In an operational amplifier (Op-Amp) circuit, when the output saturates, which of the following statements best describes the relationship between the input voltage and the output voltage within the voltage range?

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The output remains in the linear region only when the input voltage is below the threshold.

Output saturation occurs only when the input voltage exceeds the supply voltage.

The output voltage can continue to increase even after reaching the supply limits, indicating non-linear behavior.

The output is always equal to the input voltage in the linear region.

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Answer

When an op‑amp output saturates, the output voltage is pinned at the supply rail (or just below it) and no longer follows the input signal. Inside this saturation region, the output is essentially constant regardless of small changes in the input. The op‑amp’s internal feedback can no longer force the output to match the input‑derived value because the output cannot exceed the rail voltage. For example, if a 5 V supply is used and the input tries to drive the output above 4 V, the output will stay at about 4 V until the input drops enough to bring the output back into the linear range. Thus, within the saturation range, the output voltage is fixed at the rail, independent of the input voltage.

Detailed Explanation

When the output reaches the supply rails, it stops following the input. Other options are incorrect because The idea that the amplifier stays linear only below a threshold is a common mistake; Saturation is not about the input voltage exceeding the supply voltage.

Key Concepts

voltage range

linear region

non-linear behavior

Topic

Op-Amp Output Saturation

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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In an operational amplifier (op-amp) circuit, what happens to the output signal when the input voltage exceeds the op-amp's specified voltage range, and how does this affect signal distortion?

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