Because of the high input impedance of the TLC27M2 and TLC27M7 operational amplifiers, attempts to measure the input bias current can result in erroneous readings. The bias current at normal room ambient temperature is typically less than 1pA, a value that is easily exceeded by leakages on the test socket. Two suggestions are offered to avoid erroneous measurements:

1. Isolate the device from other potential leakage sources. Use a grounded shield around and between the device inputs (see Figure 7-4). Leakages that can otherwise flow to the inputs are shunted away
2. Compensate for the leakage of the test socket by actually performing an input bias current test (using a picoammeter) with no device in the test socket. The actual input bias current can then be calculated by subtracting the open-socket leakage readings from the readings obtained with a device in the test socket.

One word of caution—many automatic testers as well as some bench-top operational amplifier testers use the servo-loop technique with a resistor in series with the device input to measure the input bias current (the voltage drop across the series resistor is measured and the bias current is calculated). This method requires that a device be inserted into the test socket to obtain a correct reading; therefore, an open-socket reading is not feasible using this method.

Figure 7-4 Isolation Metal Around Device Inputs (JG and P Packages)