🔧 Swiss Army Op-Amp Solver

🎯 Getting Started

Choose from four common op-amp configurations to analyze and design circuits:

• Inverting Amplifier: Inverts and amplifies the input signal (A_v = -R_f/R_in)
• Non-Inverting Amplifier: Amplifies without inverting (A_v = 1 + R_f/R_in)
• Summing Amplifier: Adds multiple input signals with independent gains
• Difference Amplifier: Subtracts two input signals (V_out = V₂ - V₁)

⚡ Saturation Checker

The tool automatically detects when the calculated output would exceed the power supply rails:

• Clipping Warning: Output turns RED when V_out exceeds V_CC or V_EE
• Waveform Visualization: See how the output signal clips at the supply rails
• Headroom Indicator: Shows available voltage swing before clipping

⚠️ Real Op-Amps: Actual saturation voltage is typically 1-2V below the supply rails

🔌 Power Supply Configuration

Configure your op-amp power supply (VCC/VEE):

• Dual Supply: ±15V, ±12V, ±5V (symmetric around ground)
• Single Supply: +15V/0V, +12V/0V, +5V/0V
• Custom: Any valid VCC/VEE combination

💡 Tip: For single supply operation, use voltage dividers to bias inputs at VCC/2

📐 Unit Prefixes

The calculator automatically handles unit prefixes:

• Voltage: 5V, 12V, 1.5V, 3.3V, ±15V
• Resistance: 1kΩ, 10k, 4.7MΩ, 100Ω
• Frequency: 1kHz, 100Hz, 1MHz (for waveform visualization)

Supported prefixes: k (kilo), M (mega), m (milli), µ/u (micro)

📚 Op-Amp Basics

Ideal Op-Amp Characteristics:

• Infinite input impedance (no current flows into inputs)
• Zero output impedance (can drive any load)
• Infinite open-loop gain (with negative feedback, output follows equation)
• Virtual short between inputs (V₊ ≈ V_- when using negative feedback)

Golden Rules:

1. No current flows into the op-amp inputs (I₊ = I_- = 0)
2. The op-amp will do whatever it can to make V₊ = V_-