Bipolar and unipolar voltages and their significance

AI Thread Summary
Bipolar voltages consist of both positive and negative values referenced to zero volts, commonly used in older analog electronics like op-amps that required dual supplies. In contrast, unipolar voltages are single values referenced to ground, prevalent in modern logic gate power supplies and signals. The discussion highlights the transition from bipolar to unipolar systems, particularly with the advent of rail-to-rail op-amps that can operate on lower voltage unipolar supplies. Understanding these voltage types is crucial for triggering semiconductor devices effectively. The clarification of these concepts aids in grasping their significance in electronic design.
honyeehong8692
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Hello all!

I'd like to clarify on the the differences of bipolar and unipolar voltages. I do understand that they both are used to trigger a number of semiconductor devices.

Please and thank you!
 
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Probably unipolar voltages are a single voltage referenced to zero volt as ground. Most logic gate power supplies and signals are unipolar.

Bipolar has a positive and a negative voltage referenced to zero volts. There was a time when analogue electronics using op-amps which needed both a (+)ve and (–)ve supplies. The signals were relative to zero volts. Now, rail-to-rail op-amps will run on low voltage unipolar supplies.
 
Baluncore said:
Probably unipolar voltages are a single voltage referenced to zero volt as ground. Most logic gate power supplies and signals are unipolar.

Bipolar has a positive and a negative voltage referenced to zero volts. There was a time when analogue electronics using op-amps which needed both a (+)ve and (–)ve supplies. The signals were relative to zero volts. Now, rail-to-rail op-amps will run on low voltage unipolar supplies.

Thank you very much, @Baluncore!
 
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