If the differential input got to be over about 6 volts, one of the input transistors would zener b-e and the gain could flip sign, sort of. So a follower could latch up. We added resistors and diodes in certain circuits to keep them safe. The 741 didn't have that problem.
Still, the 709 was a great gadget, for the time.
John Larkin Highland Technology, Inc
jlarkin at highlandtechnology dot com
http://www.highlandtechnology.com
Precision electronic instrumentation
Picosecond-resolution Digital Delay and Pulse generators
Custom laser controllers
Photonics and fiberoptic TTL data links
VME thermocouple, LVDT, synchro acquisition and simulation
Didn't find your answer? Ask the community — no account required.