Precision Amplifiers 101

Precision amplifiers are operational amplifiers that have superior specifications with regards to one or more characteristics such as noise, offset voltage and input bias current as defined in their datasheets. Precision amplifiers also tend to be highly stable in the face of changing external conditions such as temperature and frequency. Depending on the application, such as automotive, medical or industrial, a designer will try optimize those characteristics essential to the operation of that particular circuit. In other words, a precision op amp for an automotive circuit might have superior specifications for offset voltage and input bias current, while one for a medical circuit might have superior noise specifications. Precision op amps come in several flavors, such as bipolar or CMOS, which help determine performance.