Simple general summing and subtracting opamp calculation
Abstract
The design of complex op-amp circuits often turns into a puzzle and the creation of many formulas. Therefore I describe here a straightforward method which makes this task easier.
The basis of this method is the general summing amplifier, of which all these kinds of circuits can be derived:
Inverting amplifier
Non-inverting amplifier
Summing amplifier
Differential amplifier
General summing amplifier
The equation for 4 differential inputs is:
Vo = RF/R1*(VP1-VN1) + RF/R2*(VP2-VN2) + RF/R3*(VP3-VN3) + RF/R4*(VP4-VN4)
Note that VP and VN are always paired, we can't leave out one without the other:
Simple general summing and subtracting op-amp calculation
Op-amp circuit example
Assume, we need an amplifier with an output offset voltage and 2 inputs, with the equation:
Vo = 5V + 4*Va - 0.4*Vb
Start with replacing the unused inputs in the general formula by 0:
Vo = RF/R1*(VP1-0) + RF/R2*(VP2-0) + RF/R3*(0-VN3)
The circuit with the unused inputs connected to ground:
Summing and subtracting op-amp example
The final circuit
When we combine the resistors R3 and RF to RX and R1 and R2 to RY, we get the final circuit:
Summing and subtracting op-amp example
The final formula is:
Vo = RF/R1*V1 + RF/R2*V2 - RF/R3*V3
Now we have to calculate the resistors in order to obtain the required formula:
Vo = 5V + 4*Va - 0.4*Vb
Resistor calculations
In this example, a 12V supply is available to create the 5V output offset voltage, thus V1=12V.
Summing and subtracting op-amp example
Start by taking a value for RF, for example 100k.
Calculation R1
RF/R1*V1 = 5V
R1 = V1*RF/5V
R1 = 12*100k/5=240k
Calculation R2
RF/R2 = 4
R2 = RF/4
R2 = 100k/4 = 25k
Calculation R3
RF/R3 = 0.4
R3 = RF/0.4
R3 = 100k/0.4 = 250k
Calculation RX
RX = RF//R3 = 100k//250k = 71.43k
Calculation RY
RY = R1//R2 = 240k//25k = 22.64k
Other examples
All other similar op-amp circuits can be designed and calculated in the same way.
Non-inverting amplifier
Note that with this method, a non-inverting amplifier leads to a sub-optimal solution, see fig. A. Of course, fig. B is preferred here.
Non-inverting amplifier
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