Designers often ask questions about the capability of an operational amplifier to withstand electrical overstress. These questions tend to focus on the device inputs, but can involve the supply voltage pins or even the output pin. Each of these different pin functions have electrical stress limits determined by the voltage breakdown characteristics of the particular semiconductor fabrication process and specific circuits connected to the pin. Additionally, internal electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is built into these circuits to protect them from accidental ESD events both before and during product assembly.

These ESD protection diodes also provide in-circuit, input overdrive protection, as long as the current is limited to 10mA as stated in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Figure 7-5 shows how a series input resistor can be added to the driven input to limit the input current. The added resistor contributes thermal noise at the amplifier input and the value must be kept to a minimum in noise-sensitive applications.

Figure 7-5 Input Current Protection

An ESD event produces a short duration, high-voltage pulse that is transformed into a short duration, high-current pulse as the pulse discharges through a semiconductor device. The ESD protection circuits are designed to provide a current path around the operational amplifier core to protect the core from damage. The energy absorbed by the protection circuitry is then dissipated as heat.

When the operational amplifier connects into a circuit, the ESD protection components are intended to remain inactive and not become involved in the application circuit operation. Circumstances can arise when an applied voltage exceeds the operating voltage range of a given pin. If this condition occurs, there is a risk that some of the internal ESD protection circuits can be biased on, and conduct current. Any such current flow occurs through ESD cells and rarely involves the absorption device.

If there is an uncertainty about the ability of the supply to absorb this current, external zener diodes can be added to the supply pins. The zener voltage must be selected so the diode does not turn on during normal operation.

The zener voltage must be low enough so that the zener diode conducts if the supply pin begins to rise above the safe operating supply voltage level.