8.2.2.2 Supply and Input Voltage

For correct operation of the amplifier, neither input must be higher than the recommended positive supply rail voltage or lower than the recommended negative supply rail voltage. The selected amplifier must be able to operate at the supply voltage that accommodates the inputs. Because the input for this application goes up to 11.5 V, the supply voltage must be 12 V. Using a negative voltage on the lower rail rather than ground allows the amplifier to maintain linearity for inputs below 2 V.