what is op amp

An operational amplifier (op-amp) is an integrated circuit that can amplify weak electric signals. It is a DC-coupled high-gain electronic voltage amplifier with a differential input and usually a single-ended output. An op-amp produces an output potential that is typically 100,000 times larger than the potential difference between its input terminals. It amplifies the difference in voltage between the noninverting and inverting inputs. An op-amp can be used as a voltage amplifier or a comparator. It can also be configured as a filter, phase shifter, buffer (voltage follower), etc. . Op-amps are generally used with negative feedback to reduce product variations in gain and expand the bandwidth. Some typical operational amplifier applications include noninverting amplifiers, inverting amplifiers, and summing amplifiers.