With a small amount of additional circuitry, the device can be used in circuits subject to transients higher than
36 V (such as in automotive applications). Use only zener diodes or zener-type transient absorbers (sometimes referred to as transzorbs); any other type of transient absorber has an unacceptable time delay. Start by adding a pair of resistors, as shown in Figure 7-7, as a working impedance for the zener. Keeping these resistors as small as possible is preferable, most often approximately 10 Ω. This value limits the affect on accuracy with the addition of these external components, as described in the Input Filtering section. Device interconnections between the shunt resistor and amplifier have a current handling limit of 1 A. Using a 10-Ω resistor limits the allowable transient range to 10 V above the zener clamp in order to not damage the device. Larger resistor values can be used in this protection circuit to accommodate a larger transient voltage range, resulting in a larger affect on gain error. Because this circuit limits only short-term transients, many applications are satisfied with a 10-Ω resistor along with conventional zener diodes of the lowest power rating available.

Figure 7-7 Device Transient Protection