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ELEC 273 LAB 2: ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIER
CIRCUITS — COMPREHENSIVE LABORATORY
EXAMINATION AND COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE WITH
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS — 2026–
2027 EDITION
This comprehensive laboratory examination document is designed for students enrolled in ELEC
273: Basic Circuit Analysis and Electronics. The assessment focuses on operational amplifier
circuit analysis, including ideal op-amp characteristics, inverting and non-inverting
configurations, summing amplifiers, difference amplifiers, integrators, differentiators,
comparators, and practical non-idealities such as input bias currents, offset voltages, slew rate
limitations, and finite gain-bandwidth product. Candidates preparing for laboratory
examinations, practical assessments, or cumulative evaluations will benefit from the rigorous
question bank that mirrors the cognitive complexity expected in sophomore-level electrical
engineering courses. Each question has been developed to evaluate theoretical understanding,
circuit analysis proficiency, experimental technique, and troubleshooting skills essential for
successful laboratory work. The 2026–2027 edition incorporates current industry-standard
measurement techniques, simulation methodologies, and practical design considerations relevant
to operational amplifier applications in modern electronic systems.
Table of Contents
I. Ideal Operational Amplifier Characteristics and Assumptions
II. Inverting Amplifier Configuration and Gain Analysis
III. Non-Inverting Amplifier Configuration and Buffer Circuits
IV. Summing and Difference Amplifier Circuits
V. Integrator and Differentiator Circuits
VI. Comparator Circuits and Hysteresis
VII. Non-Ideal Op-Amp Characteristics and Error Sources
VIII. Frequency Response and Gain-Bandwidth Product
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IX. Slew Rate and Large-Signal Limitations
X. Laboratory Measurement Techniques and Troubleshooting
1: An ideal operational amplifier has which combination of characteristics?
A) Infinite input impedance, zero output impedance, infinite gain
B) Zero input impedance, infinite output impedance, finite gain
C) Infinite input impedance, infinite output impedance, zero gain
D) Zero input impedance, zero output impedance, infinite gain
Correct Answer: A
An ideal operational amplifier has infinite input impedance (draws no current from the source),
zero output impedance (can drive any load without voltage drop), and infinite open-loop gain.
These idealized characteristics simplify circuit analysis using the virtual short and virtual
ground concepts. Options B, C, and D contain incorrect combinations that would make the op-
amp impractical for amplification applications.
2: In an ideal inverting amplifier with R₁ = 2 kΩ and R_f = 10 kΩ, the closed-loop voltage gain
is:
A) +5
B) -5
C) +0.2
D) -0.2
Correct Answer: B
The closed-loop gain of an inverting amplifier is A_v = -R_f/R₁ = -10 kΩ/2 kΩ = -5. The
negative sign indicates 180° phase inversion between input and output. Options A and C have
incorrect signs, and option D uses the reciprocal ratio.
3: The input resistance of an ideal inverting amplifier with R₁ = 5 kΩ is approximately:
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A) 0 Ω
B) 5 kΩ
C) ∞ Ω
D) 2.5 kΩ
Correct Answer: B
The input resistance of an inverting amplifier is approximately equal to R₁ because the inverting
terminal is at virtual ground. The input source sees R₁ connected to ground, giving an input
resistance of 5 kΩ. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because the virtual ground creates a
specific input resistance equal to the input resistor.
4: For an ideal non-inverting amplifier with R₁ = 1 kΩ and R_f = 4 kΩ, the closed-loop voltage
gain is:
A) 4
B) 5
C) -4
D) -5
Correct Answer: B
The closed-loop gain of a non-inverting amplifier is A_v = 1 + R_f/R₁ = 1 + 4 kΩ/1 kΩ = 1 + 4
= 5. The gain is positive, indicating no phase inversion. Option A omits the +1 term, and options
C and D have incorrect signs.
5: A voltage follower (buffer) circuit uses which configuration?
A) Inverting amplifier with gain greater than 1
B) Non-inverting amplifier with full feedback (R_f = 0)
C) Inverting amplifier with unity gain
D) Difference amplifier with both inputs grounded
Correct Answer: B
A voltage follower is a non-inverting amplifier with the output connected directly to the inverting
input (R_f = 0 or R₁ = ∞), giving a gain of exactly +1. It provides high input impedance and low
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output impedance for impedance matching. Options A, C, and D describe other configurations
that do not provide unity gain buffering.
6: In a summing amplifier with three inputs, R₁ = R₂ = R₃ = 5 kΩ and R_f = 15 kΩ, the output
voltage for inputs V₁ = 1V, V₂ = 2V, V₃ = -1V is:
A) -6V
B) 6V
C) -2V
D) 2V
Correct Answer: A
The output of a summing amplifier is V_out = -R_f(V₁/R₁ + V₂/R₂ + V₃/R₃) = -15kΩ(1/5kΩ +
2/5kΩ + (-1)/5kΩ) = -3(1 + 2 - 1) = -3(2) = -6V. The negative sign indicates inversion. Options
B, C, and D represent incorrect algebraic calculations or sign errors.
7: A difference amplifier with all resistors equal (R₁ = R₂ = R₃ = R₄ = 10 kΩ) has inputs V₁ = 3V
(non-inverting) and V₂ = 1V (inverting). The output voltage is:
A) 4V
B) 2V
C) -2V
D) -4V
Correct Answer: B
For a difference amplifier with all resistors equal, the gain is unity, and V_out = V₁ - V₂ = 3V -
1V = 2V. The circuit amplifies the difference between the two input signals. Options A, C, and D
represent incorrect arithmetic or misunderstanding of the difference amplifier operation.
8: An integrator circuit with R = 10 kΩ and C = 0.1 μF is driven by a constant input of -0.5V.
After 10 ms, the output voltage has changed by:
A) +0.5V
B) -0.5V
C) +5V
D) -5V
ELEC 273 LAB 2: ANALYSIS OF OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIER
CIRCUITS — COMPREHENSIVE LABORATORY
EXAMINATION AND COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE WITH
PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND DETAILED SOLUTIONS — 2026–
2027 EDITION
This comprehensive laboratory examination document is designed for students enrolled in ELEC
273: Basic Circuit Analysis and Electronics. The assessment focuses on operational amplifier
circuit analysis, including ideal op-amp characteristics, inverting and non-inverting
configurations, summing amplifiers, difference amplifiers, integrators, differentiators,
comparators, and practical non-idealities such as input bias currents, offset voltages, slew rate
limitations, and finite gain-bandwidth product. Candidates preparing for laboratory
examinations, practical assessments, or cumulative evaluations will benefit from the rigorous
question bank that mirrors the cognitive complexity expected in sophomore-level electrical
engineering courses. Each question has been developed to evaluate theoretical understanding,
circuit analysis proficiency, experimental technique, and troubleshooting skills essential for
successful laboratory work. The 2026–2027 edition incorporates current industry-standard
measurement techniques, simulation methodologies, and practical design considerations relevant
to operational amplifier applications in modern electronic systems.
Table of Contents
I. Ideal Operational Amplifier Characteristics and Assumptions
II. Inverting Amplifier Configuration and Gain Analysis
III. Non-Inverting Amplifier Configuration and Buffer Circuits
IV. Summing and Difference Amplifier Circuits
V. Integrator and Differentiator Circuits
VI. Comparator Circuits and Hysteresis
VII. Non-Ideal Op-Amp Characteristics and Error Sources
VIII. Frequency Response and Gain-Bandwidth Product
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IX. Slew Rate and Large-Signal Limitations
X. Laboratory Measurement Techniques and Troubleshooting
1: An ideal operational amplifier has which combination of characteristics?
A) Infinite input impedance, zero output impedance, infinite gain
B) Zero input impedance, infinite output impedance, finite gain
C) Infinite input impedance, infinite output impedance, zero gain
D) Zero input impedance, zero output impedance, infinite gain
Correct Answer: A
An ideal operational amplifier has infinite input impedance (draws no current from the source),
zero output impedance (can drive any load without voltage drop), and infinite open-loop gain.
These idealized characteristics simplify circuit analysis using the virtual short and virtual
ground concepts. Options B, C, and D contain incorrect combinations that would make the op-
amp impractical for amplification applications.
2: In an ideal inverting amplifier with R₁ = 2 kΩ and R_f = 10 kΩ, the closed-loop voltage gain
is:
A) +5
B) -5
C) +0.2
D) -0.2
Correct Answer: B
The closed-loop gain of an inverting amplifier is A_v = -R_f/R₁ = -10 kΩ/2 kΩ = -5. The
negative sign indicates 180° phase inversion between input and output. Options A and C have
incorrect signs, and option D uses the reciprocal ratio.
3: The input resistance of an ideal inverting amplifier with R₁ = 5 kΩ is approximately:
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A) 0 Ω
B) 5 kΩ
C) ∞ Ω
D) 2.5 kΩ
Correct Answer: B
The input resistance of an inverting amplifier is approximately equal to R₁ because the inverting
terminal is at virtual ground. The input source sees R₁ connected to ground, giving an input
resistance of 5 kΩ. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because the virtual ground creates a
specific input resistance equal to the input resistor.
4: For an ideal non-inverting amplifier with R₁ = 1 kΩ and R_f = 4 kΩ, the closed-loop voltage
gain is:
A) 4
B) 5
C) -4
D) -5
Correct Answer: B
The closed-loop gain of a non-inverting amplifier is A_v = 1 + R_f/R₁ = 1 + 4 kΩ/1 kΩ = 1 + 4
= 5. The gain is positive, indicating no phase inversion. Option A omits the +1 term, and options
C and D have incorrect signs.
5: A voltage follower (buffer) circuit uses which configuration?
A) Inverting amplifier with gain greater than 1
B) Non-inverting amplifier with full feedback (R_f = 0)
C) Inverting amplifier with unity gain
D) Difference amplifier with both inputs grounded
Correct Answer: B
A voltage follower is a non-inverting amplifier with the output connected directly to the inverting
input (R_f = 0 or R₁ = ∞), giving a gain of exactly +1. It provides high input impedance and low
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output impedance for impedance matching. Options A, C, and D describe other configurations
that do not provide unity gain buffering.
6: In a summing amplifier with three inputs, R₁ = R₂ = R₃ = 5 kΩ and R_f = 15 kΩ, the output
voltage for inputs V₁ = 1V, V₂ = 2V, V₃ = -1V is:
A) -6V
B) 6V
C) -2V
D) 2V
Correct Answer: A
The output of a summing amplifier is V_out = -R_f(V₁/R₁ + V₂/R₂ + V₃/R₃) = -15kΩ(1/5kΩ +
2/5kΩ + (-1)/5kΩ) = -3(1 + 2 - 1) = -3(2) = -6V. The negative sign indicates inversion. Options
B, C, and D represent incorrect algebraic calculations or sign errors.
7: A difference amplifier with all resistors equal (R₁ = R₂ = R₃ = R₄ = 10 kΩ) has inputs V₁ = 3V
(non-inverting) and V₂ = 1V (inverting). The output voltage is:
A) 4V
B) 2V
C) -2V
D) -4V
Correct Answer: B
For a difference amplifier with all resistors equal, the gain is unity, and V_out = V₁ - V₂ = 3V -
1V = 2V. The circuit amplifies the difference between the two input signals. Options A, C, and D
represent incorrect arithmetic or misunderstanding of the difference amplifier operation.
8: An integrator circuit with R = 10 kΩ and C = 0.1 μF is driven by a constant input of -0.5V.
After 10 ms, the output voltage has changed by:
A) +0.5V
B) -0.5V
C) +5V
D) -5V
