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An operational amplifier (op-amp) is an [[intergrated circuit ]] that takes two input signals and amplifies the difference between the signals. It is called an op-amp because it can be used to perform mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, integration, and differentiation. Op-amps are characterized by high gain, high input impedance, and low output impedance. In fact, the open loop gain is typically so high as to be unpractical (with the exception of comparator circuits). A negative feedback loop is usually introduced to decrease and control the voltage gain. The most common general purpose op-amp is the LM741.

An operational amplifier (op-amp) is an [[intergrated circuit ]] that takes two input signals and amplifies the difference between the signals. It is called an op-amp because it can be used to perform mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, integration, and differentiation. Op-amps are characterized by high gain, high input impedance, and low output impedance. In fact, the open loop gain is typically so high as to be unpractical (with the exception of comparator circuits). A negative feedback loop is usually introduced to decrease and control the voltage gain. The most common general purpose op-amp is the LM741<ref>http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_3/chpt_8/3.html</ref>.

===Configuration===

===Configuration===

Op-amps are usually packaged with 8 terminals, although only 5 are used regularly. These five are:

Op-amps are usually packaged with 8 terminals, although only 5 are used regularly. These five are:

#There is not current flow into or out of either the non-inverting or inverting inputs.

#There is not current flow into or out of either the non-inverting or inverting inputs.

These two rules allow simple mathematical expressions to describe very complex circuits.

These two rules allow simple mathematical expressions to describe very complex circuits.