# Operational transconductance amplifier

> Operational transconductance amplifier

**Wikidata**: [Q1239595](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1239595)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operational_transconductance_amplifier)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/operational-transconductance-amplifier

## Summary
The **Operational transconductance amplifier** (OTA) is an electronic component classified as a subclass of the operational amplifier. It functions as a high-gain voltage amplifier with a differential input. The entity is also known by the aliases **OTA**, **VC-OPV**, and **VC-OP**, with the **LM13700** serving as a specific class of dual operational transconductance amplifier.

## Key Facts
*   **Classification:** It is a subclass of the **operational amplifier**, defined as a high-gain voltage amplifier with a differential input.
*   **Aliases:** Known alternatively as **Operational-Transconductance-Amplifier**, **VC-OPV**, **VC-OP**, and **OTA**.
*   **Notable Instance:** The **LM13700** is identified as a dual operational transconductance amplifier within this class.
*   **Digital Identifiers:** The entity holds a Freebase ID of `/m/0fkyfs` and a discontinued Microsoft Academic ID of `58117264`.
*   **Wikipedia Presence:** The topic maintains a Wikipedia presence across 6 languages, including English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, and Catalan.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary classification of an Operational transconductance amplifier?
A: It is classified as a subclass of the operational amplifier, which is a high-gain voltage amplifier featuring a differential input.

### Q: What are common abbreviations or aliases for this component?
A: Common aliases include OTA, VC-OPV, VC-OP, and the hyphenated variation Operational-Transconductance-Amplifier.

### Q: Is there a specific example of an Operational transconductance amplifier?
A: Yes, the source material identifies the **LM13700** as a dual operational transconductance amplifier belonging to this entity class.

## Why It Matters
The Operational transconductance amplifier matters because it represents a distinct and specialized category within the broader field of analog electronics. While standard operational amplifiers are ubiquitous, the OTA serves specific needs where transconductance (voltage-to-current conversion) is required, distinguishing it from standard voltage-to-voltage amplification topologies.

Its relevance is underscored by its recognition in major knowledge bases and its specific component implementations, such as the LM13700. By maintaining a distinct classification separate from generic amplifiers, OTAs allow engineers and designers to utilize components specifically optimized for applications requiring variable gain and current-mode operation. The existence of specific aliases and dedicated integrated circuits highlights its established role in electronic circuit design.

## Notable For
*   **Subclass Status:** Distinctly categorized as a subclass of the operational amplifier rather than a standalone component type without lineage.
*   **Specific Implementations:** Associated with dedicated hardware classes like the LM13700 dual operational transconductance amplifier.
*   **Nomenclature:** Recognized under several technical aliases, including VC-OPV and VC-OP, indicating varied usage in technical documentation.
*   **Global Documentation:** Covered consistently across multiple language editions of Wikipedia (ca, de, en, es, fa, it), reflecting international technical relevance.

## Body

### Classification and Lineage
The Operational transconductance amplifier is formally classified as a **subclass** of the **operational amplifier**. As part of this lineage, it inherits the core characteristics of the parent class, defined as a high-gain voltage amplifier with a differential input. This hierarchy places the OTA within the core taxonomy of electronic amplifying circuits.

### Nomenclature and Synonyms
The entity is identified in technical contexts through several names and codes. Standard aliases include:
*   **OTA** (Acronym)
*   **Operational-Transconductance-Amplifier**
*   **VC-OPV**
*   **VC-OP**

### Hardware Examples
A concrete realization of this entity class is the **LM13700**. The source material explicitly defines the LM13700 as a "dual operational transconductance amplifier," confirming the translation of this theoretical class into physical integrated circuit components.

### Knowledge Graph Data
The Operational transconductance amplifier is tracked in structured knowledge systems with the following properties:
*   **Freebase ID:** `/m/0fkyfs`
*   **Microsoft Academic ID:** 58117264 (Note: this service is discontinued)
*   **Sitelink Count:** 6 (indicating connected articles across various wikis)
*   **Wikipedia Languages:** Available in ca (Catalan), de (German), en (English), es (Spanish), fa (Persian), and it (Italian).

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)