Power Supply Splitter circuit using op-amp

If you need to use a dual power supply. But you only have a single supply. So, you should build a power supply splitter circuit like this.

Often the many op-amps have this problem. They need a split supply. The output terminal has positive, negative, and ground. But most power supplies have only a single output (positive and negative). So, you cannot use them to power op-amp circuits.

Do not worry about this problem. You can just build the power supply like this. It will change the input voltage into the dual rail.

Dual power supply

How Power Supply Splitter works

The main idea, it splits input voltage in half, two equal output. Which it has a ground, is midway between the positive and negative supply voltages.

The ground has to be a regulated voltage. And it powers a suitable current to load.

Figure 1 block diagram shows special two-way voltage regulator for load 1 and Load 2.

The regulator controls Transistor Q1 and Q2. Then the ground is a regulated voltage. It holds a fixed voltage between the + and – terminal.

If Load 1 and Load 2 uses equal currents. And, the voltage across them is still halfway. So the regulator do not change.

If the currents of 2 loads are different. Then, either Q1 or Q2 will conduct extra current to make up the difference.

Figure 2 Shows the circuit. R1 and R2 divide the input voltage.

An OP-AMP-IC1 produces a regulated voltage at the “ground” output terminal. Then, either Q1 or Q2 conduct as necessary.

Both capacitors C1 and C2 keep the output voltage when the load changes suddenly.

Diode D1 protects the reversed polarity of the main power supply.

The turn-on voltages of Q1 and Q2 are 1.2 volts. So this may be a problem, dead zone. The output of IC1 must cross in order the catch up with an unbalanced load.

But this problem is little for IC1. It can cross the dead zone very fast.

In real testing. This circuit has a good regulator to power the OP-AMP circuits. And also other loads such as buzzers and flashing light bulbs.

Read also: 7805 Voltage Regulator

Parts List for the power-supply splitter

Semiconductors
IC1-LM741 operational amplifier,
Q1-2N3055 100V, 15A, NPN transistor
Q2-MJ2955 100V, 15A, PNP transistor
D1— 1N5402 (3A,50-PIV rectifier diode)

Additional parts and materials
R1, R2— 10K, 1/4 watt, 5% resistor
C1,C2—100uF, 25V, electrolytic capacitor
Enclosure, binding posts, circuit board, solder, wire, the optional heat sink for Q1 and Q2, etc.

Not only that You can look other power supplies: Learn more

Construction
Because there are so few components, a printed-circuit board is not necessary.

We can assemble the smaller components (D1, R1, R2, and U1) on a universal PCB Board.

Should put capacitors C1 and C2 close the output terminals.

The cheap 741 IC is the best OP-AMP. If we use higher performance OP-AMPS such as the TL081. It cannot improve the performance of the circuit.

How to use its
You can use the splitter with fixed- or adjustable voltage power supplies. They range from 8 to 30 volts. Make sure, it is an isolated power supply.

This splitter can handle at least 250 mA at a 30-volt input.

The specified transistors and proper heat sink, this splitter can handle many amps.

If you do not have 2N3055 and MJ2955. But you have TIP41 and TIP42 or a smaller sizes.

Not only that You can look other power supplies: Learn more

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Apichet Garaipoom

I love electronics. I have been learning about them through creating simple electronic circuits or small projects. And now I am also having my children do the same. Nevertheless, I hope you found the experiences we shared on this site useful and fulfilling.