OBSOLETE
SNOS737C – SEPTEMBER 1999 – REVISED APRIL 2013
Using the LM7131
Limits and Precautions
Supply Voltage
The absolute maximum supply voltage which may be applied to the LM7131 is 12V. Designers should not design
for more than 10V nominal, and carefully check supply tolerances under all conditions so that the voltages do not
exceed the maximum.
Differential Input Voltage
Differential input voltage is the difference in voltage between the non-inverting (+) input and the inverting input (
)
of the op amp. The absolute maximum differential input voltage is ±2V across the inputs. This limit also applies
when there is no power supplied to the op amp. This may not be a problem in most conventional op amp
designs, however, designers should avoid using the LM7131 as comparator or forcing the inputs to different
voltages. In some designs, diode protection may be needed between the inputs. See
Figure 42.
Figure 42. Gain of +2
Output Short Circuits
The LM7131 has output short circuit protection, however, it is not designed to withstand continuous short circuits,
very fast high energy transient voltage or current spikes, or shorts to any voltage beyond the power supply rails.
Designs should reduce the number and energy level of any possible output shorts, especially when used with
±5V supplies.
A resistor in series with the output, such as the 75
Ω resistor used to back terminate 75Ω cables, will reduce the
effects of shorts. For outputs which will send signals off the PC board additional protection devices, such as
diodes to the power rails, zener-type surge suppressors, and varistors may be useful.
Thermal Management
Note that the SOT23-5 (Tiny) package has less power dissipation capability (325°/W) than the S0-8 package
(115°/W). This may cause overheating with ±5 supplies and heavy loads at high ambient temps. This is less of a
problem when using +5V single supplies.
Example:
Driving a 150
Ω load to 2.0V at a 40°C (104 °F) ambient temperature. (This is common external maximum
temperature for office environments. Temperatures inside equipment may be higher.)
No load power-
No load LM7131 supply current - 9.0 mA
Supply voltage is 5.0V
No load LM7131 power - 9.0 mA x 5.0V = 45 mW
Power with load-
Current out is 2.0V/150
Ω = 13.33 mA
Voltage drop in LM7131 is 5.0V (supply)
2.0V (output) =
3.0V
Power dissipation 13.33 mA x 3.0V = 40 mW
Total Power = 45 mW + 40 mW = 85 mW = 0.085
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