Op-Amp Slew Rate Limit
fmax = SR / (2π × Vpk)
Quick answer
This calculator solves fmax = SR / (2π × Vpk) for Max Frequency. With Slew Rate 10 V/µs, Peak Output Voltage 12 V, the result is 132.6 kHz. It solves in 3 directions, so you can enter the values you have and get the one you need.
Calculator
Formula
Description
The slew rate of an op-amp limits the maximum frequency at which it can produce a full-amplitude sinusoidal output without distortion. The maximum rate of change of a sine wave occurs at the zero crossing and equals 2π × f × Vpk. If this exceeds the op-amp's slew rate, the output becomes triangular rather than sinusoidal, introducing severe harmonic distortion. This frequency limit is called the full-power bandwidth and is often much lower than the small-signal bandwidth specified by GBW.
Variables
- fmax — Maximum undistorted frequency (Hz)
- SR — Op-amp slew rate (V/s)
- Vpk — Peak output voltage amplitude (V)
Practical Notes
Common slew rates: LM358 0.5 V/µs, TL072 13 V/µs, OPA2134 20 V/µs, AD8065 180 V/µs. For audio applications with ±10V output at 20 kHz, minimum SR = 2π × 20000 × 10 = 1.26 V/µs. Always provide margin: use at least 5-10x the minimum required slew rate for low-distortion audio.
Symbols and units
| Symbol | Meaning | Default unit | Accepted units |
|---|---|---|---|
| fmax | Max Frequency | kHz | Hz, kHz, MHz, GHz |
| SR | Slew Rate | V/µs | V/µs |
| Vpk | Peak Output Voltage | V | pV, nV, µV, mV, V, kV |
Step by step
- 1. What you know: Slew Rate 10 V/µs, Peak Output Voltage 12 V
- 2. The relation: fmax = SR / (2π × Vpk)
- 3. Substitute: SR = 10 V/µs, Vpk = 12 V
- 4. Result: Max Frequency = 132.6 kHz
Worked examples
Minimum range
Given: Slew Rate 0.1 V/µs, Peak Output Voltage 0.33 V
Result: Max Frequency = 48.23 kHz
Low range
Given: Slew Rate 1 V/µs, Peak Output Voltage 3.3 V
Result: Max Frequency = 48.23 kHz
Typical
Given: Slew Rate 10 V/µs, Peak Output Voltage 12 V
Result: Max Frequency = 132.6 kHz
High range
Given: Slew Rate 100 V/µs, Peak Output Voltage 0.23 kV
Result: Max Frequency = 69.2 kHz
Maximum range
Given: Slew Rate 1000 V/µs, Peak Output Voltage 2.3 kV
Result: Max Frequency = 69.2 kHz
Solving for each variable
Solve for Max Frequency
Slew Rate 0.1 V/µs, Peak Output Voltage 0.33 V → 48.23 kHz
Solve for Slew Rate
Max Frequency 100 Hz, Peak Output Voltage 0.33 V → 2.07 × 10⁻⁴ V/µs
Solve for Peak Output Voltage
Max Frequency 100 Hz, Slew Rate 0.1 V/µs → 0.1592 kV
How Max Frequency changes with Slew Rate
| Slew Rate (input) | Max Frequency (result) |
|---|---|
| 1 V/µs | 13.26 kHz |
| 2.5 V/µs | 33.16 kHz |
| 5 V/µs | 66.31 kHz |
| 7.5 V/µs | 99.47 kHz |
| 10 V/µs | 132.6 kHz |
| 15 V/µs | 0.1989 MHz |
| 20 V/µs | 0.2653 MHz |
| 40 V/µs | 0.5305 MHz |
| 70 V/µs | 0.9284 MHz |
| 100 V/µs | 1.326 MHz |
The same result in other units
| Unit | Value |
|---|---|
| Hz | 132600 |
| kHz | 132.6 |
| MHz | 0.1326 |
| GHz | 0.0001326 |
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<p><a href="https://vbatpower.com/formulas/opamp-slew-rate/">Op-Amp Slew Rate Limit</a> Calculator by vbatpower.com</p>Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate Op-Amp Slew Rate Limit?
Use fmax = SR / (2π × Vpk). With Slew Rate 10 V/µs, Peak Output Voltage 12 V, Max Frequency works out to 132.6 kHz.
How do you calculate calculate maximum undistorted frequency from slew rate?
Rearrange for Max Frequency: with Slew Rate 1 V/µs, Peak Output Voltage 3.3 V, Max Frequency is 48.23 kHz.
What is the formula for Op-Amp Slew Rate Limit?
The formula is fmax = SR / (2π × Vpk). The slew rate of an op-amp limits the maximum frequency at which it can produce a full-amplitude sinusoidal output without distortion.
How do you find Slew Rate when you know the other values?
Rearrange for Slew Rate: with Max Frequency 100 Hz, Peak Output Voltage 0.33 V, Slew Rate is 2.07 × 10⁻⁴ V/µs.
How do you find Peak Output Voltage when you know the other values?
Rearrange for Peak Output Voltage: with Max Frequency 100 Hz, Slew Rate 0.1 V/µs, Peak Output Voltage is 0.1592 kV.
What units does Op-Amp Slew Rate Limit use?
Max Frequency is shown in Hz, kHz, MHz, GHz. Values are held in SI base units internally, so you can mix prefixes without converting by hand.
Related Concepts
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