What is voltage buffer?

A voltage buffer, also known as a voltage follower, is an electronic circuit that provides high input impedance and low output impedance, effectively isolating the input from the output. It is commonly implemented using operational amplifiers (op-amps) configured in a specific way where the output directly connects to the inverting input, while the non-inverting input receives the input signal. This configuration allows the buffer to maintain the same voltage level at the output as at the input, while preventing the input source from being loaded down. Voltage buffers are often used in signal processing to prevent distortion and to drive heavy loads.