaluable pieces within any digital system requiring rapid response times from incoming waveforms or sensory data.