To facilitate testing with common lab equipment, the OPA836 EVM (see OPA835DBV, OPA836DBV EVM, SLOU314) is built to allow for split-supply operation. This configuration eases lab testing because the mid-point between the power rails is ground, and most signal generators, network analyzers, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers and other lab equipment have inputs and outputs with a ground reference.

Figure 8-6 shows a simple noninverting configuration analogous to Figure 8-1 with ±2.5-V supply and V_REF equal to ground. The input and output will swing symmetrically around ground. For ease of use, split supplies are preferred in systems where signals swing around ground.

Figure 8-6 Split-Supply Operation