Powering an OpAmp with Dual Batteries: Ground-Free Circuit Design

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on powering an operational amplifier (OpAmp) using two batteries without a connection to mains ground or neutral. Participants explore the implications of grounding in circuit design, particularly in applications where a ground reference may not be available, such as in portable devices or vehicles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the necessity of a ground connection for using OpAmps, suggesting that they can function without an Earth reference.
  • There is a discussion about the concept of "ground" being an arbitrary reference point in circuits, with some arguing that it does not imply a physical connection to Earth.
  • Participants explore the configuration of batteries in series and how choosing a reference point can create a bipolar source.
  • Concerns are raised about the validity of circuit configurations where inputs are allowed to float, with suggestions that providing a common potential improves circuit stability.
  • Some participants express confusion over the differences between using two power sources versus one, with references to center-tapped configurations.
  • Terminology is debated, particularly the distinction between "ground," "circuit common," and "reference node." Some assert that these terms can lead to misunderstandings in circuit design.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the necessity of a ground connection for OpAmp circuits. Multiple competing views are presented regarding the implications of grounding and the use of bipolar sources.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of defining reference points in circuits and the potential for confusion arising from terminology. There are unresolved questions about the practical implications of grounding in various configurations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to electronics enthusiasts, engineers, and students exploring circuit design, particularly in contexts where traditional grounding is not feasible.

  • #31
Thanks Don i downloaded and saved.

first one in that series, bottom of pp 1.7 is a note that applies to this thread. I would post an excerpt but it appears to disallow copy & paste.

old jim
 
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  • #32
jim hardy said:
first one in that series, bottom of pp 1.7 is a note that applies to this thread. I would post an excerpt but it appears to disallow copy & paste.
Yea, it's copyrighted and can't be reproduced without permission from Analog Devices. Good info to have on hand though.
 
  • #33
The circuit in question's noninverting input voltage is undefined, or 'indeterminate'.

So right hand circuit suffers more from an undefined input than from lack of feedback.

I thought it's 0 it it's considered a reference node. This is how it's treated in circuit books, they show the non-inverting input for an inverting OpAmp configuration connected to a common node, using the "ground" symbol, and the same symbol used for the input voltage source's negative rail.
 
  • #34
Averagesupernova said:
There is no AC feedback concerning the circuit in question either.

I guess that's true. :smile:
 
  • #35
There is no AC feedback concerning the circuit in question either.

I guess that's true.

What AC are you talking about here?

Apparently my simple question could not be answered by "engineers" and when they felt incompetent they start farting crap polluting the thread and adding more confusion in attempt to hide their inability to answer a simple straightforward question.

Moderators, please ban me, I'm not going to open this useless forum anymore or read any replies to me. ;)

F.U
 
  • #36
Rudinhoob said:
I thought it's 0 it it's considered a reference node. This is how it's treated in circuit books, they show the non-inverting input for an inverting OpAmp configuration connected to a common node, using the "ground" symbol, and the same symbol used for the input voltage source's negative rail.

In your left hand circuit you connected +input to a definite point, the power supply centertap.
In your right hand one you didn't, you left it to find its own level.
Simply calling it "reference" doesn't make the rest of the circuit respect it.

In the boooks, they don't usually show the power supply. Power supply is used to define 'circuit common' , usually power supply centertap.
For opamps like LM324 which is designed to operate with single supply, they often but not always use power supply negative instead.

I strongly recommend you look into the first article in that Analog Devices link posted by dlgoff.
It was written before op-amp fundamentals became so entrenched we forgot how to teach them. Too many cooks and all that...



old jim
 
  • #37
Rudinhoob said:
What AC are you talking about here?

Apparently my simple question could not be answered by "engineers" and when they felt incompetent they start ... adding more confusion in attempt to hide their inability to answer a simple straightforward question.

Moderators, please ban me, I'm not going to open this useless forum anymore or read any replies to me. ;)

dont give up now you're soooo close to success..
 
Last edited:
  • #38
Rudinhoob said:
What AC are you talking about here?

Apparently my simple question could not be answered by "engineers" and when they felt incompetent they start farting crap polluting the thread and adding more confusion in attempt to hide their inability to answer a simple straightforward question.

Moderators, please ban me, I'm not going to open this useless forum anymore or read any replies to me. ;)

F.U

That's a pretty gutsy comment coming from the guy asking the questions. The AC I was talking about is the AC coming from the signal generator you have drawn in your schematic. Plain and simple fact is there is no feedback of any kind in the circuit on the right since both inverting and non-inverting inputs will see the same thing fed back from the output. Op-amp inputs are differential, so when they are treated the same as in the circuit on the right, there is essentially NO FEEDBACK
 
  • #39
Averagesupernova said:
That's a pretty gutsy comment coming from the guy asking the questions. The AC I was talking about is the AC coming from the signal generator you have drawn in your schematic. Plain and simple fact is there is no feedback of any kind in the circuit on the right since both inverting and non-inverting inputs will see the same thing fed back from the output. Op-amp inputs are differential, so when they are treated the same as in the circuit on the right, there is essentially NO FEEDBACK

"gutsy"? More like plain rude and juvenile (teenage, no doubt). Voting with his feet is no great loss to PF, I think.
 
  • #40
hmm There's no path for current through the two resistors, as there is in left circuit.
So the opamp can't develop a voltage across its feedback to oppose the voltage source.

Good thinking guys.

I missed that. duhhh...
This old age ain't for sissies, I tell ya.
 

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