SLOA011B January 2018 – July 2021 LF347 , LF353 , LM348 , MC1458 , TL022 , TL061 , TL062 , TL071 , TL072 , UA741
Differential input voltage range is normally specified in data sheets as an absolute maximum. Figure 5-4 illustrates this.
If the differential input voltage is greater than the base-emitter reverse break down voltage of input transistor Q1 plus the baseemitter forward breakdown voltage of Q2, then Q1’s BE junction will act like a zener diode. This is a destructive mode of operation and results in deterioration of Q1’s current gain. The same is true if VIN_DIFF is reversed, except Q2 breaks down.
Figure 5-4 Differential-Mode Voltage Input LimitSome devices have protection built into them, and the current into the input needs to be limited. Normally, differential input mode voltage limit is not a design issue.