# Choosing resistor values for Op-amp and inverting/non-inverting configuration

A LM358AN op-amp is choosen to amplify a AC input signal by a gain of 2.0. The input signal ranges from -1V to +1V and from 0 mA to 16.7 mA. The amplified signal will be read by an analog pin of Arduino (10-bit ADC)

How should the input resistance values and feedback resistance values be selected? I understand if the resistances are too high, there will be input noise which I do not want. However power consumption should be as low as possible, since it will be running off batteries. So would it make sense to choose R_feedback = 2k and R_input = 1k for the inverting confifguration.

Between inverting and non-inverting, since only the RMS of the signal will be used, inverting the polarity does not matter. So would it be wiser to go with inverting, since it is better at rejecting common-mode noise?

• You should be able to read the signal to within 2mV if you just sent it straight into the ADC according to the specs you gave. 2Vpp/2^10. Why would you add complication and potentially noise to your signal? I don't really foresee the ADC input cap being terribly different than the input capacitance on the op-amp. – horta Mar 26 '14 at 20:13
• @horta The ADC can read 0-5V, but the input signal is -1 to +1V. To make use of the ADC resolution, I am thinking of amplifying the input signal by 2 and biasing that by 2.5V, so the amplified signal swings between 0.5V - 4.0V. Right now the unamplified signal is swinging between 1.5V and 3.5V after adding a +2.5V bias. – Nyxynyx Mar 26 '14 at 21:06
• 1k and 2k are very low values, almost the lowest that you would use in a high current low noise audio application. I would multiply by at least ten, more if your current limitations dictate. – user207421 Mar 26 '14 at 21:09
• @EJP if the resistors are too low, are we consuming much more power but getting lesser noise in return? – Nyxynyx Mar 26 '14 at 21:13
• That is correct. – user207421 Mar 26 '14 at 21:20

• In the circuit shown, if the point between R1 and R2 is 2.5V and the input signal is at 0V, wouldn't a gain of 2 already push the amplifier output to 5.0V, which is the upper limit of Arduino's ADC? – Nyxynyx Apr 4 '14 at 1:57