The output voltage (Vout) of an operational amplifier (op amp) will not reach zero when the inverting input exceeds the non-inverting input, even with negative or positive feedback present. Instead, Vout will trend towards the negative supply voltage but will not equal it due to inherent limitations, typically maintaining a difference of one to two volts from the negative supply. This behavior is consistent across various op amp configurations, confirming that output saturation occurs near the supply rails rather than at them.
PREREQUISITESElectronics students, circuit designers, and engineers working with operational amplifiers who need to understand output behavior in relation to input conditions.