Output Stage of an op-amp
The function of the last stage in an op-amp is to supply the load current and provide a low impedance output.a simple output stage is an emitter follower with complementary transistors.When Vi is positive,transistor Q1 is on and supplies current to load RL .If Vi is negative,Q1 is cutoff and Q2 acts as a sink to remove current from the load RL .There is however,a limitation in this circuit.The output voltage VO remains zero volt until the input Viexceeds VBE(cut in)=0.5V.This is called cross over distortion.It can be eliminated by applying a bias voltage V greater than QVBE(cut in)=1V between the two bases so that a small current flows in the transistor even in the quiescent state.
Written by arjun on September 26th, 2008 with
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