If I wanted to build a power supply that could output 1000s of amps at low adjustable voltages, could I do this by using multi-stage op amps? Is this the best way to build a high current adjustable voltage power supply?
Can I get very high current (1000s of amps) using multi stage op amps
circuit-designoperational-amplifierpower supply
Best Answer
An op-amp cannot supply more current than is applied to its power pins. So, unless you already have a power supply that can provide 1000s of amps, an op-amp (or many) won't help you.
If you want a source of 1000s of amps, your options include transformers and switching power supplies. Both can take a higher voltage source and convert to a lower voltage with more current. Procuring or building such a power supply would be difficult and expensive.
If you need an adjustable supply, you almost certainly should use a (synchronously rectified) switching regulator. Using linear regulation techniques for thousands of amps will generate huge amounts of heat.