AMP04Offset Nulling in Single Supply1mV2s Nulling the offset in single supply systems is difficult because 100 the adjustment is made to try to attain zero volts. At zero volts 90 out, the output is in saturation (to the negative rail) and the output voltage is indistinguishable from the normal offset error. Consequently the offset nulling circuit in Figure 9 must be used with caution. 10 First, the potentiometer should be adjusted to cause the output 0% to swing in the positive direction; then adjust it in the reverse direction, causing the output to swing toward ground, until the output just stops changing. At that point the output is at the saturation limit. Figure 7c. 10 Hz Low-Pass Filtered Output RGPower Supply Considerations In dual supply applications (for example ± 15 V) if the input is connected to a low resistance source less than 100 Ω, a large AMP0418 current may flow in the input leads if the positive supply is 275V applied before the negative supply during power-up. A similar INPUT36OUTPUT condition may also result upon a loss of the negative supply. If 45 these conditions could be present in you system, it is recom- OP113 mended that a series resistor up to 1 kΩ be added to the input leads to limit the input current. This condition can not occur in a single supply environment as losing the negative supply effectively removes any current 5V10050k return path. Figure 9. Offset Adjust for Single Supply Applications Offset Nulling in Dual Supply Offset may be nulled by feeding a correcting voltage at the V Alternative Nulling Method REF pin (Pin 5). However, it is important that the pin be driven with An alternative null correction technique is to inject an offset a low impedance source. Any measurable resistance will degrade current into the summing node of the output amplifier as in the amplifier’s common-mode rejection performance as well as Figure 10. This method does not require an external op amp. its gain accuracy. An op amp may be used to buffer the offset However, the drawback is that the amplifier will move off its null circuit as in Figure 8. null as the input common-mode voltage changes. It is a less desirable nulling circuit than the previous method. RGV+V–100kAMP0418RGAIN–IN(–)2V+ 75VINPUTINPUT BUFFERSVOUT+36OUTPUTIN(+)4V–REF 5+5V+5V11k–5V50k*10011k5mV*OP90 FOR LOW POWERADJOP113 FOR LOW DRIFT–5V50k100kRANGE–5VREF Figure 8. Offset Adjust for Dual Supply Applications Figure 10. Current Injection Offsetting Is Not Recommended REV. C –9–