A buffer amplifier is used to provide electrical isolation between different stages of a circuit while preserving the signal's voltage and current. Its main purpose is to "buffer" the signal, meaning it prevents the input signal from being affected by the load or subsequent stages of the circuit.
Here are the key points of its purpose:
- Impedance Matching: A buffer amplifier can match the impedance of different parts of a circuit. For example, it can connect a high-impedance source (like a sensor or a signal generator) to a low-impedance load (like an amplifier or ADC), ensuring minimal signal loss and distortion.
- Signal Isolation: It isolates the input signal from the rest of the circuit. This means the buffer amplifier ensures that the preceding stage doesnβt influence the following stage, preventing unwanted loading or signal degradation.
- Prevent Loading Effect: Without a buffer, the circuit following a signal source can "load" the source, meaning it may draw too much current, which could change the signal. A buffer amplifier prevents this by providing a high input impedance and a low output impedance.
- Improved Performance: By providing proper impedance matching and preventing loading, buffer amplifiers help ensure that the overall system works efficiently without signal loss or distortion.
In summary, a buffer amplifier helps maintain signal integrity and ensures that the different stages of a circuit can work together properly without interfering with each other.