Single/Dual/Quad, +1.8V/10µA, SOT23,
Beyond-the-Rails Op Amps
_______________Detailed Description
Beyond-the-Rails Input Stage
The MAX4240–MAX4244 have Beyond-the-Rails inputs
and rail-to-rail output stages that are specifically
designed for low-voltage, single-supply operation. The
input stage consists of separate NPN and PNP differen-
tial stages, which operate together to provide a com-
mon-mode range extending to 200mV beyond both
supply rails. The crossover region of these two pairs
occurs halfway between VCC and VEE. The input offset
voltage is typically 200µV. Low operating supply voltage,
low supply current, beyond-the-rails common-mode
input range, and rail-to-rail outputs make this family of
operational amplifiers an excellent choice for precision or
general-purpose, low-voltage battery-powered systems.
Since the input stage consists of NPN and PNP pairs,
the input bias current changes polarity as the common-
mode voltage passes through the crossover region.
Match the effective impedance seen by each input to
reduce the offset error caused by input bias currents
flowing through external source impedances (Figures
1a and 1b). The combination of high source impedance
plus input capacitance (amplifier input capacitance
plus stray capacitance) creates a parasitic pole that
produces an underdamped signal response. Reducing
input capacitance or placing a small capacitor across
the feedback resistor improves response in this case.
The MAX4240–MAX4244 family’s inputs are protected
from large differential input voltages by internal 2.2kΩ
series resistors and back-to-back triple-diode stacks
across the inputs (Figure 2). For differential input volt-
ages (much less than 1.8V), input resistance is typically
45MΩ. For differential input voltages greater than 1.8V,
input resistance is around 4.4kΩ, and the input bias
current can be approximated by the following equation:
IBIAS = (VDIFF - 1.8V) / 4.4kΩ
VIN
R3
R3 = R1 R2
MAX4240
MAX4241
MAX4242
MAX4243
MAX4244
R1
R2
Figure 1a. Minimizing Offset Error Due to Input Bias Current
(Noninverting)
R3
R3 = R1 R2
VIN
R1
MAX4240
MAX4241
MAX4242
MAX4243
MAX4244
R2
Figure 1b. Minimizing Offset Error Due to Input Bias Current
(Inverting)
IN+
2.2kΩ
IN-
2.2k Ω
Figure 2. Input Protection Circuit
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