Op-Amp Slew Rate Requirement Calculator
Estimate the minimum op-amp slew rate required for a sinusoidal large-signal output amplitude and frequency.
Inputs and tolerances
Estimate the minimum op-amp slew rate required for a sinusoidal output signal.
The calculated value is the theoretical minimum for a sine wave. Real designs usually need margin for distortion, tolerances, output swing, loading, and device variation.
Required slew rate
If an op amp cannot change output voltage fast enough, the waveform becomes slew limited and large-signal distortion increases. This calculator does not model small-signal bandwidth, phase margin, output-current limits, output swing, load capacitance, distortion targets, or non-sinusoidal edge requirements.
Estimate the minimum V/us requirement for a sine wave
Use this first-pass result when checking whether an op amp can follow a target output amplitude and frequency. Add margin before selecting the final part.
Peak voltage
Enter peak output amplitude, not peak-to-peak voltage.
Design margin
The calculated value is only a theoretical minimum.
Follow-up checks
Also check bandwidth, output swing, load, and stability.
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Engineering reference
Equations, assumptions, and design guidance
Estimates the minimum output rate required for a sinusoidal op-amp signal.
Equations and variables
SRmin = 2*pi*f*VpeakSRrecommended = SRmin*(1 + margin/100)- f
- Signal frequency (Hz)
- Vpeak
- Peak output voltage (V)
- SR
- Output rate (V/us)
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- The signal is sinusoidal.
- The entered voltage is peak amplitude, not peak-to-peak amplitude.
Limitations
- Bandwidth, phase margin, output-current limits, output swing, load capacitance, distortion targets, and non-sinusoidal edge requirements are not modelled.
Worked example and design use
100 kHz at 5 V peak
Inputs: f = 100 kHz, Vpeak = 5 V
Outputs: SRmin = 3.14 V/us
Design guidance
- Select an op amp with margin above the calculated minimum, then check bandwidth and stability.