Current clamp circuit after buffer amplifier

current-limitingvoltage-source

I'm building a voltage supply that uses a DAC to convert a binary string into an analog voltage. The DAC can't source a lot of current, so I'm using unity-gain amplifiers after the DAC output on each channel. I want to make sure that those little unity-gain amplifiers don't get blown up in case the load is suddenly low resistance and draws a bunch of current (my little unity-gain amps can only handle 20 mA).

I was thinking about setting a sense resistor to produce a 0.7V voltage when the current reaches 20 mA, but I'm concerned that I'll be adding some noise to my output voltage (I'm going for low noise).

Is this the right way to go? Is there a discrete IC that is meant for this purpose that I should be using?

schematic

simulate this circuit – Schematic created using CircuitLab

Best Answer

I don't understand how your circuit is supposed to work; especially the diode makes me frown... it will definitely not limit the current, on the contrary (it limits the voltage and even causes current if the output wants to go higher than 0.7V).

Anyhow:
The simplest solution is to use an OpAmp that is short circuit resistant by itself.

It is not unlikely that it already is the case (see datasheet).