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Op-Amp Output Saturation
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Which of the following statements about op-amp output saturation are true? (Select all that apply)

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Choose the Best Answer

A

An op-amp will saturate when the output voltage exceeds the power supply voltage.

B

Saturation can occur even if the input signals are within the linear range.

C

An op-amp can output a voltage greater than its power supply voltage if it is designed for rail-to-rail output.

D

Clipping of the signal occurs when the output reaches either the maximum or minimum voltage limit.

E

Saturation can be avoided by using a feedback loop in the circuit.

Understanding the Answer

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Answer

When an op‑amp is forced to drive a voltage that is higher or lower than its supply rails, the output will clamp at the nearest rail and stay there until the input changes back; this is called saturation. Because the output can only swing between the supply voltages, any attempt to exceed those limits simply pushes the output to the rail voltage. The output current is also limited by the device’s internal current limit, so during saturation the output current will be the maximum the device can supply. For example, if a 5 V supply op‑amp is asked to output 12 V, the output will be stuck at +5 V until the input conditions change. Thus, true statements are that the output cannot exceed the supply rails, it will clamp at the rail voltage, and the output current is limited by the device’s current capability.

Detailed Explanation

An op‑amp cannot produce a voltage higher than its supply rails, so it will reach the rail and stop changing; that is saturation. Other options are incorrect because Rail-to-rail output means the op‑amp can go close to its supply limits, but it still cannot exceed them.

Key Concepts

Op-Amp Output Saturation
Signal Clipping
Feedback Mechanisms
Topic

Op-Amp Output Saturation

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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