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I'm just starting to learn about OP-AMPS used to control current through a mosfet and I have a few basic questions about the general concept of the schematic below, taken from this thread: op amp+mosfet = current source.Why do we need a feedback resistor?

enter image description here

I'm only asking about the general concept, not about the miller caps and 10k feedback resitors as discussed in that thread.

In the schematic above, is that what's called a "DC differential amplifier"? Are there other names for this type of op amp circuit?

Would it make any difference at all if I switched the inputs around, having the control voltage VC go into the - input on the op amp, and having current sense resistor voltage drop go to the + input? As the op amp regulates it's output to ensure + and - have the same voltage, my assumption is that switching inputs around as I described should make no difference at all. Could that be right?

Could that op amp circuit (with mosfet removed) be used to "convert" a voltage controlled boost IC into a current controlled circuit by replacing the "standard" boost IC feedback divider with the output from the op amp?

Edit: Attempting to clarify this last question. The TPS63020's output is controlled by what voltage is sees on the FB pin.

TPS63020 with feedback

I'm asking if I can remove that R1 and R2 divider and using an op amp somewhat like in the first schematic instead:

Schematics

Mike C
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  • You need to do some basic reading up on op amp circuits and in particular negative feedback e.g. https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/semiconductors/chpt-8/negative-feedback/#:~:text=Connecting%20the%20output%20of%20an,point%20of%20equilibrium%20(balance). – mhaselup Jan 07 '21 at 00:52
  • This is two quite different questions so please break it up into two postings. – mhaselup Jan 07 '21 at 00:53
  • I didn't realise I couldn't post multiple questions on one posting. Sorry about that. – Mike C Jan 07 '21 at 01:07
  • I will wait for your new post, but the short answer is yes and no. Yes, you can use a switching power supply to give a regulated current rather than a regulated voltage. No, it is unlikely to be as simple as replacing part of the circuit as you have done. Switching power supplies have "compensation" that tunes them for their purpose. Changing the purpose means calculating what compensation is needed, making appropriate adjustments. Back to yes, it can be done. – Math Keeps Me Busy Jan 07 '21 at 03:20
  • The term "op-amp" is an abbreviation of "operational-amplifier" so it doesn't get capitalised. (It's not an initialisation or acronym.) – Transistor Jan 07 '21 at 07:21
  • @MathKeepsMeBusy: Thanks. I think I'll have to read up more on op-amps and do some practical testing before making that new post. I am obviously more clueless than I thought as I was wrong on every question. – Mike C Jan 07 '21 at 09:32

1 Answers1

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is that what's called a "DC differential amplifier"?

No.

Would it make any difference at all if I switched the inputs around

Yes. The circuit would no longer work as designed.

my assumption is that switching inputs around as I described should make no difference at all. Could that be right?

No.

Could that op amp circuit (with mosfet removed) be used to "convert" a voltage controlled boost IC into a current controlled circuit by replacing the "standard" boost IC feedback divider with the output from the op amp?

I don't understand. Could you provide a schematic?

Math Keeps Me Busy
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