What Is a Differential Amplifier?
A differential amplifier, also known as a differential amp, is crucial in amplifier circuit designs.
This electronic circuit is engineered to process two input signals, amplifying the difference between them for output. It usually employs a differential pair of transistors that share a common power supply but are each tasked with handling one of the two input signals. One transistor processes the signal in its original polarity, while the other handles it in reversed polarity. The amplification focuses on the variance between these inputs.
One of the key benefits of differential amplifiers is their proficiency in mitigating noise and external disruptions. By focusing on the differential between input signals, any shared noise or interference—referred to as common mode—can effectively be nullified. This characteristic makes differential amplifiers especially valuable in environments where signal integrity is paramount.