Is op amp or any amplifier circuit/device a over-unity device?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on whether operational amplifiers (op amps) or any amplifier circuits can be classified as over-unity devices, which would imply they produce more output power than input power. Participants clarify that amplifiers do not achieve over 100% efficiency, as they require an external power source, such as a battery or wall outlet, to function. The confusion arises from the distinction between voltage gain and power efficiency, with emphasis that voltage does not equate to power, which is measured in watts. Calculating efficiency involves comparing power output to power input, not just voltage levels. Ultimately, amplifiers cannot be considered over-unity devices due to the necessity of additional energy sources.
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Is op amp or any amplifier circuit/device a over-unity efficient device?

The above question has been stuck in my mind, and I can't figure it out, as Vout is greater than Vin which Pin>Pout. So is it?

I heard a lot about free energy and aether, thus come to this question.
 
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Do you mean over 100% efficiency? Absolutely not. If there is one, I want one too!:smile:

Or are you just talking about voltage gain?
 
the efficiency. So how to calculate its efficiency, if it is not Vout/Vin since it is voltage gain?
 
I am confuse how do you define efficiency? I am confused. To me, efficiency means power out divid by power in times 100 percent. Nothing even come close to 100%. Power in include the driving power plus the power input from the power supplies.
 
So power in should be the Voltage IN while power out should be Voltage OUT? I am confused how to calculate it. Maybe although the voltage gain is high, the output current is very low? I do know that is true for transformers, but don't know for any opamp or semiconductor.
 
Pagedown said:
Is op amp or any amplifier circuit/device a over-unity efficient device?

The above question has been stuck in my mind, and I can't figure it out, as Vout is greater than Vin which Pin>Pout. So is it?

I heard a lot about free energy and aether, thus come to this question.

I will put this as gently as I can.

The big giant battery or the wall power plug is where the "extra" energy comes from for power amplifiers. There is no free energy.

Thread closed. Please re-read the Rules link at the top of the page that you agreed to when you joined our forums.
 
Pagedown said:
So power in should be the Voltage IN while power out should be Voltage OUT? I am confused how to calculate it. Maybe although the voltage gain is high, the output current is very low? I do know that is true for transformers, but don't know for any opamp or semiconductor.
Just to add one thing: voltage is not power. Wattage is power.
 

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