# ANSI operational amplifier (triangle form)

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/ansi-operational-amplifier
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: OA
Drawing use: Schematic
Reference families: IEEE / ANSI, Manufacturer

## Symbol convention

Convention: IEEE / ANSI
Form: Triangle with inverting and non-inverting inputs on the base and output at the apex
Distinctive-shape form as used in IEEE/ANSI-style schematics and manufacturer data books. Independent educational drawing; exact standard geometry and compliance are not asserted. The counterpart is the matching functional concept; no equivalence of every detailed standard graphic is asserted.
Related representation: [Operational amplifier](https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/operational-amplifier)

Triangle op-amp symbol with minus and plus inputs on the left and the output at the apex.

## In plain English

### What does ANSI operational amplifier (triangle form) mean?

The triangular op-amp symbol is the most common analogue element in North American and manufacturer schematics. The two inputs enter the flat side, marked minus for inverting and plus for non-inverting, and the output leaves from the apex. Supply pins may be drawn on the sloping sides or omitted.

### A simple example

Schematics often flip the triangle vertically to simplify feedback routing, which swaps the positions of minus and plus. Always read the signs, not the positions, when tracing the circuit.

### What the drawings help you do

The symbol does not distinguish between general-purpose, precision, rail-to-rail or high-speed parts. The part number and its datasheet decide performance.

### This particular reference

Triangle op-amp symbol with minus and plus inputs on the left and the output at the apex. A comparator uses a similar triangle but is designed for open-loop switching, often with an open-collector output.

### Terms

- Signal: Electrical information passed between devices, rather than necessarily the main power supply.
- Schematic: A drawing showing function and connections rather than physical appearance.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [ADA4522-1 — operational amplification](https://www.analog.com/en/products/ada4522-1.html)
- [IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams](https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/315/515/)


## What it represents

The triangular op-amp symbol is the most common analogue element in North American and manufacturer schematics. The two inputs enter the flat side, marked minus for inverting and plus for non-inverting, and the output leaves from the apex. Supply pins may be drawn on the sloping sides or omitted.
Schematics often flip the triangle vertically to simplify feedback routing, which swaps the positions of minus and plus. Always read the signs, not the positions, when tracing the circuit.
The symbol does not distinguish between general-purpose, precision, rail-to-rail or high-speed parts. The part number and its datasheet decide performance.

## How to read it

- Read the minus and plus labels, not their positions.
- Supply pins may be hidden in multi-section packages.

## Information to show or reference

- Label both inputs.
- Show supply pins or note common supply connections.
- Add the part number.

## Important distinction

A comparator uses a similar triangle but is designed for open-loop switching, often with an open-collector output.

## Facts

- Inputs: Inverting (-) and non-inverting (+)
- Common variation: Flipped vertically for routing
- Artwork scope: Original educational illustration; consult the applicable standard and the selected device documentation for the exact graphic

## Public references

- [ADA4522-1 — operational amplification](https://www.analog.com/en/products/ada4522-1.html) — Analog Devices. Manufacturer operational amplifier documentation.
- [IEEE/ANSI 315-1975: graphic symbols for electrical and electronics diagrams](https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/315/515/) — IEEE Standards Association. Graphic-symbol standards context; not a source of reproduced artwork.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.