What is the Difference Between Inverting and Non Inverting Amplifier?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between an inverting and a non-inverting amplifier lies in the phase relationship between the input and output signals. Here are the key differences between the two types of amplifiers:

Inverting Amplifier:

  • Introduces a phase shift of 180° between the input and output signals.
  • The output signal is inversed and amplified relative to the input signal.
  • The input signal is applied at its inverting (negative) terminal.
  • The non-inverting terminal is grounded.
  • Its voltage gain is given by Av = -(Rf/Rin).
  • Its voltage gain is negative.
  • Its input impedance is Rin.

Non-Inverting Amplifier:

  • Has no phase shift (0° phase shift) between the input and output signals.
  • The output signal is amplified but not inverted relative to the input signal.
  • The input is applied at its non-inverting terminal.
  • The inverting terminal is grounded through a resistor.
  • Its voltage gain is given by Av = 1 + Rf / R.
  • Its voltage gain is positive.
  • Its input impedance is very high, typically in the megaohm range.

Both inverting and non-inverting amplifiers use negative feedback, which increases the accuracy of the amplification process. Inverting amplifiers are commonly used in audio and instrumentation circuits, while non-inverting amplifiers are commonly used in voltage follower circuits and audio and instrumentation circuits where the signal needs to be amplified without being inverted.

Comparative Table: Inverting vs Non Inverting Amplifier

Here is a table comparing the differences between inverting and non-inverting amplifiers:

Feature Inverting Amplifier Non-Inverting Amplifier
Output Phase 180° out of phase with respect to input 0° phase difference between input and output
Input Terminals Input signal applied at the negative terminal of the op-amp Input signal applied at the positive terminal of the op-amp
Gain Gain is the ratio of the resistances Gain is the summation of 1 and the ratio of the resistances
Output Gain Achieved gain is negative, providing an inverted output Achieved gain is positive, resulting in a non-inverted output
Input and Output The inverting input is grounded The non-inverting input is grounded

In summary, the main differences between inverting and non-inverting amplifiers are the output phase, input terminals, gain, and the gain applied to the input signal. Inverting amplifiers provide an amplified signal that is 180° out of phase with the input, while non-inverting amplifiers maintain the same phase as the input signal. The gain of an inverting amplifier is determined by the ratio of the resistances, whereas the gain of a non-inverting amplifier is the summation of 1 and the ratio of the resistances.