Operational Amplifier Fundamentals Unit 1 – The Operational Amplifier
Typical op amps use several types of signal functions. Positive and negative supply terminals
connect to the system power supply rails and provide operating power. Null, or nulling, terminals
connect to an external voltage and allow for op amp offset voltage adjustment. Inverting (-)and
noninverting (+) terminals connect to the circuit input voltages. An output terminal drives the
external circuit load.
On many circuit drawings, the voltage supply terminals and the nulling terminals are not shown.
An op amp in the open loop mode has no feedback path between its output and input
connections.
For an ideal op amp, open-loop gain is infinite.