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Home → Beginners → Components → Operational Amplifier

Operational Amplifier (Op-Amp)

Created on: 30 July 2012

An operational amplifier (op-amp for short) is a type of amplifier circuit packaged in an IC package. In electronic hobby circuits, many op-amps are packaged in 8-pin DIPs (Dual In-line Packages). Op-amps may also be packaged in bigger DIPs such as 14-pin packages. These IC's would usually contain two or four op-amps.

Operational Amplifier Schematic Symbol

The schematic symbol for a LM741 op-amp is shown here.

Op-amp schematic symbol
Op-amp Symbol used in Circuit Diagrams

The LM741 is a common op-amp used in many hobby circuits. It is housed in a standard 8-pin dual in-line package (DIP).

741 op-amp pinout
741 Op-amp Package and Pinout

In some circuit diagrams, the op-amp symbol is shown without the power pins or other pins, as shown below.

Op-amp symbol
Alternate Op-amp Symbol

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