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Op-Amps As Comparators: Positive Is Sometimes Called HIGH. Negative Is Sometimes Called LOW

The document discusses using an op-amp as a comparator rather than an amplifier and provides an example circuit of a light activated alerter. A comparator compares two input voltages - a reference voltage and an input voltage - and changes the output polarity when the input voltage rises above or falls below the reference voltage. The example circuit uses a 741 op-amp as a comparator such that a piezo buzzer sounds when light falls on a light dependent resistor and causes the 741 output to go low.

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Tucy Chandra
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18 views

Op-Amps As Comparators: Positive Is Sometimes Called HIGH. Negative Is Sometimes Called LOW

The document discusses using an op-amp as a comparator rather than an amplifier and provides an example circuit of a light activated alerter. A comparator compares two input voltages - a reference voltage and an input voltage - and changes the output polarity when the input voltage rises above or falls below the reference voltage. The example circuit uses a 741 op-amp as a comparator such that a piezo buzzer sounds when light falls on a light dependent resistor and causes the 741 output to go low.

Uploaded by

Tucy Chandra
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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OP-AMPS AS COMPARATORS

Below are some examples of 741 I.C. based circuits. However, this time the 741 is used as a comparator and not an amplifier. The difference between the two is small but significant. Even if used as a comparator the 741 still detects weak signals so that they can be recognised more easily. It is important to understand these circuits as they very regularly appear in examinations. A comparator is an circuit that compares two input voltages. One voltage is called the reference voltage (Vref) and the other is called the input voltage (Vin). When Vin rises above or falls below Vref the output changes polarity (+ becomes -). Positive is sometimes called HIGH. Negative is sometimes called LOW.

EXAMPLE CIRCUIT - LIGHT ACTIVATED ALERTER

The buzzer emits a tone when light falls on the light dependent resistor. Resistor 2 controls the sensitivity of the circuit. The 741 is working as a comparator and the piezo buzzer sounds when the

output form the 741 goes low or in other words, changes from a positive to a negative.

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