What is the difference between an amplifier\s Output Current and Short Circuit Current?
“Short Circuit” current is the current that the device will deliver if the output is directly tied to one of the supply lines. Depending on the device”s design, this represents the current limiting of the output stage. However, short circuiting current does not represent the true output driving capability of the output stage. Due to output stage resistance, the maximum output current is determined by the output voltage swing under load. The output will have higher swings with lighter loads, and less swing with heavier loads. The “Output Swing vs. Load” or “Vout vs. Iout” graphs in the device datasheet should be consulted to determine if the op-amp can safely drive the load to the correct levels.
