Amplifier input common-mode range

The amplifier input common-mode range is the set of common-mode voltages for which an electronic amplifier meets its operating requirements at the specified differential input, gain, supplies and load. A high common-mode rejection ratio describes rejection within a usable operating region; it does not extend that region. An instrumentation amplifier can have saturated internal stages even when its ideal final output fits the amplifier output range.^[ref]

An original simplified three-amplifier model makes the constraint visible. Let the input-stage output potentials bewhere $v_c=(v_{+}+v_{-})/2$ and $v_d=v_{+}-v_{-}$. Suppose each internal output must stay between $0.4$ and $4.6\mathrm{V}$. ThenFor $G_1=20$ and $v_d=0.10\mathrm{V}$, the permitted common interval is $1.4$–$3.6\mathrm{V}$. Choosing $v_c=0.8\mathrm{V}$ predicts internal outputs $1.8$ and $-0.2\mathrm{V}$ and violates the stipulated limit. A unity-gain difference stage with reference $2.5\mathrm{V}$ would nevertheless predict a plausible final $4.5\mathrm{V}$. That final prediction alone is insufficient.

This is an illustrative architecture model, not a device specification; input-device limits can impose further restrictions. A practical test holds $v_d$ fixed while sweeping both inputs together, recording differential gain error and distortion. Repeat at the intended gain and differential amplitudes. The resulting operating region is more informative than a single common-mode interval quoted without its test conditions.