A dual power supply, also known as a split power supply or bipolar power supply, is a type of electrical power supply that provides positive and negative voltage outputs relative to a common ground reference. It is commonly used in electronic circuits and devices that require both positive and negative voltage levels to function properly.
The dual power supply typically consists of two power sources or voltage rails:
Positive Power Supply: This provides a positive voltage output relative to the common ground reference. It is often represented with a "+V" or simply "V+" notation.
Negative Power Supply: This provides a negative voltage output relative to the common ground reference. It is often represented with a "-V" or "V-" notation.
The common ground reference serves as a reference point for the entire circuit and is usually connected to the circuit's ground or zero-volt line.
Dual power supplies are commonly used in various electronic applications, such as operational amplifiers (op-amps), audio amplifiers, analog signal processing circuits, and other circuits that require both positive and negative voltage levels to facilitate their operation. The ability to provide positive and negative voltage levels allows these circuits to handle both positive and negative signals and operate symmetrically, enabling them to handle both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) signals effectively.