TLV2372 Question on surge current

Hello Junqiang,

A properly functioning TLV2372 is not capable of sinking or sourcing current any where close to a 5A level. Like most operational-amplifiers the output will go into current-limit mode if too much current is demanded by its load. The level at which current limiting takes place is dictated by the particular amplifier's output circuit design. Below are shown the output current vs. output voltage curves from the TLV2372 data-sheet. You can see with a 5V supply that the TLV2372 output current is limited to tens-of-milliamperes sinking or sourcing.

Regards, Thomas

PA - Linear Products

hi Kunhl,

thanks for your feedback.

in the digram, the current which is limited is sourcing from TLV2372 output. In my case, the surge current is from external device which is connected to TLV2372 output pin. so the customer concerns whether this surge current would cause TLV2372 output circuit failure, say internal ESD circuit failure, etc.

Hello Jinquiang,

Since I've stated that the output devices are current limited they would not draw the large current you mention under normal conditions. However, there is an ESD current steering diode connected between the TLV2372 output pin and the Vcc pin. Normally this diode is reverse-biased and off. If the output pin is pulled up to a potential higher than Vcc it is possible to turn this diode on. Then it is a matter of available current paths. If the Vcc supply can sink the current being sourced to the output pin then significant current can flow through this diode. It can be damaged by excessively high currents. As unlikely as it seems customer's have unintentionally damaged this diode in various operational-amplifiers.

That is the only damage scenario that I can propose.

Regards, Thomas

hi Thomas,

Thank you so much.