OBSOLETE
SNOS737C – SEPTEMBER 1999 – REVISED APRIL 2013
Use with 2.5V Virtual Ground Systems
with +5V Single Supply Power
Many analog systems which must work on a single +5V supply use a “virtual ground” - a reference voltage for
the signal processing which is usually between +5V and 0V. This virtual ground is usually halfway between the
top and bottom supply rails. This is usually +2.5V for +5V systems and +1.5V for +3V systems.
The LM7131 can be used in single supply/virtual ground systems driving loads referenced to 2.5V. The output
swing specifications in the data sheet show the tested voltage limits for driving a 150
Ω load to a virtual ground
supply for +3V and +5V. A look at the output swing specifications shows that for heavy loads like 150 ohms, the
output will swing as close as one diode drop (roughly, 0.7V) to the supply rail. This leaves a relatively wide range
for +5V systems and a somewhat narrow range for +3V systems. One way to increase this output range is to
have the output load referenced to ground—this will allow the output to swing lower. Another is to use higher
load impedances. The output swing specifications show typical numbers for swing with loads of 600
Ω to ground.
Note that these typical numbers are similar to those for a 150
Ω load. These typical numbers are an indication of
the maximum DC performance of the LM7131.
The sinking output of the LM7131 is somewhat lower than the amplifier's sourcing capability. This means that the
LM7131 will not drive as much current into a load tied to 2.5 V as it will drive into a load tied to 0V.
Good AC performance will require keeping the output further away from the supply rails. For a +5V supply and
relatively high impedance load (analog-to-digital converter input) the following are suggested as an initial starting
range for achieving high (> 60 dB) AC accuracy
Upper output level—
Approximately 0.8V to 1V below the positive (V+) rail.
Lower output level—
Approximately 200 mV–300 mV above the negative rail.
The LM7131 very useful in virtual ground systems as an output device for output loads which are referenced to
0V or the lower rail. It is also useful as a driver for capacitive loads, such as sample and hold circuits, and audio
analog to digital converters. If fast amplifiers with rail-to-rail output ranges are needed, please see the Texas
Instruments LM6142 datasheet.
D/A Output Amplifier
The LM7131 can be used as an output amplifier for fast digital-to-analog converters. When using the LM7131
with converters with an output voltage range which may exceed the differential input voltage limit of ±2V, it may
be necessary to add protection diodes to the inputs. See
Figure 45. For high speed applications, it may be useful
to consider low capacitance schottky diodes. Additional feedback capacitance may be needed to control ringing
due to the additional input capacitance from the D/A and protection diodes. When used with current output D/As,
the input bias currents may produce a DC offset in the output. This offset may be canceled by a resistor between
the positive input and ground.
SPICE Macromodel
A SPICE macromodel of the LM7131 and many other Texas Instruments op amps is available at no charge from
your Texas Instruments representative.
Copyright 1999–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
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