Short for operational amplifier, a fundamental analog building block used to amplify signals, filter noise, or perform mathematical operations like addition and integration. It features two inputs (inverting and non-inverting) and relies on external feedback components to set its gain and behavior.
Heard on the job
Swap out that generic op-amp for a low-noise part if you want to clean up the audio stage.
Insider tip
The ideal op-amp has infinite input impedance, zero output impedance, and infinite open-loop gain. Real ones have limits, so always check the datasheet for bandwidth and offset voltage.
Also heard as
- operational amplifier
Do not mix it up with
- OTA: An op-amp outputs a voltage proportional to the input voltage difference, while an OTA outputs a current proportional to the input voltage difference.