The linear range of the output stage is limited in how close the output voltage can approach ground under zero input conditions. In unidirectional applications where measuring very-low input currents is desirable, bias the REF pin to a convenient value above 50 mV to get the output into the linear range of the device. To limit common-mode rejection errors, TI recommends buffering the reference voltage connected to the REF pin.

A less frequently-used output biasing method is to connect the REF pin to the supply voltage, V+. This method results in the output voltage saturating at 200 mV below the supply voltage when no differential input signal is present. This method is similar to the output-saturated low condition with no input signal when the REF pin is connected to ground. The output voltage in this configuration only responds to negative currents that develop negative differential input voltage relative to the device IN– pin. Under these conditions, when the differential input signal increases negatively, the output voltage moves downward from the saturated supply voltage. The voltage applied to the REF pin must not exceed the device supply voltage.