AD600ARZ [ADI]

Dual, Low Noise, Wideband Variable Gain Amplifier, 0 dB To +40 dB Gain;
AD600ARZ
型号: AD600ARZ
厂家: ADI    ADI
描述:

Dual, Low Noise, Wideband Variable Gain Amplifier, 0 dB To +40 dB Gain

光电二极管
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Dual, Low Noise, Wideband  
Variable Gain Amplifiers  
a
AD600/AD602*  
FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM  
FEATURES  
2 Channels with Independent Gain Control  
"Linear in dB" Gain Response  
2 Gain Ranges:  
GAT1  
PRECISION PASSIVE  
INPUT ATTENUATOR  
SCALING  
REFERENCE  
GATING  
INTERFACE  
AD600: 0 dB to 40 dB  
AD602: –10 dB to +30 dB  
C1HI  
V
A1OP  
A1CM  
G
Accurate Absolute Gain: 0.3 dB  
Low Input Noise: 1.4 nV/Hz  
Low Distortion: –60 dBc THD at 1 V Output  
High Bandwidth: DC to 35 MHz (–3 dB)  
Stable Group Delay: 2 ns  
Low Power: 125 mW (Max) per Amplifier  
Signal Gating Function for Each Amplifier  
Drives High Speed A/D Converters  
MIL-STD-883-Compliant and DESC Versions Available  
C1LO  
GAIN CONTROL  
INTERFACE  
RF2  
2.24k(AD600)  
694(AD602)  
0dB  
–12.04dB  
–18.06dB  
–22.08dB  
–36.12dB  
–42.14dB  
–6.02dB  
–30.1dB  
RF1  
20ꢁ  
A1HI  
FIXED-GAIN  
AMPLIFIER  
41.07dB(AD600)  
31.07(AD602)  
A1LO  
500ꢁ  
62.5ꢁ  
R-2R LADDER NETWORK  
APPLICATIONS  
The gain-control interfaces are fully differential, providing an  
input resistance of ~15 Mand a scale factor of 32 dB/V (that  
is, 31.25 mV/dB) defined by an internal voltage reference. The  
response time of this interface is less than 1 µs. Each channel  
also has an independent gating facility that optionally blocks  
signal transmission and sets the dc output level to within a few  
millivolts of the output ground. The gating control input is TTL  
and CMOS compatible.  
Ultrasound and Sonar Time-Gain Control  
High Performance Audio and RF AGC Systems  
Signal Measurement  
GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
The AD600 and AD602 dual channel, low noise, variable gain  
amplifiers are optimized for use in ultrasound imaging systems,  
but are applicable to any application requiring very precise gain,  
low noise and distortion, and wide bandwidth. Each indepen-  
dent channel provides a gain of 0 dB to +40 dB in the AD600  
and –10 dB to +30 dB in the AD602. The lower gain of the  
AD602 results in an improved signal-to-noise ratio at the out-  
put. However, both products have the same 1.4 nV/Hz input  
noise spectral density. The decibel gain is directly proportional  
to the control voltage, is accurately calibrated, and is supply-  
and temperature-stable.  
The maximum gain of the AD600 is 41.07 dB, and that of the  
AD602 is 31.07 dB; the –3 dB bandwidth of both models is  
nominally 35 MHz, essentially independent of the gain. The  
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for a 1 V rms output and a 1 MHz  
noise bandwidth is typically 76 dB for the AD600 and 86 dB for  
the AD602. The amplitude response is flat within 0.5 dB from  
100 kHz to 10 MHz; over this frequency range the group delay  
varies by less than 2 ns at all gain settings.  
Each amplifier channel can drive 100 load impedances with  
low distortion. For example, the peak specified output is 2.5 V  
minimum into a 500 load, or 1 V into a 100 load. For a  
200 load in shunt with 5 pF, the total harmonic distortion for  
To achieve the difficult performance objectives, a proprietary  
circuit form—the X-AMP®—has been developed. Each chan-  
nel of the X-AMP comprises a variable attenuator of 0 dB to  
–42.14 dB followed by a high speed fixed gain amplifier. In this  
way, the amplifier never has to cope with large inputs, and can  
benefit from the use of negative feedback to precisely define the  
gain and dynamics. The attenuator is realized as a seven-stage  
R-2R ladder network having an input resistance of 100 , laser-  
trimmed to 2%. The attenuation between tap points is 6.02 dB;  
the gain-control circuit provides continuous interpolation between  
these taps. The resulting control function is linear in dB.  
a
1 V sinusoidal output at 10 MHz is typically –60 dBc.  
The AD600J and AD602J are specified for operation from 0°C  
to 70°C, and are available in both 16-lead plastic DIP (N) and  
16-lead SOIC (R) packages. The AD600A and AD602A are  
specified for operation from –40°C to +85°C and are available in  
both 16-lead Cerdip (Q) and 16-lead SOIC (R) packages.  
The AD600S and AD602S are specified for operation from  
–55°C to +125°C, are available in a 16-lead Cerdip (Q) package,  
and are MIL-STD-883 compliant. The AD600S and AD602S  
are also available under DESC SMD 5962-94572.  
*Patented.  
REV. D  
Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and  
reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its  
use, norforanyinfringementsofpatentsorotherrightsofthirdpartiesthat  
may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise  
under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices. Trademarks and  
registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.  
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106, U.S.A.  
Tel: 781/329-4700  
Fax: 781/326-8703  
www.analog.com  
© 2004 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved.  
AD600/AD602–SPECIFICATIONS (Each amplifier section, at T = 25C, V = 5 V, –625 mV V ≤  
A
S
G
+625 mV, RL = 500 , and CL = 5 pF, unless otherwise noted. Specifications for the AD600 and AD602 are identical unless otherwise noted.)  
AD600J/AD602J  
AD600A/AD602A  
Parameter  
Conditions  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Unit  
INPUT CHARACTERISTICS  
Input Resistance  
Pins 2 to 3; Pins 6 to 7  
98  
100  
2
1.4  
5.3  
2
102  
95  
100  
2
1.4  
5.3  
2
105  
pF  
nV/Hz  
dB  
dB  
Input Capacitance  
Input Noise Spectral Density1  
Noise Figure  
RS = 50 , Maximum Gain  
RS = 200 , Maximum Gain  
f = 100 kHz  
Common-Mode Rejection Ratio  
30  
30  
dB  
OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS  
–3 dB Bandwidth  
V
OUT = 100 mV rms  
35  
275  
3
35  
275  
3
MHz  
V/µs  
V
Slew Rate  
Peak Output2  
RL 500 Ω  
f 10 MHz  
2.5  
2.5  
Output Impedance  
2
2
Output Short-Circuit Current  
Group Delay Change vs. Gain  
Group Delay Change vs. Frequency  
Total Harmonic Distortion  
50  
2
2
50  
2
2
mA  
ns  
ns  
f = 3 MHz; Full Gain Range  
VG = 0 V, f = 1 MHz to 10 MHz  
RL= 200 , VOUT  
=
1 V Peak, Rpd = 1 kΩ  
–60  
–60  
dBc  
ACCURACY  
AD600  
Gain Error  
0 dB to 3 dB Gain  
3 dB to 37 dB Gain  
37 dB to 40 dB Gain  
VG = –625 mV to +625 mV  
VG = –625 mV to +625 mV  
0
–0.5  
–1  
+0.5  
0.2  
–0.5  
10  
+1  
+0.5  
0
50  
50  
–0.5  
–1.0  
–1.5  
+0.5  
0.2  
–0.5  
10  
+1.5  
+1.0  
+0.5  
65  
dB  
dB  
dB  
mV  
mV  
Maximum Output Offset Voltage3  
Output Offset Variation  
AD602  
10  
10  
65  
Gain Error  
–10 dB to –7 dB Gain  
–7 dB to +27 dB Gain  
27 dB to 30 dB Gain  
VG = –625 mV to +625 mV  
VG = –625 mV to +625 mV  
0
–0.5  
–1  
+0.5  
0.2  
–0.5  
5
+1  
+0.5  
0
30  
30  
–0.5  
–1.0  
–1.5  
+0.5  
0.2  
–0.5  
10  
+1.5  
+1.0  
+0.5  
45  
dB  
dB  
dB  
mV  
mV  
Maximum Output Offset Voltage3  
Output Offset Variation  
5
10  
45  
GAIN CONTROL INTERFACE  
Gain Scaling Factor  
Common-Mode Range  
Input Bias Current  
Input Offset Current  
Differential Input Resistance  
Response Rate  
3 dB to 37 dB (AD600); –7 dB to +27 dB (AD602) 31.7  
32  
32.3  
+2.5  
1
30.5  
–0.75  
32  
33.5  
+2.5  
1
dB/V  
V
µA  
nA  
MΩ  
dB/µs  
–0.75  
0.35  
10  
15  
0.35  
10  
15  
50  
50  
Pins 1 to 16; Pins 8 to 9  
Full 40 dB Gain Change  
40  
40  
SIGNAL GATING INTERFACE  
Logic Input “LO” (Output ON)  
Logic Input “HI” (Output OFF)  
Response Time  
0.8  
0.8  
V
V
µs  
kΩ  
2.4  
ON to OFF, OFF to ON  
Pins 4 to 3; Pins 5 to 6  
2.4  
0.3  
30  
0.3  
30  
Input Resistance  
Output Gated OFF  
Output Offset Voltage  
Output Noise Spectral Density  
Signal Feedthrough @ 1 MHz  
AD600  
10  
65  
100  
10  
65  
400  
mV  
nV/Hz  
–80  
–70  
–80  
–70  
dB  
dB  
AD602  
POWER SUPPLY  
Specified Operating Range  
Quiescent Current  
4.75  
5.25  
12.5  
4.75  
5.25  
14  
V
mA  
11  
11  
NOTES  
1Typical open or short-circuited input; noise is lower when the system is set to maximum gain and the input is short-circuited. This figure includes the effects of both  
voltage and current noise sources.  
2Using resistive loads of 500 or greater, or with the addition of a 1 kpull-down resistor when driving lower loads.  
3The dc gain of the main amplifier in the AD600 is ϫ113; thus an input offset of only 100 µV becomes an 11.3 mV output offset. In the AD602, the amplifier’s gain is  
ϫ35.7; thus, an input offset of 100 µV becomes a 3.57 mV output offset.  
Specifications shown in boldface are tested on all production units at final electrical test. Results from those tests are used to calculate outgoing quality levels. All min  
and max specifications guaranteed, although only those shown in boldface are tested on all production units.  
Specifications subject to change without notice.  
–2–  
REV. D  
AD600/AD602  
PIN FUNCTION DESCRIPTIONS  
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS1  
Supply Voltage VS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  
Input Voltages  
7.5 V  
Pin Mnemonic Description  
Pins 1, 8, 9, 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VS  
Pins 2, 3, 6, 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 V Continuous  
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VS for 10 ms  
Pins 4, 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VS  
Internal Power Dissipation2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 600 mW  
Operating Temperature Range (J) . . . . . . . . . . . . 0°C to 70°C  
Operating Temperature Range (A) . . . . . . . . –40°C to +85°C  
Operating Temperature Range (S) . . . . . . . –55°C to +125°C  
Storage Temperature Range . . . . . . . . . . . . –65°C to +150°C  
Lead Temperature Range (Soldering 60 sec) . . . . . . . . . 300°C  
1
C1LO  
A1HI  
CH1 Gain-Control Input “LO” (Positive  
Voltage Reduces CH1 Gain)  
CH1 Signal Input “HI” (Positive Voltage  
Increases CH1 Output)  
CH1 Signal Input “LO” (Usually Taken to  
CH1 Input Ground)  
CH1 Gating Input (A Logic “HI” Shuts Off  
CH1 Signal Path)  
CH2 Gating Input (A Logic “HI” Shuts Off  
CH2 Signal Path)  
CH2 Signal Input “LO” (Usually Taken to  
CH2 Input Ground)  
CH2 Signal Input “HI” (Positive Voltage  
Increases CH2 Output)  
CH2 Gain-Control Input “LO” (Positive  
Voltage Reduces CH2 Gain)  
2
3
A1LO  
GAT1  
GAT2  
A2LO  
A2HI  
4
5
NOTES  
1Stresses above those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings may cause perma-  
nent damage to the device. This is a stress rating only; functional operation of the  
device at these or any other conditions above those indicated in the operational  
section of this specification is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating  
conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.  
2Thermal characteristics:  
6
7
8
C2LO  
C2HI  
A2CM  
16-lead plastic package: θJA = 85°C/W  
16-lead SOIC package: θJA = 100°C/W  
9
CH2 Gain-Control Input “HI” (Positive  
Voltage Increases CH2 Gain)  
CH2 Common (Usually Taken to CH2  
Output Ground)  
16-lead Cerdip package: θJA = 120°C/W  
ORDERING GUIDE  
10  
Temperature  
Range  
Package  
Option1  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
A2OP  
VNEG  
VPOS  
A1OP  
A1CM  
CH2 Output  
Model  
Gain Range  
Negative Supply for Both Amplifiers  
Positive Supply for Both Amplifiers  
CH1 Output  
CH1 Common (Usually Taken to CH1  
Output Ground)  
AD600AQ  
AD600AR  
0 dB to 40 dB  
0 dB to 40 dB  
–40°C to +85°C Q-16  
–40°C to +85°C R-16  
–40°C to +85°C R-16  
–40°C to +85°C R-16  
–40°C to +85°C R-16  
–40°C to +85°C R-16  
–40°C to +85°C R-16  
DIE  
AD600AR-REEL 0 dB to 40 dB  
AD600AR-REEL7 0 dB to 40 dB  
AD600ARZ2  
AD600ARZ-R72  
AD600ARZ-RL2  
AD600JCHIPS  
AD600JN  
0 dB to 40 dB  
0 dB to 40 dB  
0 dB to 40 dB  
16  
C1HI  
CH1 Gain-Control Input “HI” (Positive  
Voltage Increases CH1 Gain)  
0 dB to 40 dB  
0 dB to 40 dB  
0 dB to 40 dB  
0°C to 70°C  
0°C to 70°C  
0°C to 70°C  
0°C to 70°C  
0°C to 70°C  
0°C to 70°C  
0°C to 70°C  
N-16  
R-16  
R-16  
R-16  
R-16  
R-16  
R-16  
AD600JR  
AD600JR-REEL  
CONNECTION DIAGRAM  
16-Lead Plastic DIP (N) Package  
16-Lead Plastic SOIC (R) Package  
16-Lead Cerdip (Q) Package  
AD600JR-REEL7 0 dB to 40 dB  
AD600JRZ2  
0 dB to 40 dB  
0 dB to 40 dB  
0 dB to 40 dB  
0 dB to 40 dB  
–10 dB to +30 dB –40°C to +85°C Q-16  
–10 dB to +30 dB –40°C to +85°C R-16  
AD600JRZ-R72  
AD600JRZ-RL2  
AD600SQ/883B3  
AD602AQ  
–55°C to +125°C Q-16  
C1HI  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
C1LO  
A1HI  
16  
15  
14  
AD602AR  
A1CM  
A1OP  
+
A1  
AD602AR-REEL –10 dB to +30 dB –40°C to +85°C R-16  
AD602AR-REEL7 –10 dB to +30 dB –40°C to +85°C R-16  
AD602JCHIPS  
AD602JN  
AD602JR  
A1LO  
GAT1  
GAT2  
A2LO  
A2HI  
DIE  
13 VPOS  
12 VNEG  
11 A2OP  
REF  
–10 dB to +30 dB 0°C to 70°C  
–10 dB to +30 dB 0°C to 70°C  
–10 dB to +30 dB 0°C to 70°C  
N-16  
R-16  
R-16  
R-16  
+
AD602JR-REEL  
A2  
AD602JR-REEL7 –10 dB to +30 dB 0°C to 70°C  
10  
9
A2CM  
C2HI  
AD602SQ/883B4  
NOTES  
–10 dB to +30 dB –55°C to +150°C Q-16  
C2LO  
AD600/AD602  
1N = plastic DIP; Q = Cerdip; R = small outline IC (SOIC).  
2Z = Pb-free part.  
3Refer to AD600/AD602 Military data sheet. Also available as 5962-9457201MEA.  
4Refer to AD600/AD602 Military data sheet. Also available as 5962-9457202MEA.  
CAUTION  
ESD (electrostatic discharge) sensitive device. Electrostatic charges as high as 4000 V readily  
accumulate on the human body and test equipment and can discharge without detection. Although  
the AD600/AD602 features proprietary ESD protection circuitry, permanent damage may occur on  
devices subjected to high energy electrostatic discharges. Therefore, proper ESD precautions are  
recommended to avoid performance degradation or loss of functionality.  
WARNING!  
ESD SENSITIVE DEVICE  
REV. D  
–3–  
AD600/AD602–Typical Performance Characteristics  
0.45  
0.35  
20dB  
17dB  
10dB  
7dB  
0.25  
0.15  
0.05  
0ꢂ  
0ꢂ  
–45ꢂ  
–90ꢂ  
–0.05  
–45ꢂ  
–0.15  
–90ꢂ  
–0.25  
–0.35  
–0.45  
100k  
1M  
10M  
100M  
100k  
1M  
10M  
100M  
–0.7 –0.5 –0.3 –0.1 0.1  
0.3  
0.5  
0.7  
FREQUENCY – Hz  
FREQUENCY – Hz  
GAIN CONTROL VOLTAGE – V  
TPC 2. AD600 Frequency and Phase  
Response vs. Gain  
TPC 3. AD602 Frequency and Phase  
Response vs. Gain  
TPC 1. Gain Error vs. Gain Control  
Voltage  
–1.0  
–1.2  
–1.4  
–1.6  
–1.8  
–2.0  
–2.2  
–2.4  
–2.6  
–2.8  
–3.0  
–3.2  
–3.4  
10.0  
9.8  
9.6  
9.4  
9.2  
9.0  
8.8  
8.6  
8.4  
8.2  
8.0  
V
= 0V  
G
10dB/DIV  
CENTER  
FREQ 1MHz  
10kHz/DIV  
0
50  
100 200 500 1000 2000  
–0.7 –0.5 –0.3 –0.1 0.1  
0.3  
0.5  
0.7  
LOAD RESISTANCE – ꢁ  
GAIN CONTROL VOLTAGE – V  
TPC 5. Third Order Intermodula-  
tion Distortion, VOUT = 2 V p-p,  
RL = 500  
TPC 6. Typical Output Voltage vs.  
Load Resistance (Negative Output  
Swing Limits First)  
TPC 4. AD600 and AD602 Typical  
Group Delay vs. VC  
6
5
102  
GAIN = 40dB  
1µs  
1V VOUT  
101  
4
3
AD600  
100  
90  
100  
99  
GAIN = 20dB  
2
98  
AD602  
1
97  
96  
95  
94  
GAIN = 0dB  
0
10  
–1  
–2  
0%  
1V VC  
–3  
–4  
93  
92  
–0.7 –0.5 –0.3 –0.1 0.1  
0.3  
0.5  
0.7  
100k  
1M  
10M  
100M  
GAIN CONTROL VOLTAGE – V  
FREQUENCY – Hz  
TPC 8. Output Offset vs. Gain  
Control Voltage (Control Channel  
Feedthrough)  
TPC 9. Gain Control Channel  
Response Time. Top: Output Volt-  
age, 2 V max, Bottom: Gain Con-  
trol Voltage VC = 625 mV  
TPC 7. Input Impedance vs.  
Frequency  
–4–  
REV. D  
AD600/AD602  
50mV  
50mV  
1V  
100  
90  
100  
90  
100  
90  
10  
10  
10  
0%  
0%  
0%  
5V  
100ns  
5V  
100ns  
100mV  
500ns  
TPC 10. Gating Feedthrough to  
Output, Gating Off to On  
TPC 11. Gating Feedthrough to  
Output, Gating On to Off  
TPC 12. Transient Response,  
Medium and High Gain  
500mV  
1V  
500mV  
100  
90  
100  
90  
100  
90  
10  
10  
10  
0%  
0%  
0%  
1V  
200ns  
200mV  
500ns  
1V  
500ns  
TPC 13. Input Stage Overload  
Recovery Time  
TPC 14. Output Stage Overload  
Recovery Time  
TPC 15. Transient Response  
Minimum Gain  
20  
10  
0
10  
10  
AD600: CH1 G = 40dB, V = 0  
AD600: G = 20dB  
IN  
0
–10  
–20  
–30  
–40  
–50  
–60  
–70  
–80  
–90  
5
CH2 G = 20dB, V = 100mV  
IN  
AD602: G = 10dB  
AD602: CH1 G = 30dB, V = 0  
IN  
BOTH:  
V
V
= 100mV RMS  
5V  
CM  
0
–5  
CH2 G = 0dB, V = 316mV  
IN  
=
S
AD600  
–10  
BOTH:  
V
= 1V RMS1, R = 50,  
OUT S  
L
R
T
= 500ꢁ  
= 25C  
L
R
= 500ꢁ  
CH1 V  
A
OUT  
–20  
–30  
CROSSTALK = 20log  
–10  
–15  
–20  
–25  
–30  
{
}
CH2 V  
IN  
AD602  
AD600  
–40  
AD600  
AD600: G = 40dB  
–50  
AD602: G = 30dB  
BOTH:  
R
V
R
= 500ꢁ  
= 0V  
= 50ꢁ  
–60  
L
AD602  
AD602  
IN  
–70  
–80  
–35  
–40  
S
100k  
1M  
10M  
100M  
100k  
1M  
10M  
100M  
1k  
10k  
100k  
1M  
10M  
100M  
FREQUENCY – Hz  
FREQUENCY – Hz  
FREQUENCY – Hz  
TPC 17. PSRR vs. Frequency  
TPC 18. Crosstalk between A1  
and A2 vs. Frequency  
TPC 16. CMRR vs. Frequency  
REV. D  
–5–  
AD600/AD602  
THEORY OF OPERATION  
To understand the AD600, it helps to think in terms of a  
mechanical means for moving this slider from left to right; in  
fact, it is voltage controlled. The details of the control interface  
are discussed later. Note that the gain is exactly determined  
at all times, and a linear decibel relationship is automatically  
guaranteed between the gain and the control parameter that  
determines the position of the slider. In practice, the gain  
deviates from the ideal law by about 0.2 dB peak (see Figure 6).  
The AD600 and AD602 have the same general design and  
features. They comprise two fixed gain amplifiers, each pre-  
ceded by a voltage-controlled attenuator of 0 dB to 42.14 dB  
with independent control interfaces, each having a scaling factor  
of 32 dB per volt. The gain of each amplifier in the AD600 is  
laser trimmed to 41.07 dB (ϫ113), providing a control range  
of –1.07 dB to +41.07 dB (0 dB to +40 dB with overlap). The  
AD602 amplifiers have a gain of 31.07 dB (ϫ35.8) and pro-  
vide an overall gain of –11.07 dB to +31.07 dB (–10 dB to  
+30 dB with overlap).  
Note that the signal inputs are not fully differential. A1LO,  
A1CM (for CH1), A2LO, and A2CM (for CH2) provide  
separate access to the input and output grounds. This recog-  
nizes that even when using a ground plane, small differences  
arise in the voltages at these nodes. It is important that A1LO  
and A2LO be connected directly to the input ground(s).  
Significant impedance in these connections reduces the gain  
accuracy. A1CM and A2CM should be connected to the load  
ground(s).  
The advantage of this topology is that the amplifier can use  
negative feedback to increase the accuracy of its gain. Also, since  
the amplifier never has to handle large signals at its input, the  
distortion can be very low. Another feature of this approach is  
that the small-signal gain and phase response, and thus the  
pulse response, are essentially independent of gain.  
The following describes the AD600. Figure 1 is a simplified  
schematic of one channel. The input attenuator is a seven-section  
R-2R ladder network, using untrimmed resistors of nominally  
R = 62.5 , which results in a characteristic resistance of  
125 20%. A shunt resistor is included at the input and laser  
trimmed to establish a more exact input resistance of 100 2%,  
which ensures accurate operation (gain and HP corner frequency)  
when used in conjunction with external resistors or capacitors.  
Noise Performance  
An important reason for using this approach is the superior  
noise performance that can be achieved. The nominal resistance  
seen at the inner tap points of the attenuator is 41.7 (one third  
of 125 ), which, at 27°C, exhibits a Johnson noise spectral den-  
sity (NSD) of 0.84 nV/Hz (that is, 4kTR), a large fraction of  
the total input noise. The first stage of the amplifier contributes  
another 1.12 nV/Hz, for a total input noise of 1.4 nV/Hz.  
The noise at the 0 dB tap depends on whether the input is  
short-circuited or open-circuited. When shorted, the minimum  
NSD of 1.12 nV/Hz is achieved. When open, the resistance  
of 100 at the first tap generates 1.29 nV/Hz, so the noise  
increases to a total of 1.71 nV/Hz. This last calculation would  
be important if the AD600 were preceded, for example, by a  
900 resistor to allow operation from inputs up to 10 V rms.  
However, in most cases the low impedance of the source  
limits the maximum noise resistance.  
GAT1  
PRECISION PASSIVE  
SCALING  
GATING  
INTERFACE  
INPUT ATTENUATOR  
REFERENCE  
C1HI  
V
A1OP  
A1CM  
G
C1LO  
GAIN CONTROL  
INTERFACE  
RF2  
2.24k(AD600)  
694(AD602)  
0dB  
–12.04dB  
–18.06dB  
–22.08dB  
–36.12dB  
–42.14dB  
–6.02dB  
–30.1dB  
It is apparent from the foregoing that it is essential to use a low  
resistance in the design of the ladder network to achieve low  
noise. In some applications this may be inconvenient, requiring  
the use of an external buffer or preamplifier. However, very few  
amplifiers combine the needed low noise with low distortion at  
maximum input levels, and the power consumption required to  
achieve this performance is quite high (due to the need to maintain  
very low resistance values while also coping with large inputs).  
On the other hand, there is little value in providing a buffer  
with high input impedance since the usual reason for this—  
the minimization of loading of a high resistance source—is not  
compatible with low noise.  
RF1  
20ꢁ  
A1HI  
FIXED-GAIN  
AMPLIFIER  
41.07dB(AD600)  
31.07(AD602)  
A1LO  
500ꢁ  
62.5ꢁ  
R-2R LADDER NETWORK  
Figure 1. Simplified Block Diagram of Single Channel of  
the AD600 and AD602  
The nominal maximum signal at input A1HI is 1 V rms ( 1.4 V  
peak) when using the recommended 5 V supplies, although  
operation to 2 V peak is permissible with some increase in HF  
distortion and feedthrough. Each attenuator is provided with a  
separate signal “LO” connection for use in rejecting common  
mode, the voltage between input and output grounds. Circuitry  
is included to provide rejection of up to 100 mV.  
Apart from the small variations just mentioned, the signal-to-  
noise (S/N) ratio at the output is essentially independent of the  
attenuator setting, since the maximum undistorted output is  
1 V rms and the NSD at the output of the AD600 is fixed at  
113 ϫ 1.4 nV/Hz, or 158 nV/Hz. Thus, in a 1 MHz band-  
width, the output S/N ratio would be 76 dB. The input NSD  
of the AD600 and AD602 are the same, but because of the  
10 dB lower gain in the AD602’s fixed amplifier, its output S/N  
ratio is 10 dB better, or 86 dB in a 1 MHz bandwidth.  
The signal applied at the input of the ladder network is attenu-  
ated by 6.02 dB by each section; thus, the attenuation to each of  
the taps is progressively 0, 6.02, 12.04, 18.06, 24.08, 30.1, 36.12,  
and 42.14 dB. A unique circuit technique is employed to interpo-  
late between these tap points, indicated by the “slider” in  
Figure 1, providing continuous attenuation from 0 dB to 42.14 dB.  
–6–  
REV. D  
AD600/AD602  
The Gain-Control Interface  
Common-Mode Rejection  
The attenuation is controlled through a differential, high imped-  
ance (15 M) input, with a scaling factor that is laser trimmed to  
32 dB per volt, that is, 31.25 mV/dB. Each of the two amplifiers  
has its own control interface. An internal band gap reference  
ensures stability of the scaling with respect to supply and tempera-  
ture variations, and is the only circuitry common to both channels.  
A special circuit technique provides rejection of voltages appear-  
ing between input grounds (A1LO and A2LO) and output  
grounds (A1CM and A2CM). This is necessary because of the  
op amp form of the amplifier, as shown in Figure 1. The  
feedback voltage is developed across the resistor RF1 (which, to  
achieve low noise, has a value of only 20 ). The voltage  
developed across this resistor is referenced to the input common,  
so the output voltage is also referred to that node.  
When the differential input voltage VG = 0 V, the attenuator  
slider is centered, providing an attenuation of 21.07 dB,  
resulting in an overall gain of 20 dB (= –21.07 dB + 41.07 dB).  
When the control input is –625 mV, the gain is lowered by  
20 dB (= 0.625 × 32) to 0 dB; when set to 625 mV, the gain is  
increased by 20 dB to 40 dB. When this interface is over-  
driven in either direction, the gain approaches either –1.07 dB  
(= –42.14 dB + 41.07 dB) or 41.07 dB (= 0 + 41.07 dB),  
respectively.  
For zero differential signal input between A1HI and A1LO,  
the output A1OP simply follows the voltage at A1CM. Note that  
the range of voltage differences that can exist between A1LO  
and A1CM (or A2LO and A2CM) is limited to about 100 mV.  
TPC 16 shows typical common-mode rejection ratio versus  
frequency.  
ACHIEVING 80 dB GAIN RANGE  
The gain of the AD600 can be calculated using the following  
simple expression:  
The two amplifier sections of the X-AMP can be connected  
in series to achieve higher gain. In this mode, the output of  
A1 (A1OP and A1CM) drives the input of A2 via a high-pass  
network (usually just a capacitor) that rejects the dc offset. The  
nominal gain range is now –2 dB to +82 dB for the AD600 or  
–22 dB to +62 dB for the AD602.  
Gain (dB) = 32 VG + 20  
(1)  
(2)  
where VG is in volts. For the AD602, the expression is:  
Gain (dB) = 32 VG + 10  
Operation is specified for VG in the range from –625 mV dc  
to +625 mV dc. The high impedance gain-control input ensures  
minimal loading when driving many amplifiers in multiple-channel  
applications. The differential input configuration provides flexibil-  
ity in choosing the appropriate signal levels and polarities for  
various control schemes.  
There are several options in connecting the gain-control inputs.  
The choice depends on the desired signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)  
and gain error (output ripple). The following examples feature  
the AD600; the arguments generally apply to the AD602, with  
appropriate changes to the gain values.  
Sequential Mode (Maximum S/N Ratio)  
For example, the gain-control input can be fed differentially to  
the inputs, or single-ended by simply grounding the unused  
input. In another example, if the gain is to be controlled by  
a DAC providing a positive only ground referenced output,  
the Gain Control LO pin (either C1LO or C2LO) should be  
biased to a fixed offset of 625 mV to set the gain to 0 dB when  
Gain Control HI (C1HI or C2HI) is at zero, and to set the  
gain to 40 dB when at 1.25 V.  
In the sequential mode of operation, the SNR is maintained at  
its highest level for as much of the gain control range possible,  
as shown in Figure 2. Note here that the gain range is 0 dB to  
80 dB. Figure 3 shows the general connections to accomplish  
this. Both gain-control inputs, C1HI and C2HI, are driven in  
parallel by a positive only, ground referenced source with a  
range of 0 V to 2.5 V.  
85  
80  
75  
It is a simple matter to include a voltage divider to achieve other  
scaling factors. When using an 8-bit DAC with an FS output of  
2.55 V (10 mV/bit), a 1.6 divider ratio (generating 6.25 mV/bit)  
results in a gain setting resolution of 0.2 dB/bit. Later in this data  
sheet, cascading the two sections of an AD600 or AD602  
when various options exist for gain control is explained.  
70  
65  
60  
55  
50  
45  
40  
Signal-Gating Inputs  
Each amplifier section of the AD600 and AD602 is equipped  
with a signal gating function, controlled by a TTL or CMOS  
logic input (GAT1 or GAT2). The ground references for these  
inputs are the signal input grounds A1LO and A2LO, respec-  
tively. Operation of the channel is unaffected when this input is  
LO or left open-circuited. Signal transmission is blocked when  
this input is HI. The dc output level of the channel is set to  
within a few millivolts of the output ground (A1CM or A2CM),  
and simultaneously the noise level drops significantly. The  
reduction in noise and spurious signal feedthrough is useful  
in ultrasound beam-forming applications, where many amplifier  
outputs are summed.  
35  
30  
–0.5  
0.0  
0.5  
1.0  
1.5  
2.0  
2.5  
3.0  
V
G
Figure 2. S/N Ratio vs. Control Voltage Sequential Control  
(1 MHz Bandwidth)  
An auxiliary amplifier that senses the voltage difference  
between input and output commons is provided to reject  
this common voltage.  
REV. D  
–7–  
AD600/AD602  
A2  
A1  
–40.00dB  
–41.07dB  
OUTPUT  
0dB  
–40.00dB  
C1HI C1LO  
–42.14dB  
C2HI C2LO  
INPUT  
0dB  
1.07dB  
41.07dB  
41.07dB  
41.07dB  
41.07dB  
41.07dB  
41.07dB  
V
V
G2  
G1  
V
= 0.592V  
V
= 1.908V  
O1  
O2  
V
= 0V  
C
(a)  
–0.51dB  
–1.07dB  
–0.51dB  
C1HI C1LO  
–41.63dB  
C2HI C2LO  
OUTPUT  
40dB  
INPUT  
0dB  
40.56dB  
V
V
G2  
G1  
V
= 0.592V  
0dB  
V
= 1.908V  
O1  
O2  
V
= 1.25V  
C
(b)  
38.93dB  
0dB  
C1LO  
–2.14dB  
C2HI C2LO  
OUTPUT  
80dB  
INPUT  
0dB  
41.07dB  
C1HI  
V
V
G2  
G1  
V
= 0.592V  
V
= 1.908V  
O1  
O2  
V
= 2.5V  
C
(c)  
Figure 3. AD600 Gain Control Input Calculations for Sequential Control Operation  
The gains are offset (Figure 4) such that A2’s gain is increased  
only after A1’s gain has reached its maximum value. Note that  
for a differential input of –700 mV or less, the gain of a single  
amplifier (A1 or A2) is at its minimum value of –1.07 dB; for a  
differential input of +700 mV or more, the gain is at its maxi-  
mum value of 41.07 dB. Control inputs beyond these limits do  
not affect the gain and can be tolerated without damage or  
foldover in the response. See the Specifications section of this  
data sheet for more details on the allowable voltage range. The  
gain is now  
When VC is set to zero, VG1 = –0.592 V and the gain of A1 is  
1.07 dB (recall that the gain of each amplifier section is 0 dB for  
VG = 625 mV); meanwhile, VG2 = –1.908 V, so the gain of A2  
is –1.07 dB. The overall gain is thus 0 dB (see Figure 3a).  
When VC = 1.25 V, VG1 = 1.25 V – 0.592 V = 0.658 V, which  
sets the gain of A1 to 40.56 dB, while VG2 = 1.25 V – 1.908 V =  
–0.658 V, which sets A2’s gain at –0.56 dB. The overall gain is  
now 40 dB (see Figure 3b). When VC = 2.5 V, the gain of A1 is  
41.07 dB and that of A2 is 38.93 dB, resulting in an overall gain  
of 80 dB (see Figure 3c). This mode of operation is further  
clarified by Figure 5, which is a plot of the separate gains of A1  
and A2 and the overall gain versus the control voltage. Figure 6  
is a plot of the gain error of the cascaded amplifiers versus the  
control voltage.  
Gain (dB) = 32 VC  
(3)  
where VC is the applied control voltage.  
+41.07dB  
Parallel Mode (Simplest Gain-Control Interface)  
In this mode, the gain-control voltage is applied to both inputs  
in parallel—C1HI and C2HI are connected to the control volt-  
age, and C1LO and C2LO are optionally connected to an offset  
voltage of 0.625 V. The gain scaling is then doubled to 64 dB/V,  
requiring only 1.25 V for an 80 dB change of gain. The ampli-  
tude of the gain ripple in this case is also doubled, as shown in  
Figure 7, and the instantaneous signal-to-noise ratio at the  
output of A2 decreases linearly as the gain is increased (Figure 8).  
40.56dB  
+38.93dB  
A1  
A2  
20dB  
*
*
+1.07dB  
–0.56dB  
–1.07dB  
0.592  
0.625  
20  
1.908  
0
0
1.25  
40  
1.875  
60  
2.5  
V (V)  
C
80 82.14  
GAIN  
(dB)  
Low Ripple Mode (Minimum Gain Error)  
–2.14  
As can be seen in Figures 6 and 7, the output ripple is periodic.  
By offsetting the gains of A1 and A2 by half the period of the  
ripple, or 3 dB, the residual gain errors of the two amplifiers  
can be made to cancel. Figure 9 shows the much lower gain  
ripple when configured in this manner. Figure 10 plots the  
S/N ratio as a function of gain; it is very similar to that in the  
Parallel Mode.  
*
GAIN OFFSET OF 1.07dB, OR 33.44mV  
Figure 4. Explanation of Offset Calibration for  
Sequential Control  
–8–  
REV. D  
AD600/AD602  
90  
80  
70  
60  
50  
40  
30  
20  
10  
0
75  
70  
65  
60  
55  
50  
45  
40  
35  
30  
A1  
COMBINED  
A2  
2.5  
–10  
–0.5  
0.0  
0.5  
1.0  
1.5  
2.0  
3.0  
0.0  
0.2  
0.4  
0.6  
0.8  
1.0  
1.2  
1.4  
V
V
C
C
Figure 5. Plot of Separate and Overall Gains in  
Sequential Control  
Figure 8. SNR for Cascaded Stages–Parallel  
Control  
5
4
3
2
1
0
1.2  
1.0  
0.8  
0.6  
0.4  
0.2  
–1  
0.0  
–2  
–3  
–4  
–5  
–6  
–7  
–8  
–0.2  
–0.4  
–0.6  
–0.8  
–1.0  
–1.2  
–0.5  
0.0  
0.5  
1.0  
1.5  
2.0  
2.5  
3.0  
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3  
V
C
V
C
Figure 6. Gain Error for Cascaded Stages—  
Sequential Control  
Figure 9. Gain Error for Cascaded Stages—  
Low Ripple Mode  
5
4
3
80  
75  
70  
65  
60  
55  
50  
45  
40  
35  
2
1
0
–1  
–2  
–3  
–4  
–5  
–6  
0.0  
0.2  
0.4  
0.6  
0.8  
1.0  
1.2  
1.4  
–0.1  
0
0.2  
0.4  
0.6  
0.8  
1.0  
1.2  
V
C
V
C
Figure 7. Gain Error for Cascaded Stages—  
Parallel Control  
Figure 10. ISNR vs. Control Voltage—Low  
Ripple Mode  
REV. D  
–9–  
AD600/AD602  
APPLICATIONS  
Increasing Output Drive  
The full potential of any high performance amplifier can only be  
realized by careful attention to details in its applications. The  
following pages describe fully tested circuits in which many such  
details have already been considered. However, as is always true  
of high accuracy, high speed analog circuits, the schematic is  
only part of the story; this is no less true for the AD600 and  
AD602. Appropriate choices in the overall board layout and the  
type and placement of power supply decoupling components are  
very important. As explained previously, the input grounds  
A1LO and A2LO must use the shortest possible connections.  
The AD600/AD602’s output stage has limited capability for  
negative-load driving capability. For driving loads less than  
500 , the load drive may be increased by approximately 5 mA  
by connecting a 1 kpull-down resistor from the output to the  
negative supply (Figure 12).  
Driving Capacitive Loads  
For driving capacitive loads of greater than 5 pF, insert a 10 Ω  
resistor between the output and the load. This lowers the possi-  
bility of oscillation.  
The following circuits show examples of time-gain control for  
ultrasound and sonar, methods for increasing the output  
drive, and AGC amplifiers for audio and RF/IF signal process-  
ing using both peak and rms detectors. These circuits also  
illustrate methods of cascading X-AMPs for either maintaining  
the optimal S/N ratio or maximizing the accuracy of the gain-  
control voltage for use in signal measurement. These AGC  
circuits may be modified for use as voltage-controlled amplifiers  
in sonar and ultrasound applications by removing the  
detector and substituting a DAC or other voltage source for  
supplying the control voltage.  
GAIN-CONTROL  
VOLTAGE  
C1LO  
A1HI  
C1HI  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16  
15  
14  
13  
12  
A1CM  
A1OP  
VPOS  
VNEG  
V
IN  
+
A1  
A1LO  
GAT1  
+5V  
1k  
REF  
GAT2  
A2LO  
A2HI  
ADDED  
PULL-DOWN  
RESISTOR  
–5V  
+
11 A2OP  
A2  
Time-Gain Control (TGC) and Time-Variable Gain (TVG)  
Ultrasound and sonar systems share a similar requirement: both  
need to provide an exponential increase in gain in response to a  
linear control voltage, that is, a gain control that is linear in  
dB. Figure 11 shows the AD600/AD602 configured for a con-  
trol voltage ramp starting at –625 mV and ending at +625 mV  
for a gain-control range of 40 dB. The polarity of the gain-control  
voltage may be reversed and the control voltage inputs C1HI and  
C1LO reversed to achieve the same effect. The gain-control  
voltage can be supplied by a voltage-output DAC such as the  
AD7242, which contains two complete DACs, operates from 5 V  
supplies, has an internal reference of +3 V, and provides 3 V of  
output swing. As such, it is well suited for use with the AD600/  
AD602, needing only a few resistors to scale the output volt-  
age of the DACs to the levels needed by the AD600/AD602.  
A2CM  
C2HI  
10  
9
C2LO  
AD600/  
AD602  
Figure 12. Adding a 1 kPull-Down Resistor Increases the  
X-AMP’s Output Drive by About 5 mA. Only the A1 connec-  
tions are shown for simplicity.  
Realizing Other Gain Ranges  
Larger gain ranges can be accommodated by cascading amplifi-  
ers. Combinations built by cascading two amplifiers include  
–20 dB to +60 dB (using one AD602), –10 dB to +70 dB (1/2  
of an AD602 followed by 1/2 of an AD600), and 0 dB to 80 dB  
(one AD600). In multiple-channel applications, extra protection  
against oscillation can be provided by using amplifier sections  
from different packages.  
CONTROL VOLTAGE,  
V
G
An Ultralow Noise VCA  
VOLTAGE-OUTPUT  
DAC  
The two channels of the AD600 or AD602 can operate in  
parallel to achieve a 3 dB improvement in noise level, providing  
1 nV/Hz without any loss of gain accuracy or bandwidth.  
+625mV  
0dB  
40dB  
V
G
A1  
GAIN  
C1LO  
A1HI  
C1HI  
–625mV  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16  
In the simplest case, as shown in Figure 13, the signal inputs  
A1HI and A2HI are tied directly together. The outputs A1OP  
and A2OP are summed via R1 and R2 (100 each), and the  
control inputs C1HI/C2HI and C1LO/C2LO operate in parallel.  
Using these connections, both the input and output resistances  
are 50 . Thus, when driven from a 50 source and termi-  
nated in a 50 load, the gain is reduced by 12 dB, so the gain  
range becomes –12 dB to +28 dB for the AD600 and –22 dB to  
+18 dB for the AD602. The peak input capability remains unaf-  
fected (1 V rms at the IC pins, or 2 V rms from an unloaded  
50 source). The loading on each output, with a 50 load, is  
effectively 200 because the load current is shared between  
the two channels, so the overall amplifier still meets its specified  
maximum output and distortion levels for a 200 load. This ampli-  
fier can deliver a maximum sine wave power of 10 dBm to the load.  
A1CM  
A1OP  
VPOS  
15  
14  
13  
12  
+
A1  
A1LO  
GAT1  
+5V  
–5V  
REF  
VNEG  
GAT2  
A2LO  
A2HI  
+
11 A2OP  
A2  
A2CM  
C2HI  
10  
9
C2LO  
AD600 or AD602  
Figure 11. The Simplest Application of the X-AMP Is as a  
TGC or TVG Amplifier in Ultrasound or Sonar. Only the A1  
connections are shown for simplicity.  
–10–  
REV. D  
AD600/AD602  
GAIN-CONTROL  
VOLTAGE  
An inexpensive circuit using complementary transistor types  
chosen for their low rbb is shown in Figure 14. The gain is  
determined by the ratio of the net collector load resistance to  
the net emitter resistance. It is an open-loop amplifier. The gain  
will be ϫ2 (6 dB) only into a 100 load, assumed to be pro-  
vided by the input resistance of the X-AMP; R2 and R7 are in  
shunt with this load, and their value is important in defining the  
gain. For small-signal inputs, both transistors contribute an  
equal transconductance that is rendered less sensitive to signal  
level by the emitter resistors R4 and R5. They also play a domi-  
nant role in setting the gain.  
V
G
+
C1LO  
A1HI  
C1HI  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16  
15  
14  
13  
12  
11  
10  
9
A1CM  
A1OP  
+
A1  
100ꢁ  
100ꢁ  
A1LO  
GAT1  
GAT2  
A2LO  
V
VPOS  
VNEG  
OUT  
+5V  
–5V  
REF  
V
IN  
50ꢁ  
A2OP  
A2CM  
+
A2  
A2HI  
This is a Class AB amplifier. As VIN increases in a positive  
direction, Q1 conducts more heavily and its re becomes lower  
while Q2 increases. Conversely, increasingly negative values  
of VIN result in the re of Q2 decreasing, while the re of Q1  
increases. The design is chosen such that the net emitter  
resistance is essentially independent of the instantaneous value  
of VIN, resulting in moderately low distortion. Low values of  
resistance and moderately high bias currents are important in  
achieving the low noise, wide bandwidth, and low distortion of  
this preamplifier. Heavy decoupling prevents noise on the power  
supply lines from being conveyed to the input of the X-AMP.  
C2LO  
C2HI  
AD600 or AD602  
Figure 13. An Ultralow Noise VCA Using the AD600 or  
AD602  
A Low Noise, 6 dB Preamplifier  
In some ultrasound applications, a high input impedance pre-  
amplifier is needed to avoid the signal attenuation that results  
from loading the transducer by the 100 input resistance of the  
X-AMP. High gain cannot be tolerated because the peak trans-  
ducer signal is typically 0.5 V, while the peak input capability  
of the AD600 or AD602 is only slightly more than 1 V. A  
gain of 2 is a suitable choice. It can be shown that if the  
preamplifier’s overall referred-to-input (RTI) noise is to be  
the same as that due to the X-AMP alone (1.4 nV/Hz), the  
input noise of nX2 preamplifier must be (3/4) times as large,  
that is, 1.2 nV/Hz.  
Table I. Measured Preamplifier Performance  
Measurement  
Value  
Unit  
Gain (f = 30 MHz)  
Bandwidth (–3 dB)  
Input Signal for  
1 dB Compression  
Distortion  
6
dB  
250  
MHz  
1
V p-p  
+5V  
VIN = 200 mV p-p  
HD2  
HD3  
HD2  
HD3  
0.27  
0.14  
0.44  
0.58  
1.03  
%
%
%
%
R1  
1F  
49.9ꢁ  
VIN = 500 mV p-p  
R2  
174ꢁ  
System Input Noise  
Spectral Density (NSD)  
(Preamp plus X-AMP)  
Input Resistance  
Input Capacitance  
Input Bias Current  
Power Supply Voltage  
Quiescent Current  
nV/Hz  
Q1  
MRF904  
1.4  
15  
150  
5
kΩ  
pF  
µA  
V
R3  
562ꢁ  
1F  
0.1F  
0.1F  
R4  
42.2ꢁ  
–5V  
V
INPUT  
GROUND  
IN  
100ꢁ  
OF X-AMP  
+5V  
15  
mA  
R5  
42.2ꢁ  
R
IN  
R6  
562ꢁ  
1F  
A Low Noise AGC Amplifier with 80 dB Gain Range  
OUTPUT  
GROUND  
Figure 15 provides an example of the ease with which the AD600  
can be connected as an AGC amplifier. A1 and A2 are cascaded,  
with 6 dB of attenuation introduced by the 100 resistor R1,  
while a time constant of 5 ns is formed by C1 and the 50 of  
net resistance at the input of A2. This has the dual effect of  
(a) lowering the overall gain range from 0 dB–80 dB to 6 dB–74  
dB and (b) introducing a single-pole low-pass filter with a –3 dB  
frequency of about 32 MHz. This ensures stability at the maxi-  
mum gain for a slight reduction in the overall bandwidth. The  
capacitor C4 blocks the small dc offset voltage at the output of  
A1 (which might otherwise saturate A2 at its maximum gain)  
and introduces a high-pass corner at about 8 kHz, useful in  
eliminating low frequency noise and spurious signals that may  
be present at the input.  
Q2  
MM4049  
R7  
174ꢁ  
1F  
R8  
49.9ꢁ  
–5V  
Figure 14. A Low Noise Preamplifier for the AD600 and  
AD602  
REV. D  
–11–  
AD600/AD602  
5V  
R3  
46.4k  
5V  
R4  
3.74k⍀  
V
G
300A  
(at 300K)  
AD590  
+5V  
C1LO  
C1HI  
1
16  
15  
14  
13  
12  
11  
10  
9
FB  
FB  
C2  
A1HI  
A1LO  
GAT1  
GAT2  
A1CM  
A1OP  
0.1F  
0.1F  
RF  
INPUT  
C4  
2
+
1F  
R1  
0.1F  
+5V DEC  
–5V DEC  
Q1  
2N3904  
A1  
100⍀  
3
C1  
100pF  
VPOS  
VNEG  
4
5
+5V DEC  
–5V DEC  
+
REF  
R2  
C3  
15pF  
806⍀  
V
PTAT  
1%  
A2LO  
A2HI  
A2OP  
A2CM  
C2HI  
RF  
OUTPUT  
+
6
7
8
–5V  
A2  
POWER SUPPLY  
DECOUPLING NETWORK  
C2LO  
AD600  
Figure 15. This Accurate HF AGC Amplifier Uses Just Three Active Components  
lesser extent, on the waveform for which the temperature  
stability is to be optimized; for the devices shown and sine wave  
signals, the recommended value is 806 . This resistor also  
serves to lower the peak current in Q1 and the 200 Hz LP  
filter it forms with C2 helps to minimize distortion due to ripple  
in VG. Note that the output amplitude under sine wave condi-  
tions is higher than for a square wave since the average value of  
the current for an ideal rectifier would be 0.637 times as large,  
causing the output amplitude to be 1.88 (= 1.2/0.637) V, or  
1.33 V rms. In practice, the somewhat nonideal rectifier results  
in the sine wave output being regulated to about 1.275 V rms.  
A simple half-wave detector is used, based on Q1 and R2. The  
average current into capacitor C2 is just the difference between  
the current provided by the AD590 (300 µA at 300 K, 27°C)  
and the collector current of Q1. In turn, the control voltage VG  
is the time integral of this error current. When VG (thus the gain)  
is stable, the rectified current in Q1 must, on average, exactly  
balance the current in the AD590. If the output of A2 is too  
small to do this, VG will ramp up, causing the gain to increase,  
until Q1 conducts sufficiently. The operation of this control  
system will now be described in detail.  
First, consider the particular case where R2 is zero and the out-  
put voltage VOUT is a square wave at, say, 100 kHz, well above  
the corner frequency of the control loop. During the time VOUT  
is negative, Q1 conducts. When VOUT is positive, it is cut off.  
Since the average collector current is forced to be 300 µA and the  
square wave has a 50% duty-cycle, the current when conducting  
must be 600 µA. With R2 omitted, the peak value of VOUT  
would be just the VBE of Q1 at 600 µA (typically about 700 mV)  
or 2 VBE p-p. This voltage, thus the amplitude at which the output  
stabilizes, has a strong negative temperature coefficient (TC),  
typically –1.7 mV/°C. While this may not be troublesome in  
some applications, the correct value of R2 renders the output  
stable with temperature.  
An offset of 375 mV is applied to the inverting gain-control  
inputs C1LO and C2LO. Thus the nominal –625 mV to +625 mV  
range for VG is translated upwards (at VG´) to –0.25 V for mini-  
mum gain to 1 V for maximum gain. This prevents Q1 from  
going into heavy saturation at low gains and leaves sufficient  
headroom of 4 V for the AD590 to operate correctly at high  
gains when using a 5 V supply.  
In fact, the 6 dB interstage attenuator means that the overall  
gain of this AGC system actually runs from –6 dB to +74 dB.  
Thus, an input of 2 V rms would be required to produce a 1 V  
rms output at the minimum gain, which exceeds the 1 V rms  
maximum input specification of the AD600. The available gain  
range is therefore 0 dB to 74 dB (or, X1 to X5000). Since the  
gain scaling is 15.625 mV/dB (because of the cascaded stages)  
the minimum value of VG´ is actually increased by 6 × 15.625 mV,  
or about 94 mV, to –156 mV, so the risk of saturation in Q1  
is reduced.  
To understand this, first note that the current in the AD590 is  
closely proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT). In fact,  
this IC is intended for use as a thermometer. For the moment,  
assume that the signal is a square wave. When Q1 is conducting,  
VOUT is the sum of VBE. VOUT is also a voltage that is PTAT and  
that can be chosen to have a TC equal but opposite to the TC  
of the base-to-emitter voltage. This is actually nothing more than  
the band gap voltage reference principle in thinly veiled disguise.  
When R2 is chosen so that the sum of the voltage across it and  
the VBE of Q1 is close to the band gap voltage of about 1.2 V,  
VOUT is stable over a wide range of temperatures, provided Q1  
and the AD590 share the same thermal environment.  
The emitter circuit of Q1 is somewhat inductive (due its finite ft  
and base resistance). Consequently, the effective value of R2  
increases with frequency. This would result in an increase in  
the stabilized output amplitude at high frequencies, but for  
the addition of C3, determined experimentally to be 15 pF for the  
2N3904 for maximum response flatness. Alternatively, a faster  
transistor can be used here to reduce HF peaking. Figure 16 shows  
the ac response at the stabilized output level of about 1.3 V rms.  
Figure 17 demonstrates the output stabilization for sine wave  
inputs of 1 mV to 1 V rms at frequencies of 100 kHz, 1 MHz,  
and 10 MHz.  
Since the average emitter current is 600 µA during each half-cycle  
of the square wave, a resistor of 833 would add a PTAT volt-  
age of 500 mV at 300 K, increasing by 1.66 mV/°C. In practice,  
the optimum value of R2 depends on the transistor used and, to a  
–12–  
REV. D  
AD600/AD602  
A Wide Range, RMS-Linear dB Measurement System  
(2 MHz AGC Amplifier with RMS Detector)  
Monolithic rms-dc converters provide an inexpensive means to  
measure the rms value of a signal of arbitrary waveform; they  
also may provide a low accuracy logarithmic (decibel-scaled)  
output. However, they have certain shortcomings. The first of  
these is their restricted dynamic range, typically only 50 dB.  
More troublesome is that the bandwidth is roughly proportional  
to the signal level; for example, the AD636 provides a 3 dB  
bandwidth of 900 kHz for an input of 100 mV rms, but has  
a bandwidth of only 100 kHz for a 10 mV rms input. Its loga-  
rithmic output is unbuffered, uncalibrated, and not stable  
over temperature. Considerable support circuitry, including at  
least two adjustments and a special high TC resistor, is required  
to provide a useful output.  
3dB  
0.1  
100  
1
10  
FREQUENCY – MHz  
All of these problems can be eliminated using an AD636 as  
the detector element in an AGC loop, in which the difference  
between the rms output of the amplifier and a fixed dc refer-  
ence are nulled in a loop integrator. The dynamic range and  
the accuracy with which the signal can be determined are now  
entirely dependent on the amplifier used in the AGC system. Since  
the input to the rms-dc converter is forced to a constant ampli-  
tude, close to its maximum input capability, the bandwidth is no  
longer signal dependent. If the amplifier has an exactly exponen-  
tial (linear-dB) gain-control law, its control voltage VG is forced  
by the AGC loop to be have the general form:  
Figure 16. AC Response at the Stabilized Output Level  
of 1.3 V RMS  
+0.2  
100kHz  
0
1MHz  
–0.2  
10MHz  
VIN(RMS)  
VREF  
–0.4  
VOUT = VSCALE log 10  
(4)  
Figure 19 shows a practical wide dynamic range rms-responding  
measurement system using the AD600. Note that the signal  
output of this system is available at A2OP, and the circuit can  
be used as a wideband AGC amplifier with an rms-responding  
detector. This circuit can handle inputs from 100 µV to 1 V rms  
with a constant measurement bandwidth of 20 Hz to 2 MHz,  
limited primarily by the AD636 rms converter. Its logarithmic  
output is a loadable voltage accurately calibrated to 100 mV/dB,  
or 2 V per decade, which simplifies the interpretation of the  
reading when using a DVM and is arranged to be –4 V for an  
input of 100 µV rms input, zero for 10 mV, and +4 V for a  
1 V rms input. In terms of Equation 4, VREF is 10 mV and  
VSCALE is 2 V.  
0.001  
0.01  
0.1  
1
INPUT AMPLITUDE – V RMS  
Figure 17. Output Stabilization vs. RMS Input for  
Sine Wave Inputs at 100 kHz, 1 MHz, and 10 MHz  
While the band gap principle used here sets the output ampli-  
tude to 1.2 V (for the square wave case), the stabilization point  
can be set to any higher amplitude, up to the maximum output  
of (VS – 2) V that the AD600 can support. It is only necessary  
to split R2 into two components of appropriate ratio whose  
parallel sum remains close to the zero-TC value of 806 . This  
is illustrated in Figure 18, which shows how the output can be  
raised without altering the temperature stability.  
Note that the peak log output of 4 V requires the use of  
6 V supplies for the dual op amp U3 (AD712) although lower  
supplies would suffice for the AD600 and AD636. If only 5 V  
supplies are available, it is necessary to either use a reduced value  
for VSCALE (say 1 V, in which case the peak output would be only  
2 V) or restrict the dynamic range of the signal to about 60 dB.  
5V  
300A  
AD590  
(at 300K)  
TO AD600 PIN 16  
As in the previous case, the two amplifiers of the AD600 are  
used in cascade. However, the 6 dB attenuator and low-pass  
filter found in Figure 1 are replaced by a unity gain buffer  
amplifier U3A, whose 4 MHz bandwidth eliminates the risk of  
instability at the highest gains. The buffer also allows the use of  
a high impedance coupling network (C1/R3) that introduces a  
high-pass corner at about 12 Hz. An input attenuator of 10 dB  
(X0.316) is now provided by R1 + R2 operating in conjunction  
with the AD600’s input resistance of 100 . The adjustment  
provides exact calibration of the logarithmic intercept VREF in  
critical applications, but R1 and R2 may be replaced by a fixed  
resistor of 215 if very close calibration is not needed, since the  
C2  
1F  
Q1  
2N3904  
R2B  
+
C3  
15pF  
R2 = R2A R2B 806ꢁ  
V
R2A  
PTAT  
RF  
OUTPUT  
TO AD600 PIN 11  
Figure 18. Modification in Detector to Raise Output to  
2 V RMS  
REV. D  
–13–  
AD600/AD602  
V
RMS  
AF/RF  
OUTPUT  
C1  
0.1F  
C4  
4.7F  
+6V DEC  
CAL  
0dB  
+6V  
C1LO  
A1HI  
C1HI  
1
2
VPOS 14  
VINP  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16  
15  
14  
13  
12  
11  
10  
9
R1  
INPUT  
1V RMS  
115⍀  
A1CM  
FB  
FB  
U2  
NC  
13  
NC  
AD636  
+
MAX  
0.1F  
R2 200⍀  
A1  
(SINEWAVE)  
A1OP  
VPOS  
VNEG  
A1LO  
GAT1  
GAT2  
A2LO  
A2HI  
–6V  
+6V  
12 NC  
3
4
VNEG  
DEC  
DEC  
R7  
+6V  
56.2k⍀  
11 NC  
0.1F  
CAVG  
DEC  
–6V  
DEC  
REF  
–6V  
DEC  
C2  
2F  
10  
9
VLOG COMM  
NC  
NC  
5
6
7
R3  
133k⍀  
R6  
3.16k⍀  
A2OP  
A2CM  
BFOP  
BFIN  
LDLO  
+
+316.2mV  
A2  
U1 AD600  
R5  
V
8
U3A  
RMS  
–6V  
POWER SUPPLY  
DECOUPLING  
NETWORK  
C2HI  
C2LO  
1/2  
AD712  
U3B  
1/2  
AD712  
C3  
1F  
V
OUT  
V
G
R4  
3.01k⍀  
+100mV/dB  
0V = 0dB(AT 10mV RMS)  
15.625mV/dB  
16.2k⍀  
NC = NO CONNECT  
Figure 19. The Output of This Three-IC Circuit Is Proportional to the Decibel Value of the RMS Input  
input resistance of the AD600 (and all other key parameters of it  
and the AD636) are already laser trimmed for accurate operation.  
This attenuator allows inputs as large as 4 V to be accepted,  
that is, signals with an rms value of 1 V combined with a crest  
factor of up to 4.  
note that unlike most AGC circuits that need strong temperature  
compensation for the internal kT/q scaling, these voltages,  
and thus the output of this measurement system, are tempera-  
ture stable, arising directly from the fundamental and exact  
exponential attenuation of the ladder networks in the AD600.  
The output of A2 is ac coupled via another 12 Hz high-pass filter  
formed by C2 and the 6.7 kinput resistance of the AD636.  
The averaging time constant for the rms-dc converter is deter-  
mined by C4. The unbuffered output of the AD636 (at Pin 8) is  
compared with a fixed voltage of 316 mV set by the positive  
supply voltage of 6 V and resistors R6 and R7. VREF is propor-  
tional to this voltage, and systems requiring greater calibration  
accuracy should replace the supply dependent reference with a  
more stable source.  
Typical results are presented for a sine wave input at 100 kHz.  
Figure 20 shows that the output is held very close to the set-  
point of 316 mV rms over an input range in excess of 80 dB.  
450  
425  
400  
375  
350  
325  
300  
275  
250  
225  
200  
Any difference in these voltages is integrated by the op amp U3B,  
with a time constant of 3 ms formed by the parallel sum of R6/R7  
and C3. Now, if the output of the AD600 is too high, V rms will  
be greater than the setpoint of 316 mV, causing the output of  
U3B—that is, VOUT—to ramp up (note that the integrator is  
noninverting). A fraction of VOUT is connected to the inverting  
gain-control inputs of the AD600, so causing the gain to be  
reduced, as required, until V rms is exactly equal to 316 mV, at  
which time the ac voltage at the output of A2 is forced to be  
exactly 316 mV rms. This fraction is set by R4 and R5 such  
that a 15.625 mV change in the control voltages of A1 and  
A2—which would change the gain of the cascaded amplifiers by  
1 dB—requires a change of 100 mV at VOUT. Notice here that  
since A2 is forced to operate at an output level well below its  
capacity, waveforms of high crest factor can be tolerated through-  
out the amplifier.  
175  
150  
10  
100␮  
1m  
10m  
100m  
1
10  
INPUT SIGNAL – V RMS  
Figure 20. The RMS Output of A2 Is Held Close to the  
Setpoint 316 mV for an Input Range of Over 80 dB  
This system can, of course, be used as an AGC amplifier in  
which the rms value of the input is leveled. Figure 21 shows  
the decibel output voltage. More revealing is Figure 22, which  
shows that the deviation from the ideal output predicted by  
Equation 1 over the input range 80 µV to 500 mV rms is within  
0.5 dB, and within 1 dB for the 80 dB range from 80 µV to  
800 mV. By suitable choice of the input attenuator R1 + R2,  
this could be centered to cover any range from 25 mV – 250 mV  
to, say, 1 mV – 10 V, with appropriate correction to the value of  
VREF. Note that VSCALE is not affected by the changes in the  
range. The gain ripple of 0.2 dB seen in this curve is the result of  
To check the operation, assume an input of 10 mV rms is  
applied to the input, which results in a voltage of 3.16 mV rms  
at the input to A1, due to the 10 dB loss in the attenuator. If  
the system operates as claimed, VOUT (and hence VG) should  
be zero. This being the case, the gain of both A1 and A2 is  
20 dB and the output of the AD600 is therefore 100 times  
(40 dB) greater than its input, which evaluates to 316 mV rms,  
the input required at the AD636 to balance the loop. Finally,  
–14–  
REV. D  
AD600/AD602  
the finite interpolation error of the X-AMP. Note that it occurs  
with a periodicity of 12 dB—twice the separation between the  
tap points (because of the two cascaded stages).  
C1HI  
16  
15  
14  
13  
12  
11  
10  
9
VINP  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
A1CM  
NC  
A1OP  
VPOS  
–6V DEC  
VNEG  
CAVG  
5
4
U2  
AD636  
+6V DEC  
–6V DEC  
U1  
AD600  
VNEG  
A2OP  
A2CM  
C2HI  
C2  
2F  
NC  
NC  
VLOG  
BFOP  
BFIN  
3
2
1
0
–46.875mV  
+46.875mV  
–6V  
DEC  
+6V  
DEC  
–1  
10k⍀  
78.778.7⍀  
10k⍀  
3dB OFFSET  
MODIFICATION  
NC = NO CONNECT  
–2  
–3  
Figure 23. Reducing the Gain Error Ripple  
–4  
–5  
The error curve shown in Figure 24 demonstrates that over the  
central portion of the range the output voltage can be maintained  
very close to the ideal value. The penalty for this modification is  
the higher errors at the extremities of the range. The next two  
applications show how three amplifier sections can be cascaded  
to extend the nominal conversion range to 120 dB, with the  
inclusion of simple LP filters of the type shown in Figure 15.  
Very low errors can then be maintained over a 100 dB range.  
10  
100␮  
1m  
10m  
100m  
1
10  
INPUT SIGNAL – V RMS  
Figure 21. The dB Output of Figure 19’s Circuit Is Linear  
over an 80 dB Range  
2.5  
2.0  
1.5  
2.5  
2.0  
1.5  
1.0  
0.5  
1.0  
0.5  
0
–0.5  
–1.0  
–1.5  
0
–0.5  
–1.0  
–1.5  
–2.0  
–2.5  
10  
100␮  
1m  
10m  
100m  
1
10  
INPUT SIGNAL – V RMS  
–2.0  
–2.5  
Figure 22. Data from Figure 20 Presented as the Deviation  
from the Ideal Output Given in Equation 4  
10  
100␮  
1m  
10m  
100m  
1
10  
INPUT SIGNAL – V RMS  
This ripple can be canceled whenever the X-AMP stages are  
cascaded by introducing a 3 dB offset between the two pairs  
of control voltages. A simple means to achieve this is shown  
in Figure 23: the voltages at C1HI and C2HI are split by  
46.875 mV, or 1.5 dB. Alternatively, either one of these pins  
can be individually offset by 3 dB and a 1.5 dB gain adjustment  
made at the input attenuator (R1 + R2).  
Figure 24. Using the 3 dB Offset Network, the Ripple  
Is Reduced  
100 dB to 120 dB RMS Responding Constant Bandwidth AGC  
Systems with High Accuracy dB Outputs  
The next two applications double as both AGC amplifiers and  
measurement systems. In both, precise gain offsets are used to  
achieve either (1) a very high gain linearity of 0.1 dB over  
the full 100 dB range or (2) the optimal signal-to-noise ratio  
at any gain.  
REV. D  
–15–  
AD600/AD602  
C1LO  
C1LO  
C1HI  
C1HI  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16  
15  
14  
13  
12  
11  
10  
9
16  
15  
14  
13  
12  
INPUT  
1V RMS  
A1CM  
A1OP  
R2  
A1CM  
A1OP  
A1HI  
A1LO  
GAT1  
GAT2  
A1HI  
A1LO  
GAT1  
GAT2  
C1  
C4  
2F  
487⍀  
+
+
MAX  
0.1F  
A1  
A1  
U3A  
(SINEWAVE)  
V
R3  
OUT  
1/4  
AD713  
200⍀  
R1  
133k⍀  
VPOS  
VNEG  
A2OP  
VPOS  
VNEG  
+5V  
+5V  
DEC  
–5V  
DEC  
DEC  
REF  
REF  
–5V  
DEC  
C2  
0.1F  
R5  
1.58k⍀  
A2LO  
A2HI  
A2LO  
A2HI  
+
+
11 A2OP  
R4  
133k⍀  
U3B  
1/4  
AD713  
A2  
U1 AD600  
+5V  
C3  
220pF  
A2  
A2CM  
10  
A2CM  
C2HI  
C2LO  
C2LO  
C2HI  
9
U2 AD600  
–2dB  
–62.5mV  
+2dB  
+62.5mV  
0dB  
+5V  
–5V  
FB  
R7  
127⍀  
R8  
127⍀  
R9  
10k⍀  
R6  
10k⍀  
0.1F  
0.1F  
+5V  
DEC  
C5  
22F  
–5V  
DEC  
+5V DEC  
FB  
1
2
VPOS 14  
VINP  
U4  
AD636  
13 NC  
12 NC  
11 NC  
10  
NC  
–5V  
R11  
46.4k⍀  
POWER SUPPLY  
DECOUPLING  
NETWORK  
–5V  
DEC  
3
4
VNEG  
+5V DEC  
R15  
C6  
4.7F  
CAVG  
R10  
3.16k⍀  
19.6k⍀  
VLOG COMM  
5
6
7
NC  
NC  
R16  
6.65k⍀  
R14  
301k⍀  
9
BFOP  
BFIN  
LDLO  
U3C  
1/4  
AD713  
V
LOG  
V
8
RMS  
Q1  
R12  
11.3k⍀  
2N3906  
+316.2mV  
R13  
3.01k⍀  
NC = NO CONNECT  
Figure 25. RMS Responding AGC Circuit with 100 dB Dynamic Range  
5
A 100 dB RMS/AGC System with Minimal Gain Error  
(Parallel Gain with Offset)  
Figure 25 shows an rms-responding AGC circuit that can be  
used equally well as an accurate measurement system. It  
accepts inputs of 10 µV to 1 V rms (–100 dBV to 0 dBV) with  
4
3
2
generous overrange. Figure 26 shows the logarithmic output, VLOG  
which is accurately scaled 1 V per decade, that is 50 mV/dB, with  
an intercept (VLOG = 0) at 3.16 mV rms (–50 dBV). Gain offsets  
of 2 dB have been introduced between the amplifiers, provided  
by the 62.5 mV introduced by R6–R9. These offsets cancel a  
small gain ripple that arises in the X-AMP from its finite interpola-  
tion error, which has a period of 18 dB in the individual VCA  
sections. The gain ripple of all three amplifier sections without  
this offset (in which case the gain errors simply add) is shown in  
Figure 27; it is still a remarkably low 0.25 dB over the 108 dB  
range from 6 µV to 1.5 V rms. However, with the gain offsets  
connected, the gain linearity remains under 0.1 dB over the  
specified 100 dB range (Figure 28).  
,
1
0
–1  
–2  
–3  
–4  
–5  
1  
10␮  
100␮  
1m  
10m  
100m  
1
10  
INPUT SIGNAL – V RMS  
Figure 26. VLOG Plotted vs. VIN for Figure 25‘s Circuit  
Showing 120 dB AGC Range  
–16–  
REV. D  
AD600/AD602  
2.0  
1.5  
1.0  
0.5  
slowly varying V rms is compared with a fixed reference of  
316 mV, derived from the positive supply by R10/R11. Any  
difference between these two voltages is integrated in C6, in  
conjunction with op amp U3C, the output of which is VLOG. A  
fraction of this voltage, determined by R12 and R13, is returned  
to the gain control inputs of all AD600 sections. An increase in  
VLOG lowers the gain because this voltage is connected to the  
inverting polarity control inputs.  
0.1  
0
–0.1  
–0.5  
–1.0  
In this case, the gains of all three VCA sections are being varied  
simultaneously, so the scaling is not 32 dB/V but 96 dB/V, or  
10.42 mV/dB. The fraction of VLOG required to set its scaling to  
50 mV/dB is therefore 10.42/50, or 0.208. The resulting full-  
scale range of VLOG is nominally 2.5 V. This scaling allows the  
circuit to operate from 5 V supplies. Optionally, the scaling  
can be altered to 100 mV/dB, which would be more easily  
interpreted when VLOG is displayed on a DVM by increasing  
R12 to 25.5 k. The full-scale output of 5 V then requires the  
use of supply voltages of at least 7.5 V.  
–1.5  
–2.0  
1  
10␮  
100␮  
1m  
10m  
100m  
1
10  
INPUT SIGNAL – V RMS  
Figure 27. Gain Error for Figure 19 without the 2 dB  
Offset Modification  
A simple attenuator of 16.6 1.25 dB is formed by R2/R3 and  
the 100 input resistance of the AD600. This allows the refer-  
ence level of the decibel output to be precisely set to zero for an  
input of 3.16 mV rms, and thus center the 100 dB range between  
10 µV and 1 V. In many applications R2/R3 may be replaced  
by a fixed resistor of 590 . For example, in AGC applica-  
tions, neither the slope nor the intercept of the logarithmic output  
is important.  
2.0  
1.5  
1.0  
0.5  
0.1  
0
–0.1  
A few additional components (R14–R16 and Q1) improve the  
accuracy of VLOG at the top end of the signal range (that is, for  
small gains). The gain starts rolling off when the input to the  
first amplifier, U1A, reaches 0 dB. To compensate for this non-  
linearity, Q1 turns on at VLOG ~ 1.5 V and increases the feedback  
to the control inputs of the AD600s, thereby needing a smaller  
voltage at VLOG to maintain the input to the AD636 to the set-  
point of 316 mV rms.  
–0.5  
–1.0  
–1.5  
–2.0  
1␮  
10␮  
100␮  
1m  
10m  
100m  
1
10  
INPUT SIGNAL – V RMS  
Figure 28. Adding the 2 dB Offsets Improves the  
Linearization  
A 120 dB RMS/AGC System with Optimal S/N Ratio  
(Sequential Gain)  
The maximum gain of this circuit is 120 dB. If no filtering were  
used, the noise spectral density of the AD600 (1.4 nV/Hz)  
would amount to an input noise of 8.28 µV rms in the full band-  
width (35 MHz). At a gain of one million, the output noise  
would dominate. Consequently, some reduction of bandwidth is  
mandatory, and in the circuit of Figure 25 it is due mostly to  
a single-pole low-pass filter R5/C3, which provides a –3 dB  
frequency of 458 kHz, which reduces the worst-case output noise  
(at VAGC) to about 100 mV rms at a gain of 100 dB. Of course,  
the bandwidth (and therefore the output noise) could be further  
reduced, for example, in audio applications, merely by increas-  
ing C3. The value chosen for this application is optimal in  
minimizing the error in the VLOG output for small input signals.  
In the last case, all gains were adjusted simultaneously, resulting  
in an output signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio) that is always less  
than optimal. The use of sequential gain control results in a  
major improvement in S/N ratio, with only a slight penalty in  
the accuracy of VLOG, and no penalty in the stabilization accuracy  
of VAGC. The idea is to increase the gain of the earlier stages  
first (as the signal level decreases) and maintain the highest S/N  
ratio throughout the amplifier chain. This can be easily  
achieved with the AD600 because its gain is accurate even when  
the control input is overdriven. That is, each gain control  
window of 1.25 V is used fully before moving to the next  
amplifier to the right.  
Figure 29 shows the circuit for the sequential control scheme.  
R6 to R9 with R16 provide offsets of 42.14 dB between the  
individual amplifiers to ensure smooth transitions between the  
gain of each successive X-AMP, with the sequence of gain  
increase being U1A first, then U1B, and lastly U2A. The adjust-  
able attenuator provided by R3 + R17 and the 100 input  
resistance of U1A as well as the fixed 6 dB attenuation provided  
by R2 and the input resistance of U1B are included both to set  
VLOG to read 0 dB when VIN is 3.16 mV rms and to center the  
100 dB range between 10 µV rms and 1 V rms input. R5 and  
C3 provide a 3 dB noise bandwidth of 30 kHz. R12 to R15  
change the scaling from 625 mV/decade at the control inputs to  
The AD600 is dc-coupled, but even miniscule offset voltages at  
the input would overload the output at high gains; thus high-pass  
filtering is also needed. To provide operation at low frequencies,  
two simple zeros at about 12 Hz are provided by R1/C1 and  
R4/C2; op amp sections U3A and U3B (AD713) are used to  
provide impedance buffering, since the input resistance of the  
AD600 is only 100 . A further zero at 12 Hz is provided by C4  
and the 6.7 kinput resistance of the AD636 rms converter.  
The rms value of VLOG is generated at Pin 8 of the AD636; the  
averaging time for this process is determined by C5, and the  
value shown results in less than 1% rms error at 20 Hz. The  
REV. D  
–17–  
AD600/AD602  
0dB  
ADJUST  
C1LO  
A1HI  
C1LO  
C1HI  
C1HI  
R3  
200⍀  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16  
15  
14  
13  
12  
11  
10  
9
16  
15  
14  
13  
12  
R17  
115⍀  
INPUT  
A1CM  
A1OP  
R2  
A1CM  
A1OP  
A1HI  
A1LO  
GAT1  
GAT2  
C1  
C4  
2F  
100⍀  
+
+
V
OUT  
0.1F  
A1  
A1  
U3A  
A1LO  
GAT1  
GAT2  
1/4  
R1  
133k⍀  
AD713  
VPOS  
VNEG  
VPOS  
VNEG  
A2OP  
+5V  
DEC  
–5V  
DEC  
+6V  
DEC  
REF  
REF  
–6V  
DEC  
C2  
0.1F  
R5  
5.36k⍀  
A2LO  
A2HI  
A2LO  
A2HI  
+
+
11 A2OP  
U3B  
A2  
A2  
R4  
133k⍀  
C3  
0.001F  
A2CM  
10  
A2CM  
C2HI  
1/4  
AD713  
C2LO  
C2LO  
C2HI  
9
U1 AD600  
U2 AD600  
R6  
3.4k⍀  
R9  
1k⍀  
R7  
R8  
R16  
287⍀  
1k294⍀  
+6V  
+6V  
C5  
FB  
FB  
22F  
+6V DEC  
0.1F  
+6V  
DEC  
1
2
VPOS 14  
VINP  
0.1F  
–6V  
U4  
AD636  
13 NC  
NC  
DEC  
R11  
56.2k⍀  
–6V  
DEC  
12  
3
4
VNEG  
NC  
C6  
4.7F  
11 NC  
CAVG  
R10  
3.16k⍀  
–6V  
POWER SUPPLY  
DECOUPLING  
NETWORK  
10  
9
VLOG COMM  
5
6
7
NC  
NC  
BFOP  
BFIN  
LDLO  
U3C  
1/4  
AD713  
V
+6V DEC  
R15  
LOG  
V
8
RMS  
R13  
866⍀  
R12  
1k⍀  
+316.2mV  
5.11k⍀  
R14  
7.32k⍀  
NC = NO CONNECT  
Figure 29. 120 dB Dynamic Range RMS Responding Circuit Optimized for S/N Ratio  
1 V/decade at the output. At the same time, R12 to R15 center the  
dynamic range at 60 dB, which occurs if the VG of U1B is equal  
to zero. These arrangements ensure that the VLOG still fits within  
the 6 V supplies.  
Figure 30 shows VLOG to be linear over a full 120 dB range.  
Figure 31 shows the error ripple due to the individual gain  
functions bounded by 0.2 dB (dotted lines) from 6 µV to 2 V.  
The small perturbations at about 200 µV and 20 mV, caused  
by the impracticality of matching the gain functions perfectly,  
are the only sign that the gains are now sequential. Figure 32 is  
a plot of VAGC that remains very close to its set value of 316 mV  
rms over the full 120 dB range.  
5
4
3
To compare the signal-to-noise ratios in the simultaneous  
and sequential modes of operation more directly, all interstage  
attenuation was eliminated (R2 and R3 in Figure 25, R2 in  
Figure 29), the input of U1A was shorted, R5 was selected to  
provide a 20 kHz bandwidth (R5 = 7.87 k), and only the gain  
control was varied, using an external source. The rms value of  
the noise was then measured at VOUT and expressed as an S/N  
ratio relative to 0 dBV, which is almost the maximum output  
capability of the AD600. Results for the simultaneous mode can  
be seen in Figure 33. The S/ N ratio degrades uniformly as the  
gain is increased. Note that since the inverting gain control was  
used, the gain in this curve and in Figure 34 decreases for more  
positive values of the gain-control voltage.  
2
1
0
–1  
–2  
–3  
–4  
–5  
1  
10␮  
100␮  
1m  
10m  
100m  
1
10  
INPUT SIGNAL – V RMS  
Figure 30. VLOG Is Essentially Linear over the Full 120 dB  
Range  
–18–  
REV. D  
AD600/AD602  
2.0  
1.5  
1.0  
0.5  
In contrast, the S/N ratio for the sequential mode is shown in  
Figure 34. U1A always acts as a fixed noise source; varying its  
gain has no influence on the output noise. This is a feature of  
the X-AMP technique. Thus, for the first 40 dB of control  
range (actually slightly more, as explained below), when only  
this VCA section has its gain varied, the S/N ratio remains con-  
stant. During this time, the gains of U1B and U2A are at their  
minimum value of –1.07 dB.  
0.2  
0
–0.2  
–0.5  
–1.0  
90  
80  
70  
60  
50  
40  
30  
20  
–1.5  
–2.0  
1␮  
10␮  
100␮  
1m  
10m  
100m  
1
10  
INPUT SIGNAL – V RMS  
Figure 31. Error Ripple Due to the Individual  
Gain Functions  
400  
350  
300  
250  
200  
10  
0
–1.183 –0.558 0.067 0.692 1.317 1.942 2.567 3.192 3.817  
CONTROL VOLTAGE, V (31.25mV/dB) – V  
C
Figure 34. S/N Ratio vs. Control Voltage for Sequential  
Gain Control (Figure 29)  
For the next 40 dB of control range, the gain of U1A remains  
fixed at its maximum value of 41.07 dB and only the gain of  
U1B is varied, while that of U2A remains at its minimum value  
of –1.07 dB. In this interval, the fixed output noise of U1A is  
amplified by the increasing gain of U1B and the S/N ratio pro-  
gressively decreases.  
1␮  
10␮  
100␮  
1m  
10m  
100m  
1
10  
INPUT SIGNAL – V RMS  
Once U1B reaches its maximum gain of 41.07 dB, its output  
also becomes a gain independent noise source; this noise is  
presented to U2A. As the control voltage is further increased,  
the gains of both U1A and U1B remain fixed at their maximum  
value of 41.07 dB, and the S/N ratio continues to decrease.  
Figure 34 clearly shows this, because the maximum S/N ratio  
of 90 dB is extended for the first 40 dB of input signal before it  
starts to roll off.  
Figure 32. VAGC Remains Close to Its Setpoint of  
316 mV RMS over the Full 120 dB Range  
90  
80  
70  
60  
50  
40  
30  
20  
10  
0
This arrangement of staggered gains can be easily implemented  
because when the control inputs of the AD600 are overdriven,  
the gain limits to its maximum or minimum values without side  
effects. This eliminates the need for awkward nonlinear shaping  
circuits that have previously been used to break up the gain  
range of multistage AGC amplifiers. It is the precise values of the  
AD600’s maximum and minimum gain (not 0 dB and 40 dB  
but –1.07 dB and +41.07 dB) that explain the rather odd values  
of the offset values that are used.  
–833.2 –625.0 –416.6 –208.3  
0
208.3 416.6 625.0 833.2  
The optimization of the output S/N ratio is of obvious value in  
AGC systems. However, in applications where these circuits are  
considered for their wide range logarithmic measurement capa-  
bilities, the inevitable degradation of the S/N ratio at high gains  
need not seriously impair their utility. In fact, the bandwidth of  
the circuit shown in Figure 25 was specifically chosen to improve  
measurement accuracy by altering the shape of the log error curve  
(Figure 31) at low signal levels.  
CONTROL VOLTAGE, V (10.417mV/dB) – mV  
C
Figure 33. S/N Ratio vs. Control Voltage for Parallel Gain  
Control (Figure 25)  
REV. D  
–19–  
AD600/AD602  
OUTLINE DIMENSIONS  
Dimensions shown in inches and (mm)  
Dimensions shown in inches and (mm)  
16-Lead Plastic DIP Package  
(N-16)  
16-Lead Cerdip Package  
(Q-16)  
0.005  
(0.13)  
MIN  
0.098 (2.49)  
0.785 (19.94)  
0.765 (19.43)  
0.745 (18.92)  
0.285 (7.24)  
0.310 (7.87)  
0.220 (5.59)  
MAX  
0.295 (7.49)  
16  
9
8
PIN 1  
0.275 (6.99)  
1
16  
1
9
0.060 (1.52)  
0.015 (0.38)  
8
0.320 (8.13)  
0.290 (7.37)  
0.200 (5.08)  
MAX  
0.840 (21.34) MAX  
0.325 (8.26)  
0.310 (7.87)  
0.300 (7.62)  
0.100 (2.54)  
BSC  
0.150 (3.81)  
MIN  
0.015 (0.38)  
MIN  
0.150 (3.81)  
0.135 (3.43)  
0.120 (3.05)  
0.015 (0.38)  
0.008 (0.20)  
0.200 (5.08)  
0.125 (3.18)  
15  
0
0.180 (4.57)  
MAX  
SEATING  
PLANE  
0.070 (1.78)  
0.030 (0.76)  
0.100  
(2.54)  
BSC  
0.023 (0.58)  
0.014 (0.36)  
0.150 (3.81)  
0.130 (3.30)  
0.110 (2.79)  
0.015 (0.38)  
0.010 (0.25)  
0.008 (0.20)  
SEATING  
PLANE  
0.060 (1.52)  
0.050 (1.27)  
0.045 (1.14)  
0.022 (0.56)  
0.018 (0.46)  
0.014 (0.36)  
CONTROLLING DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES; MILLIMETERS DIMENSIONS  
(IN PARENTHESES) ARE ROUNDED-OFF INCH EQUIVALENTS FOR  
REFERENCE ONLY AND ARE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR USE IN DESIGN  
COMPLIANT TO JEDEC STANDARDS MO-095AC  
CONTROLLING DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES; MILLIMETER DIMENSIONS  
(IN PARENTHESES) ARE ROUNDED-OFF INCH EQUIVALENTS FOR  
REFERENCE ONLY AND ARE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR USE IN DESIGN  
Dimensions shown in millimeters and (inches)  
16-Lead SOIC Package  
(R-16)  
10.50 (0.4134)  
10.10 (0.3976)  
16  
1
9
8
7.60 (0.2992)  
7.40 (0.2913)  
10.65 (0.4193)  
10.00 (0.3937)  
1.27 (0.0500)  
BSC  
0.75 (0.0295)  
0.25 (0.0098)  
2.65 (0.1043)  
2.35 (0.0925)  
؋
 45؇  
0.30 (0.0118)  
0.10 (0.0039)  
8؇  
0؇  
0.51 (0.0201)  
0.31 (0.0122)  
SEATING  
PLANE  
1.27 (0.0500)  
0.40 (0.0157)  
0.33 (0.0130)  
0.20 (0.0079)  
COPLANARITY  
0.10  
COMPLIANT TO JEDEC STANDARDS MS-013AA  
CONTROLLING DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS; INCH DIMENSIONS  
(IN PARENTHESES) ARE ROUNDED-OFF MILLIMETER EQUIVALENTS FOR  
REFERENCE ONLY AND ARE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR USE IN DESIGN  
–20–  
REV. D  
AD600/AD602  
Revision History  
Location  
Page  
3/04—Data Sheet changed from REV. C to REV. D.  
Changes to SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
Changes to ORDERING GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3  
Changes to Figure 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8  
Changes to Figure 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18  
Updated OUTLINE DIMENSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20  
5/02—Data Sheet changed from REV. B to REV. C.  
Changes to SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
Renumber Tables and TPCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Global  
8/01—Data Sheet changed from REV. A to REV. B.  
Changes to Accuracy Section of AD600A/AD602A column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2  
REV. D  
–21–  
–22–  
–23–  
–24–  

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