ACtE08 · Chapter 8Demo2 · Set 2🏛️ Past Licensure QuestionID: d1da0367

What type of output waveform is generated when a symmetrical square wave is applied to the input of an ideal op-amp integrator circuit?

Multiple Choice Options

An ideal operational amplifier integrator has an output voltage governed by the integral of its input voltage:

v_o(t) = -\frac{1}{RC} \int v_{in}(t) dt

For a symmetrical square wave alternating between positive constant $+V$ and negative constant $-V$ :

•

When

v_{in} = +V

(constant), the integral is a linear negative ramp:

v_o(t) = -\frac{V}{RC} t + C_1

•

When

v_{in} = -V

(constant), the integral is a linear positive ramp:

v_o(t) = +\frac{V}{RC} t + C_2

Alternating between positive and negative linear ramps generates a continuous triangular waveform.

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Option A (Triangular wave): Correct; integrating a constant yields a linear ramp, forming a triangular wave from a square wave.

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Option B (Sinusoidal wave): Incorrect; integrating a sine wave yields a cosine wave, but integrating a square wave yields a triangular wave.

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Option C (Step wave): Incorrect; a step wave integrated yields a ramp, not the other way around.

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Option D (Exponential decay wave): Incorrect; produced by unbuffered passive RC networks, not ideal op-amp integrators.

Reference: Demo2 · Set 2NEC Licensure Syllabus