When powering an op-amp from a single voltage source should vss- and common ground be connected?

It depends on what you're trying to do. If you need a comparator or a trigger, then, no. If you're using it for audio or some other type of AC signal, then you need to set up a 1/2 vcc. reference to allow the op-amp to swing from plus and negative voltages.

Since the op-amp is a voltage controlled device, you can use a coupe of resistors in series, one from the plus rail and one from the negative rail, connecting the "ground" reference to the junction of the two. Just about any value will work as long as they're matched values. Try using a couple of 100 k. resistors or you can even go up to 470 k, if you really want to keep the current limited.

Bear in mind though that there are applications where offsets are needed, but without knowing your particular applications' requirements, there's not a lot of advice I can give you.

First answer by Cubby. Last edit by Cubby. Contributor trust: 307 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 12 [recommend question]