Video amplifiers ICs are integrated circuits designed to process video signals. Amplifiers often referred to as amps, are semiconductor devices found in electronics circuits. They are designed to increase the power of electronic signals. Amplifiers essentially take the input signal and increase either the output voltage, current or power.

The difference between an input and output from the amplifier is referred to as the gain. It is the ratio of the output divided by the input, for voltage, current or power.

Video amplifiers often come in industry standard packages, for example, SOIC, SOT-23 and PDIP.

Where would you use a video amplifier?

Video amplifiers are used anywhere where the video signal level needs to be increased. For example, if you connected a camera to a screen or TV, the video output signal from the camera would need to be increased by an amplifier to meet the requirements of the TV.

Example applications include:

• Video line drivers
• ADC/DAC buffers
• Automotive displays
• RGB amplifiers
• Coax cable drivers

What is a video operational amplifier?

Operational amplifiers, also known as op-amps, are amplifier devices which offer a very high gain. This means that they offer a high ratio of conversion from the input signal to the output. Video op amps are ideal for applications which require this dramatic step up, for example, in high-quality imaging.

What is the "slew rate"?

Slew rate in video amplifiers indicates how well an amplifier can handle higher frequency levels. It is measured by the change in voltage within a period of time and the value is given in V/µs.