input bias current of a current-mode opamp

Dec 16, 2014 6 Replies

We think we've observed bias current drift on some THS3062 current-mode opamps, on the non-inverting input, roughly 10 uA in 6 months, systematic in one direction across multiple amps.



A regular opamp has, say, an NPN differential pair, identical transistors run at relatively low emitter and base currents.



A current-mode opamp has PNP and NPN transistor bases on the ni input, with fairly high emitter currents for speed. So the net Ib is the small difference between the largish base currents. We're conjecturing that PNP and NPN transistors might age differently, and change the net Ib.



Something like this:



formatting link


John Larkin Highland Technology, Inc picosecond timing precision measurement jlarkin att highlandtechnology dott com http://www.highlandtechnology.com

Sounds like high voltage damage. ...Jim Thompson

| James E.Thompson | mens | | Analog Innovations | et | | Analog/Mixed-Signal ASIC's and Discrete Systems | manus | | San Tan Valley, AZ 85142 Skype: skypeanalog | | | Voice:(480)460-2350 Fax: Available upon request | Brass Rat | | E-mail Icon at http://www.analog-innovations.com | 1962 | I love to cook with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.

In a built-up circuit, the only thing I know about that might plausibly cause that would be zenering one of the base-emitter junctions. In an IC, that ought to be taken care of by the input protection network--maybe that's getting damaged.

Cheers

Phil Hobbs

Dr Philip C D Hobbs Principal Consultant ElectroOptical Innovations LLC Optics, Electro-optics, Photonics, Analog Electronics 160 North State Road #203 Briarcliff Manor NY 10510 hobbs at electrooptical dot net http://electrooptical.net

I agree with Jim. What are you applying to the non-inverting input? Is it possible you are going so fast (or applying an input with a power supply absent) that one or the other of the base-emitter junctions is reverse-biasing? High-speed transistors can't tolerate much reverse Vbe.

The amp gain is +4, and we are applying +-2.5 volts, from a lowpass filter output. The amp is maybe 100x faster than we are driving it.

The offset drift may have some other cause, but I was wondering if the PNP-NPN asymmetry might have something to do with it.

John Larkin Highland Technology, Inc picosecond timing laser drivers and controllers jlarkin att highlandtechnology dott com http://www.highlandtechnology.com

That terminal "inv input" can be very useful as an output "simulating" a gain of one buffer.

...and one can anneal out the damage.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required