- Ask a related questionWhat is a related question?A related question is a question created from another question. When the related question is created, it will be automatically linked to the original question.
This is more of a general opamp question because I see similar specifications in lots of opamps. However, just for clarity, I'm looking specifically at OPA197.
How does the output current limiting work and will it protect the part from over temperature. Are there other conditions that I should be aware of with regards to the "continuous" output short-circuit current?
The reason I'm confused is from absolute maximum ratings for the part. The datasheet says the output short circuit rating for this part is "continuous" with the note: "Short-circuit to ground, one amplifier per package". If it was thermally limited, why would it matter that only one output can be shorted?
When I look at Figure 37. Short-Circuit Current vs. Temperature, the sourcing current looks like it will protect the part, but sinking current is above 20mA at 150C which implies to me that the part will smoke itself.
Hi Tim,
To answer the question about general op amps, I would say "it depends" on how the circuitry was implemented.
The OPA197 contains a full thermal protection circuit as described in the datasheet section I've copied below. As described, the output will go to a high-impedance state to protect the product from damage due to self-heating.
