An op-amp refers to DC coupled amplifiers that have two inputs but only one output. An instrumentation amplifier is an integrated circuit amplifier that amplifies between two input signals and is used industrially and in measurement. The two amplifiers differ regarding functionality, with an instrumentation amplifier having several measurement and industrial applications.
An instrumentation amplifier differs from an operational amplifier concerning functionality in many ways. Contrary to an operational amplifier, an instrumentation amplifier incorporates both inverting and non-inverting terminals. The two terminals are derived from differential input and are used to minimize any noise picked up by a circuit (Sivaranjith, 2018). Whereas an operational amplifier amplifies the input signal, an instrumentation amplifier amplifies between two input signals, thus making it more efficient to use in industries. Additionally, an instrumentation amplifier is used in signal processing, a factor that operational amplifiers lack. Its use in signal processing is meant to eliminate unwanted noise from a circuit (Sivaranjith, 2018).
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An instrumentation amplifier is applied in measurement because it makes use of the output from transducers. The output is sent as an electric signal to the amp, which therefore uses the signal as input (Sivaranjith, 2018). Afterward, an instrumentation amplifier amplifies a small signal. Its industrial application is in signal processing. In this process, the amplifier converts physical quantities of a signal into electric signals using transducers, thus amplifying the signal for signal processing (Sivaranjith, 2018). Additionally, an instrumentation amplifier minimizes unnecessary noise that is picked up by the circuit, through a process referred to as common-mode rejection ration (CMRR). The amp is applied in circuit monitoring, medical instrumentation, high-speed signal conditioning, and audio applications among others.
In conclusion, the two amps differ concerning the inverting and non-inverting terminals, and also in the signals amplified. An op-amp amplifies one signal while an instrumentation amplifier amplifies between two input signals. The ability of an instrumentation amplifier to reduce noise makes it useful in industries and measurement.
References
Sivaranjith. (2018). Instrumentation amplifier and it's applications. Retrieved from https://automationforum.in/t/instrumentation-amplifier-and-its-applications/3025
