Abstract: Current-sense amplifiers normally operate well above ground, but a fault condition can drive the sense inputs below ground, damaging the device by drawing excessive current through the ESD-protection diodes. This circuit protects a particular high-side current-sense amplifier (MAX4080) by connecting PMOS blocking transistors in series with each input. Maxim > Design support > App notes > Amplifier and Comparator Circuits > APP 4837 Maxim > Design support > App notes > Circuit Protection > APP 4837 Keywords: current-sense amplifiers, negative fault voltage, ESD-protection diodes Feb 09, 2011 APPLICATION NOTE4837 Protect Current-Sense Amplifiers from Negative Overvoltage By:Arpit Mehta, Strategic Applications Engineer Prashanth Holenarsipur Abstract:Current-sense amplifiers normally operate well above ground, but a fault condition can drive the sense inputs below ground, damaging the device by drawing excessive current through the ESD-protection diodes. This circuit protects a particular high- side current-sense……