{"schemaVersion":1,"slug":"iec-differentiator","name":"IEC differentiator element (d/dt)","kind":"symbol","abbreviation":"d/dt","aliases":["analogue differentiator element","rate-of-change element","d/dt element"],"category":"logic-signals","drawingTypes":["Schematic"],"referenceFamilies":["IEC","Manufacturer"],"summary":"Analogue element marked d/dt whose output is proportional to the rate of change of its input.","description":["The differentiator element carries the d/dt function. Its output is proportional to how fast the input changes, so a ramp input gives a constant output and a step input gives a spike. In circuit form it is usually an op-amp with an input capacitor and feedback resistor, often with extra components to limit high-frequency gain.","Rate-of-change functions appear in derivative control terms, df/dt style supervision and edge detection on analogue signals. The drawing should state the time constant and any filtering, because pure differentiation amplifies noise.","The element does not show the noise-limiting network. Reviewers should check that the implementing circuit or software includes one."],"readingNotes":["Noise sensitivity makes filtering essential.","Check the time constant and limiting components."],"drawingChecklist":["State the time constant.","Show or reference high-frequency limiting.","Reference the implementing circuit or function block."],"distinction":"The integrator accumulates the input; the differentiator responds to its rate of change.","facts":[{"label":"Function","value":"Rate of change of input"},{"label":"Practical caution","value":"Amplifies high-frequency noise"},{"label":"Artwork scope","value":"Original educational illustration; consult the applicable standard and the selected device documentation for the exact graphic"}],"references":[{"sourceId":"iec-diagrams","relevance":"IEC graphical symbols programme covering analogue elements; no geometry reproduced."},{"sourceId":"pub-electronics-ti-differentiator","relevance":"Manufacturer differentiator circuit documentation."}],"related":["op-amp-differentiator","iec-integrator","active-high-pass-filter"],"artwork":"s28-iec-differentiator","publishedOn":"2026-10-28","updatedOn":"2026-10-28","provenance":"independent-public-research","symbolVariant":{"convention":"IEC","form":"Rectangular analogue element with d/dt function","reference":"IEC-style rectangular analogue element presentation; the IEC graphical symbols programme is cited for context only. Independent educational drawing; not certified IEC geometry or an IEC database identifier. The counterpart is the matching functional concept; no equivalence of every detailed standard graphic is asserted.","counterpart":"op-amp-differentiator"},"plainEnglish":{"title":"What does IEC differentiator element (d/dt) mean?","introduction":"The differentiator element carries the d/dt function. Its output is proportional to how fast the input changes, so a ramp input gives a constant output and a step input gives a spike. In circuit form it is usually an op-amp with an input capacitor and feedback resistor, often with extra components to limit high-frequency gain.","example":"Rate-of-change functions appear in derivative control terms, df/dt style supervision and edge detection on analogue signals. The drawing should state the time constant and any filtering, because pure differentiation amplifies noise.","drawings":"The element does not show the noise-limiting network. Reviewers should check that the implementing circuit or software includes one.","terms":[{"name":"Signal","meaning":"Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply."},{"name":"Schematic","meaning":"A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance."}],"diagram":"flow","steps":["Identify the device and form","Read the connections and state","Check the equipment reference"],"caption":"A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.","sources":[{"label":"IEC graphical symbols for diagrams","url":"https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/"},{"label":"Differentiator circuit reference, SBOA276","url":"https://www.ti.com/lit/pdf/sboa276"}],"detail":"Analogue element marked d/dt whose output is proportional to the rate of change of its input. The integrator accumulates the input; the differentiator responds to its rate of change.","profileId":"reviewed-symbol-20261028"},"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/iec-differentiator","illustration":{"url":"https://eloragrid.ai/tools/electrical-library/illustrations/iec-differentiator.svg","scope":"Original educational concept; not an official standard graphic or product footprint","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"sources":[{"id":"iec-diagrams","title":"IEC graphical symbols for diagrams","publisher":"IEC","url":"https://tc3.iec.ch/tc-activity/graphical-symbols-for-diagrams/","type":"standard","scope":"IEC 60617 and related symbol-design publications. Full database access requires a subscription.","checkedOn":"2026-10-13","reuse":"link-only","relevance":"IEC graphical symbols programme covering analogue elements; no geometry reproduced."},{"id":"pub-electronics-ti-differentiator","title":"Differentiator circuit reference, SBOA276","publisher":"Texas Instruments","url":"https://www.ti.com/lit/pdf/sboa276","type":"manufacturer","scope":"Public differentiating-amplifier function and bandwidth context. No component values, complete design or manufacturer drawing is copied.","checkedOn":"2026-10-14","reuse":"link-only","relevance":"Manufacturer differentiator circuit documentation."}]}