Hi guys, I'll keep this short, its a bit of a noob question however i'm trying to get my head around this to explain it the most accurately...
I have a simple TL081 op-amp acting as an Astable multivibrator +/- 12V supplies - this 40kHz output is then fed into another TL081 set up as a non-inverting unity buffer which feeds an ultrasonic transducer (looking for 40kHz (receiver tuned) transmitting).
Now, my question....
I understand, without the buffer, the transducer would 'load' the first op-amp however I cant explain this the way I understand it... Simply put, as i recall, the transducer acts as a capacitance in the op-amp circuit, if that right? I tried measuring DC current through the transducer and it came up at around 9.1uA - am I measuring this correctly - AC current is around 3mA. AC or DC? I was happy with my understanding until now, perhaps its exam prep and i'm thinking too much...
I think my issue is i'm confusing my basic understanding due to the circuit involving op-amps, I've confused a lot with BJTs lately and was wondering if someone could elaberate on my question which was:
Is it more important to use a buffer to 'remove the load' or 'remove the capacitance'.
This isn't a coursework/exam question, just more of a understanding exercise.
I've found this post hard to explain, I hope you smarter bunch can shed some light... Thanks. Ryan!
// the clean sq wave is Vout of the first TL081, with a buffer after connecting to the transducer.
// the deformed wave, is Vout of the first TL081 with transducer connected directly - this is the same wave form as seen at Vout2 (second TL081 (buffer)) with the transducer connected to that.
//Frequency reading is different, before and after tuning, it doesnt really matter for the question).