SLOA277B january 2019 – july 2023 LM124 , LM124-N , LM124A , LM158 , LM158-N , LM158A , LM224 , LM224-N , LM224A , LM258 , LM258-N , LM258A , LM2902 , LM2902-N , LM2902-Q1 , LM2902K , LM2902KAV , LM2904 , LM2904-N , LM2904-Q1 , LM2904B , LM2904B-Q1 , LM2904BA , LM321 , LM324 , LM324-N , LM324A , LM358 , LM358-N , LM358A , LM358B , LM358BA , TS321 , TS321-Q1
Under certain conditions, the polarity of the output voltage can become inverted. This scenario, called "phase reversal," occurs when the input of the amplifier violates the common-mode voltage range. Figure 2-4 region ‘A’ shows output phase reversal from an invalid input voltage. A negative input voltage, relative to a grounded V– pin, may come from unexpected sources, such as switching noise or ground bounce in DC to DC converters. Negative input voltages can also arise when rapid fall times and large capacitors combine to temporarily set a negative voltage at the input. An input voltage of less than –0.3 V can cause parasitic diode conduction that results in the output assuming the minimum VOL or maximum VOH level. Operation in this region is not defined in the data sheet as it violates the absolute maximum specification for input voltage. The input current turns on internal parasitic NPN transistors that steal current from other internal nodes causing output phase reversal.
Do not try to determine phase reversal performance empirically as different units may have different performance. Negative inputs must be avoided, assuming a single supply configuration, unless the application can accept either the VOL or VOH level during the duration of the negative input. In cases where a negative input voltage cannot be avoided, use a resistor in series with the input to limit the current to –1 mA or less. This amount of input current is unlikely to cause any damage. If both inputs are above the upper common mode range, the output is undefined; it could be either VOL or VOH. This affects comparator applications, but normal, negative feedback applications are generally not affected because the upper limit of the input voltage range is the same as output high range (VOH).