When integrating analog drivers, designers are often faced with unwanted oscillation caused by instability. This white paper describes simple techniques for managing gain and phase relationships to maintain a stable circuit.

We discuss Loop Stability and examine the following issues:

  • Why capacitive loads create stability problems in standard op amp circuits
  • Closed loop gain (1/ß) and open loop gain (AOL) and their relationships to stability
  • How capacitors impact the open loop gain (AOL) curve
  • Three ways to adjust the closed loop gain (1/ß) and the open loop gain (AOL) responses to regain phase margin and stability
  • Advantages and disadvantages of each technique