Concept:
An inverting amplifier built using an operational amplifier (op-amp) introduces a phase change between the input signal and the output signal. The operational behavior ensures that a positive-going input voltage results in a negative-going output voltage, and vice versa.
Mathematically, the closed-loop voltage gain \(A_v\) of an ideal inverting amplifier configuration is given by:
\[
A_v = \frac{V_{\text{out}}}{V_{\text{in}}} = -\frac{R_f}{R_{\text{in}}}
\]
where \(R_f\) represents the feedback resistor connected between the output and the inverting terminal, and \(R_{\text{in}}\) is the input resistor connected to the inverting input terminal.
The negative sign in this transfer characteristic is the mathematical representation of an inversion. In trigonometric terms, multiplying a sinusoidal function by a negative constant is equivalent to adding a phase angle of \(\pi\) radians or \(180^\circ\):
\[
-V_m \sin(\omega t) = V_m \sin(\omega t + 180^\circ)
\]
Therefore, the input and output waveforms are completely out of phase, creating a precise phase shift of \(180^\circ\).