[sdiy] Rails

[Happy Harry]

That's exactly right. The power supplies. If you have an old
schematic or ladder logic style print, they actually look like
parallel "rails" with the circuit between them. The name has stuck.

Inline...


>From: "JP" <jpotter2 at tampabay.rr.com>
>To: "diy" <synth-diy at node12b53.a2000.nl>
>Subject: [sdiy] Rails
>Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 06:29:54 -0400
>
>Hello - I was hoping that someone could explain what the term "rail/rails"
>means in regards to electronics.  I've picked up that it has to do w/ power
>or power supplies but that's about it.  A couple examples from recent 
>posts:
>
>"5V at the rails"

The voltage measured...
>
>"rail to rail amplifiers"

Able to output voltages very close to the supply voltage...
>
>"As for current delivery, most will do a few milli-amps, but typically not
>near the rails"

Works OK in the medium voltage ranges, but not at the extremes. Design
with careful planning...
>
>"an opamp with a symmetric output swing at each rail"

Goes to the same positive and negative voltage at the output...

>
>"as long as your supply rails were properly adjusted."

The positive and negative voltages are adjusted to be symmetrical
around ground, or V+ minus V- = zero volts
>
>"This pretty much slams the square right up to the rails"

Output swing goes very near the supply voltage.

H^)  harry
>
>Thanks,
>
>JP
>
>
>

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