A non-inverting amplifier is a widely used operational amplifier (op-amp) configuration that amplifies an input signal without inverting its phase. The LM358 is a popular dual op-amp IC used in low-power and general-purpose applications.

1. Understanding the Non-Inverting Amplifier
✅ Key Features:
- Amplifies the input signal without phase inversion.
- Gain is controlled using two resistors.
- High input impedance, making it ideal for signal processing.
❌ Limitations:
- Output voltage is limited by the power supply range.
- Not suitable for high-frequency applications (better for low-to-mid frequencies).
2. Circuit Diagram
Components Required:
- LM358 Op-Amp (or any general-purpose op-amp)
- Resistors:
- R1 (Feedback Resistor)
- R2 (Ground Resistor)
- Power Supply (5V – 15V)
- Input Signal Source
- Output Load (e.g., Speaker, ADC input, etc.)
Circuit Configuration:
- Non-inverting input (+): Connected to the signal source.
- Inverting input (-): Connected to the voltage divider formed by R1 and R2.
- Output: Connected to the load.
Where:
- R1 = Feedback resistor
- R2 = Resistor to ground
3. Gain Calculation
The voltage Gain (Av) of a non-inverting amplifier is given by:
Example:
If:
- R1=100kΩ
- R2=10kΩ
This means the output voltage is amplified 11 times compared to the input.
4. Practical LM358 Circuit (5V Power Supply)
Connections:
- Power: Connect Vcc (Pin 8) to +5V and GND (Pin 4) to ground.
- Input Signal (Vin): Connect to non-inverting input (+) (Pin 3).
- Feedback Resistors:
- R1 (Feedback Resistor, 100kΩ) connects Pin 1 (Output) to Pin 2 (- Input).
- R2 (10kΩ) connects Pin 2 (- Input) to ground.
- Output (Vout): Take output from Pin 1.
Pin Configuration of LM358
5. Advantages of Non-Inverting Amplifier
✔ High Input Impedance → Does not load the source.
✔ Stable Gain → Easily adjustable with two resistors.
✔ No Phase Inversion → Output is in the same phase as input.
✔ Used in Sensors, Audio, ADC buffers, and Signal Processing.
6. Applications of LM358 Non-Inverting Amplifier
📌 Audio Signal Amplification (Microphone preamps, headphones)
📌 Signal Conditioning for Sensors (Temperature, light, pressure sensors)
📌 Voltage Level Shifting for ADC inputs
📌 Buffer Amplifier in Control Circuits
7. Limitations & Considerations
- Output swing is limited → LM358 cannot reach full supply voltage.
- Low bandwidth → Not suitable for high-frequency applications.
- Not ideal for high-precision applications → Use TL072 or OPA2134 for better performance.
8. Alternative Op-Amps
Op-Amp | Features |
---|---|
LM741 | General-purpose, single op-amp |
TL072 | Low-noise, high-performance |
OPA2134 | High-quality audio amplification |
NE5532 | Dual op-amp for audio applications |
Conclusion
The non-inverting amplifier with LM358 is a versatile and easy-to-use circuit for many electronics projects. It provides signal amplification with a stable gain, making it useful in audio, sensors, and general signal processing.