Experiment 3: Familiarization of Operational Amplifiers
(Integrator Op-Amplifier)
Jizsa Marie Mayorga
Cebu Technological University-Main Campus
M.J. Cuenco Ave, Cor R. Palma Street,
Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines, 6000
Electronics Engineering Department
[Link]@[Link]
Abstract— This study explores the operational amplifier (op-
amp) integrator circuit, a fundamental component in electronic III. METHODOLOGY
systems for mathematical integration. The circuit employs an op-
amp and a capacitor to calculate the integral of an input voltage
A. Experimental Setup
waveform, effectively determining the area under the curve over
time. The output voltage from the operational amplifier integrator is
directly proportional to the area encapsulated by the waveform, This experiment utilizes the following components
defined by the amplitude and time. The circuit, derived from a basic simulated on Proteus Software:
inverting amplifier configuration with the replacement of the Function Generator 3 MHZ
feedback resistor Rf by a capacitor Cf, also functions as a low-pass
filter. Theoretical considerations emphasize the importance of the Resistors (150K Ohms and 15K Ohms)
time period T of the input signal relative to the product of the
feedback resistor and capacitor RfCf for proper integration. Widely CRO 30 MHz
employed in analog computers, ADCs, and signal-wave shaping Dual RPS 0-30V
circuits, the op-amp integrator stands as a critical element in
electronic engineering applications. Op-Amp IC 741
Keywords—Op-Amps, Integrator Op-Amplifier, ADCs, Amplifier, Capacitor (0.01 Uf)
IC 741, 180-degree phase shift, Resistors
I. INTRODUCTION B. Circuit Connections
An op-amp integrator is a circuit that uses an operational
amplifier (op-amp) and a capacitor to perform the
mathematical operation of integration. Integration is the
process of finding the area under a curve or function over time.
[1]. An operational amplifier integrator circuit produces an
output voltage which is proportional to the area (amplitude
multiplied by time) contained under the waveform. [2].
II. THEORY
A circuit in which the output voltage waveform is the integral
of the input voltage waveform is the integrator. Such a circuit
is obtained by using a basic inverting amplifier configuration
if the feedback resistor Rf is replaced by a capacitor Cf . This
circuit also works as a low-pass filter.
Figure 1. Given the Experimental Circuit Diagram with
RF (150k Ohm) and RI (15k Ohms)
The expression for the output voltage is given as,
Vo = - (1/Rf C1) ∫ Vi dt
Here the negative sign indicates that the output voltage is 180 C. Model Graph for Inverting Amplifiers
0 out of phase with the input signal. The input signal will be
integrated properly if the Time period T of the signal is larger The graph illustrates the input square waveform and its output
than or equal to Rf Cf. That is, triangular waveform
T ≥ Rf Cf
The integrator is most commonly used in analog computers
and ADC and signal-wave shaping circuits.
Figure 4. Circuit Simulation on Proteus
Figure 2. Model Graph
D. Procedures
1. Check the components.
2. Connections are given as per the circuit diagram. Figure 5. VSM Signal Generator (f = 1KHz, Vi = 2Vpp)
3. + Vcc and - Vcc supply is given to the power supply
terminal of the Op-Amp IC.
4. By adjusting the amplitude and frequency knobs of
the function generator, appropriate input voltage
(Vi= 2Vpp, 1KHz square wave) is applied to the
inverting input terminal of the Op-Amp.
5. The output voltage is obtained in the CRO and the
input and output voltage waveforms are plotted in a
graph sheet.
E. Design
Given f =1 KHz
So T = 1/f = 1ms
Design equation is T = 2πRiC
Figure 6. Input & Output Waveform
Let C = 0.01μF
(Vi = 1V, Vo = 1.63V & -1.63 Peak-to-Peak)
Then Ri = 15KΩ
Take Rf = 10Ri = 150KΩ
G. Data and Results
F. Proteus Simulations
RF = 150K Ohms
Ri=R1 = 15K Ohms
Vi = 2Vpp = 1V
Observed Vo = 1.63V,-1.63V (peak-to-peak)
We know the frequency at which the gain is 0 dB,
fb = 1 / (2π R1 Cf)
fb = 1 / (2π ((15x10^3) x (0.01x10^-6))
Therefore fb = 1.061 KHz
Since fb = 10fa, and also the gain limiting frequency
fa = 1 / (2π Rf Cf)
fa = 1 / (2π ((150x10^3) x (0.01x10^-6))
fa = 106.1 Hz
fb = 10fa = 10(106.1) = 1.061 KHz
T = 2πRiC
Figure 3. Circuit Layout on Proteus T = 2π((15x10^3) x (0.01x10^-6))
T = 0.942 ms
integration were not entirely satisfied, emphasizing the
RfCf = ((150x10^3)(0.01x10^-6)) importance of aligning theoretical predictions with practical
= 1.5ms experimentation. To enhance alignment, refinement of the
experimental setup, meticulous component selection, and
T ≥ Rf Cf (theory) adjustments to the time period (T) are recommended. This
0.942 ms < 1.5 ms
iterative process of analysis and refinement is crucial for
Calculated Vo achieving accurate and reliable circuit behavior in practical
Vo = - (1/Rf C1) ∫ Vi dt applications, contributing to the continual improvement of
Given: Rf = 150k Ohms, Cf = 0.01 uF, Vi = 2Vpp = 1V electronic engineering knowledge and practices.
Vo= − 1 / ((150×10^3)(0.01×10^−6)) ∫1dt
VI. REFERENCES
Vo= − (1 / 1.5 ms ) x t
Vo = -2/3 t + C [1] Electrical4U, “Op-Amp Integrator: A Circuit that
T = 0.942 ms Performs Mathematical Integration,” Electrical4U,
Vo = -2/3 x (0.942 x 10^-3) Jun. 19, 2023.
Vo = -0.628x10^-3 or -0.000628 V [Link]
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION [2] R. Teja, “Operational Amplifier as integrator,”
ElectronicsHub, Jul. 31, 2021.
In the experimental investigation of the op-amp integrator
[Link]
circuit, the Proteus simulations revealed observed output
amplifier-as-integrator/
voltages (Vo) of 1.63 V and -1.63 V (peak-to-peak) for a 1
kHz square wave input. The calculated theoretical frequency
at which the gain is 0 dB (fb) was 1.061 kHz. However, the [3] Department of ECE lab observation -
calculated time period (T) of the input signal fell short of [Link],
satisfying the theoretical condition for proper integration (T ≥ [Link]
Rf Cf) indicating a potential mismatch between theoretical analog-integrated-circuits-lab-manual-click-here-to-
design parameters and experimental conditions. The [Link] (accessed Oct. 15, 2023).
calculated theoretical (Vo) using the integral expression was
approximately -0.000628 V, leading to a significant error
between theoretical and observed values.
The observed discrepancies suggest potential issues in the
experimental setup, such as non-idealities in components or
variations in component values. Theoretical conditions for Mayorga, Jizsa Marie B.
proper integration were not fully met, emphasizing the BS ECE 4-G
importance of carefully aligning theoretical predictions with [Link]@[Link]
practical experimentation. Refinement of the experimental
setup, meticulous component selection, and adjustments to
the time period (T) could contribute to improved alignment
between theoretical expectations and observed results. This
iterative process of analysis and refinement is crucial for
achieving accurate and reliable circuit behavior in practical
applications.
V. CONCLUSION
In the exploration of the operational amplifier (op-amp)
integrator circuit, the experimental and simulated results
provided valuable insights into its behavior. The observed
output voltages (Vo) of 1.63 V and -1.63 V (peak-to-peak)
for a 1 kHz square wave input in Proteus simulations
demonstrated the circuit's response. However, discrepancies
emerged when comparing these results with theoretical
calculations. The calculated theoretical frequency (fb) at
which the gain is 0 dB and the time period (T) of the input
signal highlighted potential mismatches between theoretical
expectations and experimental conditions.
The significant error observed between theoretical and
experimental Vo values indicates potential issues in the
experimental setup, including non-idealities in components
or variations in their values. Theoretical conditions for proper