The +V and -V connections denote the positive and negative sides of the DC power supply, respectively. This symbology is very handy for cases where an amplifier's construction is irrelevant to the greater function of the overall circuit, and it is worthy of familiarization: It is well worth the electronics student's time to learn these principles and learn them well.įor ease of drawing complex circuit diagrams, electronic amplifiers are often symbolized by a simple triangle shape, where the internal components are not individually represented. The principles presented here in operational amplifier circuits, therefore, extend well beyond the immediate scope of electronics. One key to the usefulness of these little circuits is in the engineering principle of feedback, particularly negative feedback, which constitutes the foundation of almost all automatic control processes. Modern designs have been engineered with durability in mind as well: several "op-amps" are manufactured that can sustain direct short-circuits on their outputs without damage. It is also quite affordable, most general-purpose amplifiers selling for under a dollar apiece. With only a handful of external components, it can be made to perform a wide variety of analog signal processing tasks. The operational amplifier is arguably the most useful single device in analog electronic circuitry. Single-ended and differential amplifiers.Lessons In Electric Circuits - Volume III Chapter 8 OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS Lessons In Electric Circuits - Volume III (Semiconductors) - Chapter 8