I seem to remember that one side of those opamps achieved rail-to-rail operation before the other side, but I'm not 100% sure. Maybe rail-to-rail inputs but not yet rail-to-rail output? But I think the latest version achieve it on both sides. Guess I need to check some datasheets...Averagesupernova said:I recall using rail to rail op amps in the mid to late 90s. Never had much use for them until then. Has there been a recent surge in their numbers? Like last 3 to 5 years?
In the context of amplifier technology, saying that 2010 marks the beginning of a stable period implies that the advancements in amplifier design, efficiency, and performance had reached a point of significant maturity and reliability by that year. This suggests that post-2010, the improvements in amplifier technology may have become more incremental rather than revolutionary, leading to a period of stability in terms of new breakthroughs and major changes in the basic technology and design principles.
Prior to 2010, amplifier technology saw substantial advancements, particularly in reducing size, increasing power efficiency, and improving sound quality. Developments in solid-state technology, the introduction of digital amplification, and improvements in circuit design contributed to these enhancements. By 2010, these technologies had been refined to a point where they were widely adopted and highly reliable, setting a platform for the stable period of further incremental improvements.
After 2010, amplifiers continued to improve, mainly focusing on enhancing existing features rather than introducing new ones. Key features included better power efficiency, improved thermal management, more precise sound control, and integration with digital and wireless technologies. There was also a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability, leading to the development of amplifiers that use less energy and are made from more sustainable materials.
While the period after 2010 is considered stable, it did not preclude innovations. Significant innovations include the integration of smart technology, allowing for network connectivity and control over IoT platforms, advancements in Class-D amplifiers that offer better audio performance and efficiency, and the adaptation of amplifiers for new forms of media and entertainment systems, enhancing the user experience in home and professional settings.
The stability in amplifier technology has allowed manufacturers to focus on refining user experience and reducing costs, leading to high-quality audio equipment becoming more accessible to a broader audience. Consumers benefit from the reliability and longevity of products, while manufacturers can invest more in aesthetic design and user-friendly interfaces, which are significant selling points in the competitive consumer audio market.