Öppenslåförstärkning

Öppenslåförstärkning is a Swedish term that translates to "open-loop gain" in English. It refers to the amplification factor of an electronic amplifier in its open-loop configuration, meaning without any feedback network connected. In this state, the amplifier's output is directly proportional to its input, multiplied by a very large, theoretically infinite, gain.

This extremely high open-loop gain is a fundamental characteristic of operational amplifiers (op-amps) and is what enables them to function effectively when configured with feedback. In practical applications, the open-loop gain is never actually infinite. It is a finite, albeit very large, value that decreases with increasing frequency. The exact open-loop gain is specific to the amplifier's design and manufacturing.

The concept of open-loop gain is crucial for understanding how amplifiers operate in closed-loop configurations, which are used in virtually all practical amplifier circuits. By applying negative feedback, the effective gain of the amplifier is reduced and stabilized, making it predictable and less sensitive to variations in the amplifier's internal characteristics or external conditions. The high open-loop gain is a prerequisite for achieving precise amplification and stable operation in closed-loop systems. Without it, the feedback mechanism would not be able to accurately control the output signal relative to the input.