The TLV1822-EP open-drain output ESD protection consists of a snapback ESD clamp between the output and V- to allow the output to be pulled above V+ to a maximum of 40V. There is a "lower" ESD clamp between V- and the inputs. There is also a parasitic "upper" ESD soft-clamp diode between the input and V+ with a 5kΩ equivalent resistance (as shown in Figure 5-2). They are not traditional ESD cells thus current must be limited to 1mA or less across the this upper diode and resistance. External diode clamping is recommended if the input voltage may exceed V+ during operation.

The TLV1812-EP push-pull output ESD protection contains a conventional diode-type "upper" ESD clamp between the output and V+, and a "lower" ESD clamp between the output and V-. The output must not exceed the supply rails by more than 200mV.

If the inputs are to be connected to a low impedance source, such as a power supply or buffered reference line, TI recommends adding a current-limiting resistor in series with the input to limit any currents when the clamps conduct. The current must be limited 10mA or less, though TI recommends limiting the current to 1mA or less. This series resistance may be part of any resistive input dividers or networks.