O
OPerational AMPlifier. A general purpose integrated circuit used as a
basic building block for implementation of linear functions. An op amp's gain and response
characteristics are determined by external components. Op amps form the "front
end" or sensory apparatus of thousands of electronics systems, capturing weak signals
emanating from the real world and amplifying them for processing. Intersil offers the
industry's broadest range of op amp ICs, as well as op amp cells for designing ASIC
versions. See power control circuit and signal processing.
A system whose characteristics comply with industry standards and can be connected to
other systems that also comply with these standards. Compare closed architecture.
See op amp.
A device designed to transfer electrical signals by utilizing light waves to provide
coupling with electrical isolation between input and output. Sometimes called optoisolator or photocoupler.
A device that is responsive to or that emits or modifies light waves. Examples are
LEDs, optical couplers, laser diodes, and photo detectors.
optoisolator
See optical coupler.
A voltage in excess of the normal operating voltage of a device or circuit. Many
Intersil products are designed to withstand the effects of over-voltage without
damage. See ESD and over-voltage
protection.
Also referred to as "transient suppression." A term used to describe the
built-in capability of an electrical circuit to dissipate or shunt electrical impulse
energy at a voltage low enough to ensure the survival of circuit components. Many Intersil
ICs, especially Intersil MOVs, are components specifically designed to dissipate high
impulse energy and voltage surges in electronic and electrical circuits. Some of Intersil'
analog multiplexer products (OVP muxes) offer built-in over-voltage protection.
