INA131
8
INA131
V
IN
V
IN
–
+
10k
V
O
OPA177
Ref
±10mV
Adjustment Range
100
100
100μA
1/2 REF200
100μA
1/2 REF200
V+
V–
INA131
47k
47k
INA131
10k
Microphone,
Hydrophone
etc.
Thermocouple
INA131
Center-tap provides
bias current return.
FIGURE 3. Providing an Input Common-Mode Current Path.
OFFSET TRIMMING
The INA131 is laser trimmed for very low offset voltage and
drift. Most applications require no external offset adjust-
ment. Figure 2 shows an optional circuit for trimming the
output offset voltage. The voltage applied to Ref terminal is
summed at the output. Low impedance must be maintained
at this node to assure good common-mode rejection. This is
achieved by buffering trim voltage with an op amp as
shown.
FIGURE 2. Optional Trimming of Output Offset Voltage.
INPUT BIAS CURRENT RETURN PATH
The input impedance of the INA131 is extremely high—
approximately 10
10
. However, a path must be provided for
the input bias current of both inputs. This input bias current
is typically less than
±
1nA (it can be either polarity due to
cancellation circuitry). High input impedance means that
this input bias current changes very little with varying input
voltage.
Input circuitry must provide a path for this input bias current
if the INA131 is to operate properly. Figure 3 shows various
provisions for an input bias current path. Without a bias
current return path, the inputs will float to a potential which
exceeds the common-mode range of the INA131 and the
input amplifiers will saturate. If the differential source resis-
tance is low, bias current return path can be connected to one
input (see thermocouple example in Figure 3). With higher
source impedance, using two resistors provides a balanced
input with possible advantages of lower input offset voltage
due to bias current and better common-mode rejection.
INPUT COMMON-MODE RANGE
The linear common-mode range of the input op amps of the
INA131 is approximately
±
13.75V (or 1.25V from the
power supplies). As the output voltage increases, however,
the linear input range is limited by the output voltage swing
of the input amplifiers, A
and A
. The 5V/V output stage
gain of the INA131 reduces this effect. Compared to the
INA114 and other unity output gain instrumentation ampli-
fiers, the INA131 provides several additional volts of input
common-mode range with full output voltage swing. See the
typical performance curve “Input Common-Mode Range vs
Output Voltage”.
Input-overload often produces an output voltage that appears
normal. For example, an input voltage of +20V on one input
and +40V on the other input will obviously exceed the linear
common-mode range of both input amplifiers. Since both
input amplifiers are saturated to the nearly the same output
voltage limit, the difference voltage measured by the output
amplifier will be near zero. The output of the INA131 will
be near 0V even though both inputs are overloaded.
INPUT PROTECTION
The inputs of the INA131 are individually protected for
voltages up to
±
40V. For example, a condition of –40V on
one input and +40V on the other input will not cause
damage. Internal circuitry on each input provides low series
impedance under normal signal conditions. To provide
equivalent protection, series input resistors would contribute
excessive noise. If the input is overloaded, the protection
circuitry limits the input current to a safe value (approxi-
mately 1.5mA). The typical performance curve “Input Bias
Current vs Input Voltage” shows this input current limit
behavior. The inputs are protected even if no power supply
voltage is present.