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OPA4170: How to think the output voltage vs ouput current with Negative feedback loop

Part Number: OPA4170

Hello, 

When I think output voltage vs output current for the OPA4170 with Negative feedback loop...

Should we refer the Voltage output swing from rail in Electrical Characteristics?

Or is it for open loop and should we refer Figure 9. Output Voltage Swing vs Output Current (Maximum Supply)

Best regards,

Kazusa Suzuki

  • Hi Kazusa,

    both specifications are assuming an OPAmp in normal operation and both are showing the maximum available output voltage.

    Kai
  • Hi Kai,

    thank you. To confirm, I do not need to think "negative feedback loop" and "open loop" if think "voltage swing" and "output voltage swing vs output current". Is it correct?

    Kazusa
  • Kazusa-san,

    The output limitations of the amplifier as defined in the electrical characteristics table or in the figure you mentioned do no necessarily require that the op-amp be in negative feedback. The information in the electrical characteristics table on output swing is just one point on the "output swing vs output current" plot.

    One way to test the output swing vs output current limitations for an op-amp is to put it in open loop mode change the amount of current the op-amp is providing. However, if the op-amp is open loop, then the output will always be at either its positive or negative limit. Negative feedback allows the op-amp to output voltages and currents which are "inside" the claw curves shown in the plot.

    I hope that makes sense.

    Best,
    Paul
  • Hi Paul,

    thank you, I totally understand.