Input protection circuits, including series resistors and transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diodes, can limit current and clamp voltage levels, protecting op amps from overvoltage. Series resistors restrict current flow, while TVS diodes divert excess voltage away from. Faulty performance, or even damage, can occur when an op amp's input voltage exceeds the specified input-voltage range, or—in extreme cases—the amplifier's supply voltage. This article discusses some common causes and effects of overvoltage conditions, how cumbersome overvoltage protection can be. Analog Devices, Inc., has a long history of innovation in operational amplifiers across its precision and high speed product lines. They are intended to quickly identify a fault and isolate it so the balance of the system continue to run under normal conditions. While this is bad, It's not a. In this tutorial, we add to that series by designing a practical overcurrent protection circuit using an op-amp—specifically the popular LM358 overcurrent protection configuration paired with an IRF540N MOSFET for load switching.
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