Which operational amplifier configuration is typically used to isolate stages in a circuit?

The voltage follower configuration, also known as a buffer amplifier, is typically used to isolate stages in a circuit. This configuration has a unique characteristic of providing high input impedance and low output impedance, which allows it to prevent loading effects from the connected stages. Essentially, the voltage follower will take the voltage from the input and replicate it at the output without drawing significant current from the previous stage, thereby maintaining the integrity of the signal.

Isolating stages is crucial in many applications to ensure that changes or variations in one stage do not adversely affect others. The voltage follower achieves this by allowing for the transfer of the signal with no gain, providing a direct connection while preserving the voltage level. This makes it ideal for interfacing between circuits that may have different impedances.

In contrast, the inverting and noninverting configurations amplify the input signal and, depending on their arrangement, can introduce loading concerns. The difference amplifier is specifically designed for subtracting one voltage from another and does not serve primarily as an isolation buffer. Thus, the voltage follower stands out as the preferred choice for isolation between stages in electronic circuits.