Jännitteenseurantapotentiaalia

Jännitteenseurantapotentiaalia, also known as voltage-following potential or voltage follower, is a circuit configuration that replicates the input voltage at its output. It is a fundamental building block in analog electronics, particularly when using operational amplifiers (op-amps). The primary characteristic of a voltage follower is its unity voltage gain, meaning the output voltage is precisely equal to the input voltage, ignoring minor imperfections in the active component.

The circuit is typically implemented using an op-amp in a non-inverting configuration with a direct feedback loop. The output terminal of the op-amp is connected directly to its inverting (-) input. The input signal is applied to the non-inverting (+) input. This configuration ensures that the op-amp strives to make the voltage difference between its two inputs zero. Since the input signal is at the non-inverting input, the op-amp adjusts its output to match this voltage.

The key advantages of a voltage follower are its very high input impedance and very low output impedance. The high input impedance prevents the circuit from loading down the source signal, meaning it draws very little current from the input source. The low output impedance allows the circuit to drive subsequent stages or loads without significant voltage drop. This makes it ideal for buffering signals, isolating different parts of a circuit, or impedance matching. While it doesn't amplify voltage, it effectively amplifies current or power by providing a more robust signal to the next stage.