In an operational-amplifier negative feedback loop, an operational amplifier has large open-loop gain , with . Feeding a fraction back to the inverting input opposes an output increase. For a non-inverting signal input,
Its sensitivity to open-loop gain changes is reduced by . Thus resistor ratios can set a reproducible gain despite device variation; feedback also suppresses internal distortion and reduces output impedance. Gain is traded for usable bandwidth, subject to the amplifier's frequency response.
For the non-inverting connection, place between output and inverting input and between that input and ground. Then , giving gain . For an inverting connection, ground the non-inverting input, inject the signal through and return from output to the inverting node. Small differential input and negligible input current then give gain . The near-zero node is a virtual ground, not a physical ground connection.
The feedback must remain stable at the frequencies where loop gain matters. Extra phase lag can turn the intended opposition into oscillation; adequate phase margin, supply headroom, input common-mode range, output-current capability and slew rate are required. Feedback neither prevents clipping nor removes all input noise.[ref]
Phase margin 2026-10-20
The phase margin measures the remaining phase lag before a negative-feedback loop reaches the critical phase at unity loop magnitude, using a continuous phase convention. Positive adequate margin is a useful stability and transient-response design diagnostic for standard single-crossover amplifier loops. More general unstable open-loop systems and multiple crossovers require the full stability criterion.