How does the slew rate of the op-amp affect the output of the Schmitt trigger circuit?

Answer 1

The slew rate of the op-amp affects the output of the Schmitt trigger circuit because it determines the rate at which the output voltage can change. The slew rate is the maximum rate of change of the output voltage and is typically specified in volts per microsecond (V/μs).

In a Schmitt trigger circuit, the op-amp is used as a comparator with feedback. It compares the input voltage with the thresholds set by the voltage divider resistors and produces a digital output based on the comparison result.

If the input voltage changes too quickly and the op-amp cannot keep up due to its limited slew rate, the output may not respond accurately or at all. This can result in distorted or delayed output signals. The slew rate of the op-amp needs to be fast enough to accurately track rapid changes in the input voltage and produce the expected digital output.

Therefore, a higher slew rate op-amp is generally preferred for Schmitt trigger circuits to ensure a faster response and better performance, especially when dealing with fast-changing input signals.