AD641AP-REEL7 [ADI]

250 MHz Demodulating Logarithmic Amplifier;
AD641AP-REEL7
型号: AD641AP-REEL7
厂家: ADI    ADI
描述:

250 MHz Demodulating Logarithmic Amplifier

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250 MHz Demodulating  
Logarithmic Amplifier  
a
AD641  
FEATURES  
PIN CONFIGURATIONS  
Logarithmic Amplifier Performance  
Usable to 250 MHz  
44 dB Dynamic Range  
20-Lead Plastic DIP (N)  
20-Lead Cerdip (Q)  
؎2.0 dB Log Conformance  
37.5 mV/dB Voltage Output  
Stable Slope and Intercepts  
2.0 nV/Hz Input Noise Voltage  
50 V Input Offset Voltage  
Low Power  
؎5 V Supply Operation  
9 mA (+VS), 35 mA (–VS) Quiescent Current  
Onboard Resistors  
1
2
20  
19  
18  
17  
16  
15  
14  
13  
12  
11  
–INPUT  
ATN LO  
ATN COM  
ATN COM  
ATN IN  
+INPUT  
ATN OUT  
CKT COM  
RG1  
3
4
5
RG0  
AD641  
TOP VIEW  
(Not to Scale)  
6
BL1  
RG2  
7
–V  
S
LOG OUT  
LOG COM  
8
ITC  
BL2  
Onboard 10
؋
 Attenuator  
Dual Polarity Current Outputs  
Direct Coupled Differential Signal Path  
9
+V  
S
10  
–OUTPUT  
+OUTPUT  
APPLICATIONS  
20-Lead PLCC (P)  
IF/RF Signal Processing  
Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)  
High Speed Signal Compression  
High Speed Spectrum Analyzer  
ECM/Radar  
3
2
1
20 19  
PIN 1  
IDENTIFIER  
ATN COM  
ATN IN  
BL1  
4
5
6
7
8
18  
17  
16  
15  
14  
CKT COM  
RG1  
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION  
AD641  
TOP VIEW  
(Not to Scale)  
The AD641 is a 250 MHz, demodulating logarithmic amplifier  
with an accuracy of ±2.0 dB and 44 dB dynamic range. The  
AD641 uses a successive detection architecture to provide an  
output current that is logarithmically proportional to its input  
voltage. The output current can be converted to a voltage using  
one of several on-chip resistors to select the slope. A single  
AD641 provides up to 44 dB of dynamic range at speeds up to  
250 MHz, and two cascaded AD641s together can provide  
58 dB of dynamic range at speeds up to 250 MHz. The AD641  
is fully stable and well characterized over either the industrial or  
military temperature ranges.  
RG0  
–V  
S
RG2  
ITC  
LOG OUT  
9
10 11 12 13  
The 250 MHz bandwidth and temperature stability make this  
product ideal for high speed signal power measurement in RF/  
IF systems. ECM/Radar and Communication applications are  
routinely in the 100 MHz–180 MHz range for power measure-  
ment. The bandwidth and accuracy, as well as dynamic range,  
make this part ideal for high speed, wide dynamic range signals.  
The AD641 is not a logarithmic building block, but rather a  
complete logarithmic solution for compressing and measuring  
wide dynamic range signals. The AD641 is comprised of five  
stages and each stage has a full wave rectifier, whose current  
depends on the absolute value of its input voltage. The output  
of these stages are summed together to provide the demodulated  
output current scaled at 1 mA per decade (50 µA/dB).  
The AD641 is offered in industrial (–40°C to +85°C) and mili-  
tary (–55°C to +125°C) package temperature ranges. Industrial  
versions are available in plastic DIP and PLCC; MIL versions  
are packaged in cerdip.  
Without utilizing the 10× input attenuator, log conformance of  
2.0 dB is maintained over the input range –44 dBm to 0 dBm.  
The attenuator offers the most flexibility without significantly  
impacting performance.  
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, nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties  
which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or  
otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.  
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106, U.S.A.  
Tel: 781/329-4700  
Fax: 781/326-8703  
World Wide Web Site: http://www.analog.com  
© Analog Devices, Inc., 1999-2016  
AD641* PRODUCT PAGE QUICK LINKS  
Last Content Update: 02/23/2017  
COMPARABLE PARTS  
View a parametric search of comparable parts.  
DESIGN RESOURCES  
AD641 Material Declaration  
PCN-PDN Information  
Quality And Reliability  
Symbols and Footprints  
DOCUMENTATION  
Data Sheet  
AD641: 250 MHz Demodulating Logarithmic Amplifier  
Data Sheet  
DISCUSSIONS  
View all AD641 EngineerZone Discussions.  
AD641: Military Data Sheet  
Product Highlight  
Industrial Applications  
SAMPLE AND BUY  
Visit the product page to see pricing options.  
TOOLS AND SIMULATIONS  
• ADIsimPLL™  
TECHNICAL SUPPORT  
ADIsimRF  
Submit a technical question or find your regional support  
number.  
REFERENCE MATERIALS  
Informational  
DOCUMENT FEEDBACK  
Submit feedback for this data sheet.  
ADI Warns Against Misuse of COTS Integrated Circuits  
Product Selection Guide  
RF Source Booklet  
Space Qualified Parts List  
Technical Articles  
Design a Logamp RF Pulse Detector  
Detecting Fast RF Bursts using Log Amps  
Log Amps and Directional Couplers Enable VSWR  
Detection  
Make Precise Base-Station Power Measurements  
Measurement and Control of RF Power, Part I  
Measurement and Control of RF Power, Part II  
Measurement and Control of RF Power, Part III  
Measuring the RF Power in CDMA2000 and W-CDMA High  
Power Amplifiers (HPAs)  
Measuring VSWR and Gain in Wireless Systems  
This page is dynamically generated by Analog Devices, Inc., and inserted into this data sheet. A dynamic change to the content on this page will not  
trigger a change to either the revision number or the content of the product data sheet. This dynamic page may be frequently modified.  
AD641–SPECIFICATIONS  
(V = ؎5 V; T = +25؇C, unless otherwise noted)  
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS  
S
A
AD641A  
Typ  
AD641S  
Typ  
Parameter  
Conditions  
Min  
Max  
Min  
Max  
Units  
TRANSFER FUNCTION1  
(IOUT = IY LOG |VIN/VX|for VIN = 0.75 mV to ±200 mV dc)  
LOG AMPLIFIER PERFORMANCE  
3 dB Bandwidth  
Voltage Compliance Range  
Slope Current, IY  
Accuracy vs. Temperature  
Over Temperature  
Intercept dBm  
250  
250  
MHz  
V
mA  
%/°C  
mA  
–0.3  
0.98  
+VS – 1 –0.3  
+VS – 1  
1.02  
1.00  
0.002  
1.02  
0.98  
1.00  
0.002  
TMIN to TMAX  
250 MHz  
TMIN to TMAX, 250 MHz  
0.96  
1.02  
41.06 –40.51 –39.96 –41.06 –40.51  
–39.96 dBm  
Over Temperature  
41.34  
–39.47  
dBm  
mA  
mA  
mA  
Zero Signal Output Current2  
ITC Disabled  
–0.2  
–0.27  
–0.2  
–0.27  
Pin 8 to COM  
Maximum Output Current  
2.3  
2.3  
DYNAMIC RANGE  
Single Configuration  
Over Temperature  
Dual Configuration  
Over Temperature  
44  
40  
58  
52  
44  
38  
58  
52  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
TMIN to TMAX  
TMIN to TMAX  
LOG CONFORMANCE  
Single Configuration  
Over Temperature  
f = 250 MHz  
–44 dBm to 0 dBm  
–42 dBm to –4 dBm; TMIN to TMAX  
–42 dBm to –2 dBm, TMIN to TMAX  
S: –60 dBm to –2 dBm;  
±0.5  
±2.0  
±0.5  
±1.0  
±2.0  
±2.5  
dB  
dB  
±1.0  
±0.5  
±1.0  
±2.5  
±2.0  
±2.5  
Dual Configuration  
Over Temperature  
±0.5  
±1.0  
±2.0  
±2.5  
dB  
dB  
A: –56 dBm to –4 dBm, TMIN to TMAX  
LIMITER CHARACTERISTICS  
Flatness  
Phase Variation  
–44 dBm to 0 dBm @ 10.7 MHz  
–44 dBm to 0 dBm @ 10.7 MHz  
±1.6  
±2.0  
±1.6  
±2.0  
dB  
Degrees  
INPUT CHARACTERISTICS  
Input Resistance  
Input Offset Voltage  
vs. Temperature  
Over Temperature  
vs. Supply  
Input Bias Current  
Input Bias Offset  
Differential  
Differential  
500  
50  
0.8  
500  
50  
0.8  
kΩ  
µV  
µV/°C  
µV  
µV/V  
µA  
200  
200  
300  
25  
TMIN to TMAX  
2
7
1
2
7
1
25  
µA  
Common Mode Input Range  
–2  
+0.3  
–2  
+0.3  
V
SIGNAL INPUT (Pins 1, 20)  
Input Capacitance  
Noise Spectral Density  
Tangential Sensitivity  
Either Pin to COM  
1 kHz to 10 MHz  
BW = 100 MHz  
2
2
–72  
2
2
–72  
pF  
nV/Hz  
dBm  
INPUT ATTENUATOR  
(Pins 2, 3, 4, 5 & 19)  
Attenuation3  
Pins 5 to Pin 19  
Pins 5 to 3/4  
20  
300  
20  
300  
dB  
Input Resistance  
APPLICATION RESISTORS  
(Pins 15, 16, 17)  
0.995 1.000 1.005  
0.995 1.000  
1.005  
kΩ  
OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS  
(Pins 10, 11)  
Peak Differential Output4  
Output Resistance  
Quiescent Output Voltage  
±180  
75  
–90  
±180  
75  
–90  
mV  
mV  
Either Pin to COM  
Either Pin to COM  
POWER SUPPLY  
Voltage Supply Range  
Quiescent Current  
+VS (Pin 12)  
±4.5  
±7.5  
±4.5  
±7.5  
V
TMIN to TMAX  
TMIN to TMAX  
9
35  
15  
60  
9
35  
15  
60  
mA  
mA  
–VS (Pin 7)  
NOTES  
1Logarithms to base 10 are used throughout. The response is independent of the sign of VIN  
.
2The zero-signal current is a function of temperature unless internal temperature compensation (ITC) pin is grounded.  
3Attenuation ratio trimmed to calibrate intercept to 10 mV when in use. It has a temperature coefficient of +0.3%/°C.  
4The fully limited signal output will appear to be a square wave; its amplitude is proportional to absolute temperature.  
Specifications subject to change without notice.  
–2–  
REV. D  
AD641  
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS*  
THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS  
Supply Voltages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ±7.5 V  
Input Voltage (Pin 1 or Pin 20 to COM) . . . –3 V to +300 mV  
Attenuator Input Voltage (Pin 5 to Pin 3/4) . . . . . . . . . . . ±4 V  
Storage Temperature Range, Q . . . . . . . . . . –65°C to +150°C  
Storage Temperature Range, N, P . . . . . . . . –65°C to +125°C  
Ambient Temperature Range, Rated Performance  
Industrial, AD641A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . –40°C to +85°C  
Military, AD641S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . –55°C to +125°C  
Lead Temperature Range (Soldering 60 sec) . . . . . . . . +300°C  
JA  
(؇C/W)  
JC  
(؇C/W)  
20-Lead Plastic DIP Package (N)  
20-Lead Cerdip Package (Q)  
24  
25  
61  
85  
75  
20-Lead Plastic Leadless Chip Carrier (P) 28  
*Stresses 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 adversely affect device reliability.  
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 AD641 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  
Revision History  
6/2016--Rev. C to Rev. D  
Changes to Log Amplifier Performance, Slope  
Current, IY Over Temperature Parameter  
(AD641S Only)...........................................................2  
Changes to Log Amplifier Performance, Intercept  
dBm Parameter...........................................................2  
Changes to Log Amplifier Performance, Intercept  
dBm, Over Temperature Parameter........................2  
Added Revision History Section..............................3  
Updated Outline Dimensions................................16  
Moved Ordering Guide...........................................16  
REV. D  
–3–  
AD641–Typical DC Performance Characteristics  
1.015  
1.010  
1.005  
1
1.20  
1.15  
1.10  
1.05  
1.00  
0.95  
1.006  
1.004  
1.002  
1.000  
0.998  
0.996  
0.994  
0.995  
0.990  
0.985  
0.980  
0.90  
0.85  
4.5  
5.0  
5.5  
6.0  
6.5  
7.0  
7.5  
–60 –40 –20  
0
20 40 60 80 100 120 140  
–60 –40 –20  
0
20 40 60 80 100 120 140  
POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGES – ؎ Volts  
TEMPERATURE – ؇C  
TEMPERATURE – ؇C  
Figure 2. Intercept Voltage, VX, vs.  
Temperature  
Figure 3. Slope Current, IY, vs. Supply  
Voltages  
Figure 1. Slope Current, IY, vs.  
Temperature  
14  
13  
12  
11  
10  
9
1.015  
1.010  
1.005  
+0.4  
+0.3  
INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE  
DEVIATION WILL BE WITHIN  
SHADED AREA.  
+0.2  
+0.1  
0
1.000  
0.995  
0.990  
0.985  
–0.1  
–0.2  
–0.3  
8
7
–60 –40 –20  
0
20 40 60 80 100 120 140  
–60 –40 –20  
0
20 40 60 80 100 120 140  
4.5  
5.0  
5.5  
6.0  
6.5  
7.0  
7.5  
TEMPERATURE – ؇C  
TEMPERATURE – ؇C  
POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGES – ؎ Volts  
Figure 6. Input Offset Voltage Devia-  
tion vs. Temperature  
Figure 5. Intercept Voltage (Using  
Attenuator) vs. Temperature  
Figure 4. Intercept Voltage, VX, vs.  
Supply Voltages  
2.5  
2.0  
1.5  
1.0  
0.5  
0
2
1
0
2.5  
2.0  
1.5  
1.0  
0.5  
0
2.4  
2.2  
2.0  
1.8  
1.6  
1.4  
1.2  
1.0  
0.8  
0.6  
0.4  
0.2  
0
–0.2  
–0.4  
0.1  
1.0  
10.0  
100.0  
1000.0  
–60 –40 –20  
0
20 40 60 80 100 120 140  
–60 –40 –20  
0
20 40 60 80 100 120 140  
INPUT VOLTAGE – mV  
(EITHER SIGN)  
TEMPERATURE – ؇C  
TEMPERATURE – ؇C  
Figure 8. Absolute Error vs. Tempera-  
ture, VIN = ±1 mV to ±100 mV  
Figure 9. Absolute Error vs. Tempera-  
ture, Using Attenuator. VIN = ±10 mV  
to ±1 V, Pin 8 Grounded to Disable ITC  
Bias  
Figure 7. DC Logarithmic Transfer  
Function and Error Curve for Single  
AD641  
–4–  
REV. D  
Typical AC Performance CharacteristicsAD641  
–2.00  
–1.75  
–1.50  
–1.25  
–1.00  
–0.75  
–0.50  
–0.25  
–0.00  
0.25  
5
–2.25  
–2.00  
–1.75  
–1.50  
–1.25  
–1.00  
–0.75  
–0.50  
50MHz  
+125؇C  
4
+125؇C  
+25؇C  
150MHz  
190MHz  
210MHz  
250MHz  
3
2
–55؇C  
+25؇C  
1
ERROR  
–55؇C  
0
+125؇C  
–1  
–2  
–3  
–4  
–5  
+25؇C  
–55؇C  
+125؇C  
OUTPUT  
–0.25  
0.00  
+25؇C  
–55؇C  
–52 –48 –44  
0.50  
0.25  
–36 –32 –28 –24 –20 –16 –12 –8 –4 0 2  
INPUT LEVEL – dBm  
–40  
–52 –48 –44  
–36 –32 –28 –24 –20 –16 –12 –8 –4 0 2  
INPUT LEVEL – dBm  
–40  
Figure 13. Logarithmic Response and Linearity at  
200 MHz, TA for TA = –55°C, +25°C, +125°C  
Figure 10. AC Response at 50 MHz, 150 MHz, 190 MHz,  
210 MHz at 250 MHz, vs. dBm Input (Sinusoidal Input)  
1.0  
0.95  
0.90  
0.85  
87.5  
85.0  
82.5  
80.0  
77.5  
75.0  
0.80  
0.75  
72.5  
70.0  
50  
150  
190  
210  
250  
50  
100  
150  
170  
190  
210  
230  
250  
INPUT FREQUENCY – MHz  
INPUT FREQUENCY – MHz  
Figure 11. Intercept Level (dBm) vs. Frequency (Cascaded  
AD641s—Sinusoidal Input)  
Figure 14. Slope Current, IY, vs. Input Frequency  
Figure 12. Baseband Pulse Response of Single AD641,  
Inputs of 1 mV, 10 mV and 100 mV  
Figure 15. Baseband Pulse Response of Cascaded AD641s  
at Inputs of 0.2 mV, 2 mV, 20 mV and 200 mV  
REV. D  
–5–  
 
AD641  
LOG OUT  
Q9  
LOG COM  
Q10  
CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION  
The AD641 uses five cascaded limiting amplifiers to approxi-  
mate a logarithmic response to an input signal of wide dynamic  
range and wide bandwidth. This type of logarithmic amplifier  
has traditionally been assembled from several small scale ICs  
and numerous external components. The performance of these  
semidiscrete circuits is often unsatisfactory. In particular, the  
logarithmic slope and intercept (see FUNDAMENTALS OF  
LOGARITHMIC CONVERSION) are usually not very stable  
in the presence of supply and temperature variations even after  
laborious and expensive individual calibration. The AD641 em-  
ploys high precision analog circuit techniques to ensure stability  
of scaling over wide variations in supply voltage and tempera-  
ture. Laser trimming, using ac stimuli and operating conditions  
similar to those encountered in practice, provides fully cali-  
brated logarithmic conversion.  
COMMON  
R3  
75  
R4  
75⍀  
Q1  
SIG  
IN  
SIG  
OUT  
Q2  
R1  
85⍀  
R2  
85⍀  
Q5 Q6  
Q8  
Q7  
Q4  
Q3  
–V  
S
2.18mA  
PTAT  
1.09mA 1.09mA  
PTAT PTAT  
565A  
565A  
Figure 16. Simplified Schematic of a Single AD641 Stage  
Each of the amplifier/limiter stages in the AD641 has a small  
signal voltage gain of 10 dB (×3.162) and a –3 dB bandwidth of  
350 MHz. Fully differential direct coupling is used throughout.  
This eliminates the many interstage coupling capacitors usually  
required in ac applications, and simplifies low frequency signal  
processing, for example, in audio and sonar systems. The AD641  
is intended for use in demodulating applications. Each stage  
incorporates a detector (a full-wave transconductance rectifier)  
whose output current depends on the absolute value of its input  
voltage.  
By summing the signals at the output of the detectors, a good  
approximation to a logarithmic transfer function can be achieved.  
The lower the stage gain, the more accurate the approximation,  
but more stages are then needed to cover a given dynamic range.  
The choice of 10 dB results in a theoretical periodic deviation or  
ripple in the transfer function of ±0.15 dB from the ideal re-  
sponse when the input is either a dc voltage or a square wave.  
The slope of the transfer function is unaffected by the input  
waveform; however, the intercept and ripple are waveform de-  
pendent (see EFFECT OF WAVEFORM ON INTERCEPT).  
The input will usually be an amplitude modulated sinusoidal  
carrier. In these circumstances the output is a fluctuating cur-  
rent at twice the carrier frequency (because of the full wave  
detection) whose average value is extracted by an external low  
pass filter, which recovers a logarithmic measure of the base-  
band signal.  
Figure 16 is a simplified schematic of one stage of the AD641.  
All transistors in the basic cell operate at near zero collector to  
base voltage and low bias currents, resulting in low levels of  
thermally induced distortion. These arise when power shifts  
from one set of transistors to another during large input signals.  
Rapid recovery is essential when a small signal immediately  
follows a large one. This low power operation also contributes  
significantly to the excellent long term calibration stability of the  
AD641.  
Circuit Operation  
With reference to Figure 16, the transconductance pair Q7, Q8  
and load resistors R3 and R4 form a limiting amplifier having a  
small signal gain of 10 dB, set by the tail current of nominally  
2.18 mA at 27°C. This current is basically proportional to abso-  
lute temperature (PTAT) but includes additional current to  
compensate for finite beta and junction resistance. The limiting  
output voltage is ±180 mV at +27°C and is PTAT. Emitter  
followers Q1 and Q2 raise the input resistance of the stage,  
provide level shifting to introduce collector bias for the gain  
stage and detectors, reduce offset drift by forming a thermally  
balanced quad with Q7 and Q8 and generate the detector bias-  
ing across resistors R1 and R2.  
The complete AD641, shown in Figure 17, includes two bias  
regulators. One determines the small signal gain of the ampli-  
fier stages; the other determines the logarithmic slope. These  
bias regulators maintain a high degree of stability in the re-  
sulting function by compensating for potentially large uncer-  
tainties in transistor parameters, temperature and supply  
voltages. A third biasing block is used to accurately control  
the logarithmic intercept.  
LOG COM  
RG1  
17  
RG0  
16  
RG2  
15  
LOG OUT  
14  
1k  
1k⍀  
COM  
13  
18  
+V  
S
INTERCEPT POSITIONING BIAS  
12  
FULL-WAVE  
DETECTOR  
FULL-WAVE  
DETECTOR  
FULL-WAVE  
DETECTOR  
FULL-WAVE  
DETECTOR  
FULL-WAVE  
DETECTOR  
ATN OUT 19  
20  
1
SIG +IN  
SIG –IN  
11 SIG +OUT  
10dB  
10dB  
10dB  
10dB  
10dB  
10  
SIG –OUT  
AMPLIFIER/LIMITER  
AMPLIFIER/LIMITER  
AMPLIFIER/LIMITER  
AMPLIFIER/LIMITER  
AMPLIFIER/LIMITER  
2
ATN LO  
27⍀  
3
ATN COM  
ATN COM  
9
8
BL2  
ITC  
270⍀  
30⍀  
4
SLOPE BIAS REGULATOR  
5
6
GAIN BIAS REGULATOR  
7
–V  
ATN IN  
BL1  
S
Figure 17. Block Diagram of the Complete AD641  
–6–  
REV. D  
 
AD641  
2.5  
2.0  
1.5  
1.0  
Transistors Q3 through Q6 form the full wave detector, whose  
output is buffered by the cascodes Q9 and Q10. For zero input  
Q3 and Q5 conduct only a small amount (a total of about 32 µA)  
of the 565 µA tail currents supplied to pairs Q3–Q4 and Q5–Q6.  
This “pedestal” current flows in output cascode Q9 to the LOG  
OUT node (Pin 14). When driven to the peak output of the  
preceding stage, Q3 or Q5 (depending on signal polarity) con-  
ducts most of the tail current, and the output rises to 532 µA.  
The LOG OUT current has thus changed by 500 µA as the  
input has changed from zero to its maximum value. Since the  
detectors are spaced at 10 dB intervals, the output increases by  
50 µA/dB, or 1 mA per decade. This scaling parameter is trimmed  
to absolute accuracy using a 2 kHz square wave. At frequencies  
near the system bandwidth, the slope is reduced due to the  
reduced output of the limiter stages, but it is still relatively in-  
sensitive to temperature variations so that a simple external  
slope adjustment can restore scaling accuracy.  
1
0
+25؇C  
–55؇C  
–1  
–2  
+85؇C  
+125؇C  
0.5  
0
–0.5  
0.1  
10  
100  
INPUT VOLTAGE – mV  
1000  
10000  
Figure 19. Logarithmic Output and Absolute Error vs. DC  
or Square Wave Input at TA = –55°C, +25°C, +85°C and  
+125°C. Input via On-Chip Attenuator  
The intercept position bias generator (Figure 17) removes the  
pedestal current from the summed detector outputs. It is ad-  
justed during manufacture such that the output (flowing into  
Pin 14) is 1 mA when a 2 kHz square-wave input of exactly  
±10 mV is applied to the AD641. This places the dc intercept at  
precisely 1 mV. The LOG COM output (Pin 13) is the comple-  
ment of LOG OUT. It also has a 1 mV intercept, but with an  
inverted slope of –1 mA/decade. Because its pedestal is very  
large (equivalent to about 100 dB), its intercept voltage is not  
guaranteed. The intercept positioning currents include a special  
internal temperature compensation (ITC) term which can be  
disabled by connecting Pin 8 to ground.  
showing the outputs at temperatures of –55°C, +25°C and  
+125°C. While the slope and intercept are seen to be little af-  
fected by temperature, there is a lateral shift in the end points of  
the “linear” region of the transfer function, which reduces the  
effective dynamic range.  
The on chip attenuator can be used to handle input levels 20 dB  
higher, that is, from ±7.5 mV to ±2 V for dc or square wave  
inputs. It is specially designed to have a positive temperature  
coefficient and is trimmed to position the intercept at 10 mV dc  
(or –24 dBm for a sinusoidal input) over the full temperature  
range. When using the attenuator the internal bias compensa-  
tion should be disabled by grounding Pin 8. Figure 19 shows  
the output at –55°C, +25°C, +85°C and +125°C for a single,  
AD641 with the attenuator in use; the curves overlap almost  
perfectly, and the lateral shift in the transfer function does not  
occur. Therefore, the full dynamic range is available at all  
temperatures.  
The logarithmic function of the AD641 is absolutely calibrated  
to within ±0.3 dB (or ±15 µA) for 2 kHz square-wave inputs of  
±1 mV to ±100 mV, and to within ±1 dB between ±750 µV and  
±200 mV. Figure 18 is a typical plot of the dc transfer function,  
2.5  
The output of the final limiter is available in differential form at  
Pins 10 and 11. The output impedance is 75 to ground from  
either pin. For most input levels, this output will appear to have  
roughly a square waveform. The signal path may be extended  
using these outputs (see OPERATION OF CASCADED  
AD641s). The logarithmic outputs from two or more AD641s  
can be directly summed with full accuracy.  
3
+125؇C  
2
+25؇C  
–55؇C  
2.0  
1.5  
1.0  
1
0
–1  
–2  
–55؇C  
+25؇C  
+125؇C  
A pair of 1 kapplications resistors, RG1 and RG2 (Figure 17)  
are accessed via Pins 15, 16 and 17. These can be used to con-  
vert an output current to a voltage, with a slope of 1 V/decade  
(using one resistor), 2 V/decade (both resistors in series) or  
0.5 V/decade (both in parallel). Using all the resistors from two  
AD641s (for example, in a cascaded configuration) ten slope  
options from 0.25 V to 4 V/decade are available.  
0.5  
0
–0.5  
0.1  
1.0  
10.0  
INPUT VOLTAGE – mV  
100.0  
1000.0  
Figure 18. Logarithmic Output and Absolute Error vs. DC  
or Square Wave Input at TA = –55°C, +25°C, and +125°C,  
Input Direct to Pins 1 and 20  
REV. D  
–7–  
 
 
 
 
AD641  
FUNDAMENTALS OF LOGARITHMIC CONVERSION  
The conversion of a signal to its equivalent logarithmic value  
involves a nonlinear operation, the consequences of which can be  
very confusing if not fully understood. It is important to realize  
from the outset that many of the familiar concepts of linear  
circuits are of little relevance in this context. For example, the  
incremental gain of an ideal logarithmic converter approaches  
infinity as the input approaches zero. Further, an offset at the  
output of a linear amplifier is simply equivalent to an offset at  
the input, while in a logarithmic converter it is equivalent to a  
change of amplitude at the input—a very different relationship.  
IY, the Slope Current, is 1 mA. The current output can readily  
be converted to a voltage with a slope of 1 V/decade, for ex-  
ample, using one of the 1 kresistors provided for this purpose,  
in conjunction with an op amp, as shown in Figure 21.  
1mA PER DECADE  
R2  
R1  
48.7⍀  
C1  
330pF  
AD846  
OUTPUT VOLTAGE  
1V PER DECADE  
FOR R2 = 1k⍀  
We assume a dc signal in the following discussion to simplify the  
concepts; ac behavior and the effect of input waveform on cali-  
bration are discussed later. A logarithmic converter having a  
voltage input VIN and output VOUT must satisfy a transfer func-  
tion of the form  
100mV PER dB  
FOR R2 = 2k⍀  
12  
15  
14  
13  
11  
LOG  
OUT  
LOG +V SIG  
S
COM  
+OUT  
AD641  
SIG  
–V  
ITC  
8
BL2  
9
S
–OUT  
6
7
10  
VOUT = VY LOG (VIN/VX)  
Equation (1)  
Figure 21. Using an External Op Amp to Convert the  
AD641 Output Current to a Buffered Voltage Output  
where VY and VX are fixed voltages which determine the scaling  
of the converter. The input is divided by a voltage because the  
argument of a logarithm has to be a simple ratio. The logarithm  
must be multiplied by a voltage to develop a voltage output.  
These operations are not, of course, carried out by explicit com-  
putational elements, but are inherent in the behavior of the  
converter. For stable operation, VX and VY must be based on  
sound design criteria and rendered stable over wide temperature  
and supply voltage extremes. This aspect of RF logarithmic  
amplifier design has traditionally received little attention.  
Intercept Stabilization  
Internally, the intercept voltage is a fraction of the thermal volt-  
age kT/q, that is, VX = VXOT/TO, where VXO is the value of VX  
at a reference temperature TO. So the uncorrected transfer  
function has the form:  
I
OUT = IY LOG (VIN TO/VXOT)  
Equation (3)  
Now, if the amplitude of the signal input VIN could somehow be  
rendered PTAT, the intercept would be stable with tempera-  
ture, since the temperature dependence in both the numerator  
and denominator of the logarithmic argument would cancel.  
This is what is actually achieved by interposing the on-chip  
attenuator, which has the necessary temperature dependence to  
cause the input to the first stage to vary in proportion to abso-  
lute temperature. The end limits of the dynamic range are now  
totally independent of temperature. Consequently, this is the pre-  
ferred method of intercept stabilization for applications where  
the input signal is sufficiently large.  
When VIN = VX, the logarithm is zero. VX is, therefore, called  
the Intercept Voltage, because a graph of VOUT versus LOG  
(VIN)—ideally a straight line—crosses the horizontal axis at this  
point (see Figure 20). For the AD641, VX is calibrated to ex-  
actly 1 mV. The slope of the line is directly proportional to VY.  
Base 10 logarithms are used in this context to simplify the rela-  
tionship to decibel values. For VIN = 10 VX, the logarithm has a  
value of 1, so the output voltage is VY. At VIN = 100 VX, the  
output is 2 VY, and so on. VY can therefore be viewed either as  
the Slope Voltage or as the Volts per Decade Factor.  
When the attenuator is not used, the PTAT variation in VX will  
result in the intercept being temperature dependent. Near 300K  
(+27°C) it will vary by 20 LOG (301/300) dB/°C, about 0.03 dB/  
°C. Unless corrected, the whole output function would drift up  
or down by this amount with changes in temperature. In the  
AD641 a temperature compensating current IYLOG(T/TO) is  
added to the output. This effectively maintains a constant inter-  
cept VXO. This correction is active in the default state (Pin 8  
open circuited). When using the attenuator, Pin 8 should be  
grounded, which disables the compensation current. The drift  
term needs to be compensated only once; when the outputs of  
two AD641s are summed, Pin 8 should be grounded on at least  
one of the two devices (both if the attenuator is used).  
The AD641 conforms to Equation (1) except that its two out-  
puts are in the form of currents, rather than voltages:  
IOUT = IY LOG (VIN/VX)  
Equation (2)  
V LOG (V /V )  
Y
IN  
X
IDEAL  
ACTUAL  
2V  
Y
SLOPE = V  
Y
Y
Y
Conversion Range  
+
Practical logarithmic converters have an upper and lower limit  
on the input, beyond which errors increase rapidly. The upper  
limit occurs when the first stage in the chain is driven into limit-  
ing. Above this, no further increase in the output can occur and  
the transfer function flattens off. The lower limit arises because  
a finite number of stages provide finite gain, and therefore at  
low signal levels the system becomes a simple linear amplifier.  
0
ACTUAL  
INPUT ON  
LOG SCALE  
V
= V  
X
V
= 10V  
V
= 100V  
IN  
IN  
X
IN X  
IDEAL  
Figure 20. Basic DC Transfer Function of the AD641  
–8–  
REV. D  
 
 
 
 
AD641  
2
0
Note that this lower limit is not determined by the intercept  
voltage, VX; it can occur either above or below VX, depending  
on the design. When using two AD641s in cascade, input offset  
voltage and wideband noise are the major limitations to low  
level accuracy. Offset can be eliminated in various ways. Noise  
can only be reduced by lowering the system bandwidth, using a  
filter between the two devices.  
SQUARE  
WAVE INPUT  
–2  
–4  
–6  
–8  
–10  
SINE WAVE  
INPUT  
EFFECT OF WAVEFORM ON INTERCEPT  
The absolute value response of the AD641 allows inputs of  
either polarity to be accepted. Thus, the logarithmic output in  
response to an amplitude-symmetric square wave is a steady  
value. For a sinusoidal input the fluctuating output current will  
usually be low-pass filtered to extract the baseband signal. The  
unfiltered output is at twice the carrier frequency, simplifying the  
design of this filter when the video bandwidth must be maxi-  
mized. The averaged output depends on waveform in a roughly  
analogous way to waveform dependence of rms value. The effect  
is to change the apparent intercept voltage. The intercept volt-  
age appears to be doubled for a sinusoidal input, that is, the  
averaged output in response to a sine wave of amplitude (not rms  
value) of 20 mV would be the same as for a dc or square wave  
input of 10 mV. Other waveforms will result in different inter-  
cept factors. An amplitude-symmetric-rectangular waveform has  
the same intercept as a dc input, while the average of a base-  
band unipolar pulse can be determined by multiplying the  
response to a dc input of the same amplitude by the duty cycle.  
It is important to understand that in responding to pulsed RF  
signals it is the waveform of the carrier (usually sinusoidal) not  
the modulation envelope, that determines the effective intercept  
voltage. Table I shows the effective intercept and resulting deci-  
bel offset for commonly occurring waveforms. The input wave-  
form does not affect the slope of the transfer function. Figure 22  
shows the absolute deviation from the ideal response of cascaded  
AD641s for three common waveforms at input levels from  
–80 dBV to –10 dBV. The measured sine wave and triwave  
responses are 6 dB and 8.7 dB, respectively, below the square  
wave response—in agreement with theory.  
TRIWAVE  
INPUT  
–80  
–70  
–60  
–50  
–40  
–30  
–20  
–10  
INPUT AMPLITUDE IN dB ABOVE 1V, AT 10kHz  
Figure 22. Deviation from Exact Logarithmic Transfer  
Function for Two Cascaded AD641s, Showing Effect of  
Waveform on Calibration and Linearity  
By contrast, a general time varying signal has a continuum of  
values within each cycle of its waveform. The averaged output is  
thereby “smoothed” because the periodic deviations away from  
the ideal response, as the waveform “sweeps over” the transfer  
function, tend to cancel. This smoothing effect is greatest for a  
triwave input, as demonstrated in Figure 22.  
The accuracy at low signal inputs is also waveform dependent.  
The detectors are not perfect absolute value circuits, having a  
sharp “corner” near zero; in fact they become parabolic at low  
levels and behave as if there were a dead zone. Consequently,  
the output tends to be higher than ideal. When there are enough  
stages in the system, as when two AD641s are connected in  
cascade, most detectors will be adequately loaded due to the  
high overall gain, but a single AD641 does not have sufficient  
gain to maintain high accuracy for low level sine wave or triwave  
inputs. Figure 23 shows the absolute deviation from calibration  
for the same three waveforms for a single AD641. For inputs  
between –10 dBV and –40 dBV the vertical displacement of the  
traces for the various waveforms remains in agreement with the  
predicted dependence, but significant calibration errors arise at  
low signal levels.  
Table I.  
Input  
Waveform  
Peak  
or rms  
Intercept  
Factor  
Error (Relative  
to a DC Input)  
4
2
SQUARE  
WAVE INPUT  
Square Wave  
Sine Wave  
Sine Wave  
Triwave  
Triwave  
Gaussian Noise  
Either  
Peak  
rms  
Peak  
rms  
1
2
0.00 dB  
–6.02 dB  
–3.01 dB  
–8.68 dB  
–3.91 dB  
–5.52 dB  
0
1.414 (2)  
2.718 (e)  
1.569 (e/3)  
1.887  
–2  
–4  
–6  
SINE WAVE  
INPUT  
rms  
Logarithmic Conformance and Waveform  
–8  
–10  
–12  
The waveform also affects the ripple, or periodic deviation from  
an ideal logarithmic response. The ripple is greatest for dc or  
square wave inputs because every value of the input voltage  
maps to a single location on the transfer function and thus traces  
out the full nonlinearities in the logarithmic response.  
TRIWAVE  
INPUT  
–70  
–60  
–50  
–40  
–30  
–20  
–10  
INPUT AMPLITUDE IN dB ABOVE 1V, AT 10kHz  
Figure 23. Deviation from Exact Logarithmic Transfer  
Function for a Single AD641, Compare Low Level  
Response with That of Figure 22  
REV. D  
–9–  
 
 
 
AD641  
SIGNAL MAGNITUDE  
often referred to as the logarithmic offset. For dc or square wave  
inputs, VX is 1 mV so the numerical value of XdBV is –60, and  
Equation (4) becomes  
The AD641 is a calibrated device. It is, therefore, important to  
be clear in specifying the signal magnitude under all waveform  
conditions. For dc or square wave inputs there is, of course, no  
ambiguity. Bounded periodic signals, such as sinusoids and  
triwaves, can be specified in terms of their simple amplitude  
(peak value) or alternatively by their rms value (which is a mea-  
sure of power when the impedance is specified). It is generally bet-  
ter to define this type of signal in terms of its amplitude because  
the AD641 response is a consequence of the input voltage, not  
power. However, provided that the appropriate value of inter-  
cept for a specific waveform is observed, rms measures may be  
used. Random waveforms can only be specified in terms of rms  
value because their peak value may be unbounded, as is the case  
for Gaussian noise. These must be treated on a case-by-case  
basis. The effective intercept given in Table I should be used for  
Gaussian noise inputs.  
I
OUT = 50 µA (InputdBV + 60)  
Equation (5)  
Alternatively, for a sinusoidal input measured in dBm (power in  
dB above 1 mW in a 50 system) the output can be written  
IOUT = 50 µA (InputdBm + 44)  
Equation (6)  
because the intercept for a sine wave expressed in volts rms is at  
1.414 mV (from Table I) or –44 dBm.  
OPERATION OF A SINGLE AD641  
Figure 24 shows the basic connections for a single device, using  
100 load resistors. Output A is a negative going voltage with a  
slope of –100 mV per decade; output B is positive going with a  
slope of +100 mV per decade. For applications where absolute  
calibration of the intercept is essential, the main output (from  
LOG OUT, Pin 14) should be used; the LOG COM output can  
then be grounded. To evaluate the demodulation response, a  
simple low pass output filter having a time constant of roughly  
500 µs (3 dB corner of 320 Hz) is provided by a 4.7 µF (–20%  
+80%) ceramic capacitor (Erie type RPE117-Z5U-475-K50V)  
placed across the load. A DVM may be used to measure the  
averaged output in verification tests. The voltage compliance at  
Pins 13 and 14 extends from 0.3 V below ground up to 1 V  
below +VS. Since the current into Pin 14 is from –0.2 mA at  
zero signal to +2.3 mA when fully limited (dc input of >300 mV)  
the output never drops below –230 mV. On the other hand, the  
current out of Pin 13 ranges from –0.2 mA to +2.3 mA, and if  
desired, a load resistor of up to 2 kcan be used on this output;  
the slope would then be 2 V per decade. Use of the LOG COM  
output in this way provides a numerically correct decibel read-  
ing on a DVM (+100 mV = +1.00 dB).  
On the other hand, for bounded signals the amplitude can be  
expressed either in volts or dBV (decibels relative to 1 V). For  
example, a sine wave or triwave of 1 mV amplitude can also be  
defined as an input of –60 dBV, one of 100 mV amplitude as  
–20 dBV, and so on. RMS value is usually expressed in dBm  
(decibels above 1 mW) for a specified impedance level. Through-  
out this data sheet we assume a 50 environment, the customary  
impedance level for high speed systems, when referring to signal pow-  
ers in dBm. Bearing in mind the above discussion of the effect of  
waveform on the intercept calibration of the AD641, it will be  
apparent that a sine wave at a power of, say, –10 dBm will not  
produce the same output as a triwave or square wave of the  
same power. Thus, a sine wave at a power level of –10 dBm has  
an rms value of 70.7 mV or an amplitude of 100 mV (that is, 2  
times as large, the ratio of amplitude to rms value for a sine  
wave), while a triwave of the same power has an amplitude  
which is 3 or 1.73 times its rms value, or 122.5 mV.  
Board layout is very important. The AD641 has both high gain  
and wide bandwidth; therefore every signal path must be very  
carefully considered. A high quality ground plane is essential,  
but it should not be assumed that it behaves as an equipotential  
plane. Even though the application may only call for modest  
bandwidth, each of the three differential signal interface pairs  
(SIG IN, Pins l and 20, SIG OUT, Pins 10 and 11, and LOG,  
Pins 13 and 14) must have their own “starred” ground points to  
avoid oscillation at low signal levels (where the gain is highest).  
“Intercept” and “Logarithmic Offset”  
If the signals are expressed in dBV, we can write the output  
current in a simpler form, as:  
I
OUT = 50 µA (InputdBV – XdBV  
)
Equation (4)  
where InputdBV is the input voltage amplitude (not rms) in dBV  
and XdBV is the appropriate value of the intercept (for a given wave-  
form) in dBV. This form shows more clearly why the intercept is  
DENOTES A SHORT, DIRECT CONNECTION  
TO THE GROUND PLANE.  
10⍀  
+5V  
ALL UNMARKED CAPACITORS ARE  
0.1F CERAMIC (SEE TEXT).  
OUTPUT A  
OUTPUT B  
NC  
20  
19  
18  
17  
16  
15  
14  
12  
13  
11  
SIG ATN CKT RG1 RG0 RG2  
+IN OUT COM  
SIG  
+OUT  
LOG  
OUT  
+V  
LOG  
COM  
R
S
R
LB  
LA  
1k⍀  
1k⍀  
100⍀  
0.1%  
100⍀  
0.1%  
4.7F  
4.7F  
SIGNAL  
INPUT  
AD641  
SIG ATN ATN ATN ATN  
SIG  
–IN  
LO COM COM IN  
–OUT  
BL2  
9
BL1 –V  
ITC  
OPTIONAL  
TERMINATION  
RESISTOR  
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10  
NC  
NC  
4.7⍀  
OPTIONAL  
OFFSET BALANCE  
RESISTOR  
–5V  
Figure 24. Connections for a Single AD641 to Verify Basic Performance  
–10–  
REV. D  
 
 
AD641  
Unused pins (excluding Pins 8, 10 and 11) such as the attenua-  
tor and applications resistors should be grounded close to the  
package edge. BL1 (Pin 6) and BL2 (Pin 9) are internal bias  
lines a volt or two above the –VS node; access is provided solely  
for the addition of decoupling capacitors, which should be con-  
nected exactly as shown (not all of them connect to the ground).  
Use low impedance ceramic 0.1 µF capacitors (for example,  
Erie RPE113-Z5U-105-K50V). Ferrite beads may be used  
instead of supply decoupling resistors in cases where the supply  
voltage is low.  
Source Resistance and Input Offset  
The bias currents at the signal inputs (Pins 1 and 20) are typi-  
cally 7 µA. These flow in the source resistances and generate  
input offset voltages which may limit the dynamic range because  
the AD641 is direct coupled and an offset is indistinguishable  
from a signal. It is good practice to keep the source resistances  
as low as possible and to equalize the resistance seen at each  
input. For example, if the source resistance to Pin 20 is 100 , a  
compensating resistor of 100 should be placed in series with  
Pin 1. The residual offset is then due to the bias current offset,  
which is typically under 1 µA, causing an extra offset uncertainty  
of 100 µV in this example. For a single AD641 this will rarely be  
troublesome, but in some applications it may need to be nulled  
out, along with the internal voltage offset component. This may  
be achieved by adding an adjustable voltage of up to ±250 µV  
at the unused input. (Pins 1 and 20 may be interchanged with  
no change in function.)  
Active Current-to-Voltage Conversion  
The compliance at LOG OUT limits the available output volt-  
age swing. The output of the AD641 may be converted to a  
larger, buffered output voltage by the addition of an operational  
amplifier connected as a current-to-voltage (transresistance)  
stage, as shown in Figure 21. Using a 2 kfeedback resistor  
(R2) the 50 µA/dB output at LOG OUT is converted to a volt-  
age having a slope of +100 mV/dB, that is, 2 V per decade.  
This output ranges from roughly –0.4 V for zero signal inputs  
to the AD641, crosses zero at a dc input of precisely +1 mV  
(or –1 mV) and is +4 V for a dc input of 100 mV. A passive  
prefilter, formed by R1 and C1, minimizes the high frequency  
energy conveyed to the op amp. The corner frequency is here  
shown as 10 MHz. The AD846 is recommended for this appli-  
cation because of its excellent performance in transresistance  
modes. Its bandwidth of 35 MHz (with the 2 kfeedback resis-  
tor) will exceed the baseband response of the system in most  
applications. For lower bandwidth applications other op amps  
and multipole active filters may be substituted.  
In most applications there will be no need to use any offset  
adjustment. However, a general offset trimming circuit is shown  
in Figure 25. RS is the source resistance of the signal. Note: 50 Ω  
rf sources may include a blocking capacitor and have no dc path to  
ground, or may be transformer coupled and have a near zero resis-  
tance to ground. Determine whether the source resistance is zero,  
25 or 50 (with the generator terminated in 50 ) to find  
the correct value of bias compensating resistor, RB, which  
should optimally be equal to RS, unless RS = 0, in which case  
use RB = 5 . The value of ROS should be set to 20,000 RB to  
provide a ±250 µV trim range. To null the offset, set the source  
voltage to zero and use a DVM to observe the logarithmic out-  
put voltage. Recall that the LOG OUT current of the AD641  
exhibits an absolute value response to the input voltage, so the  
offset potentiometer is adjusted to the point where the logarithmic  
output “turns around” (reaches a local maximum or minimum).  
Effect of Frequency on Calibration  
The slope and intercept of the AD641 are calibrated during  
manufacture using a 2 kHz square wave input. Calibration  
depends on the gain of each stage being 10 dB. When the input  
frequency is an appreciable fraction of the 350 MHz bandwidth  
of the amplifier stages, their gain becomes less precise and the  
logarithmic slope and intercept are no longer as calibrated.  
Figure 10 shows the averaged output current versus input level  
at 50 MHz, 150 MHz, 190 MHz, 210 MHz, and 250 MHz.  
Figure 11 shows the absolute error in the response at 200 MHz  
and at temperatures of –55°C, +25°C and +125°C. Figure 12  
shows the variation in the slope current, and Figure 13 shows  
the variation in the intercept level (sinusoidal input) versus  
frequency.  
At high frequencies it may be desirable to insert a coupling  
capacitor and use a choke between Pin 20 and ground, when  
Pin 1 should be taken directly to ground. Alternatively, trans-  
former coupling may be used. In these cases, there is no added  
offset due to bias currents. When using two dc-coupled AD641s  
(overall gain 100,000), it is impractical to maintain a sufficiently  
low offset voltage using a manual nulling scheme. The section  
CASCADED OPERATION explains how the offset can be  
automatically nulled to submicrovolt levels by the use of a nega-  
tive feedback network.  
If absolute calibration is essential, or some other value of slope  
or intercept is required, there will usually be some point in the  
user’s system at which an adjustment may be easily introduced.  
For example, the 5% slope deficit at 50 MHz (see Figure 12)  
may be restored by a 5% increase in the value of the load resis-  
tor in the passive loading scheme shown in Figure 24, or by  
inserting a trim potentiometer of 100 in series with the feed-  
back resistor in the scheme shown in Figure 21. The intercept  
can be adjusted by adding or subtracting a small current to the  
output. Since the slope current is 1 mA/decade, a 50 µA incre-  
ment will move the intercept by 1 dB. Note that any error in  
this current will invalidate the calibration of the AD641. For  
example, if one of the 5 V supplies were used with a resistor to  
generate the current to reposition the intercept by 20 dB, a  
±10% variation in this supply will cause a ±2 dB error in the  
absolute calibration. Of course, slope calibration is unaffected.  
R
S
(SOURCE  
RESISTANCE  
OF  
TERMINATED  
GENERATOR)  
20  
19  
AD641  
1
2
R
B
+5V  
20k⍀  
–5V  
R
OS  
Figure 25. Optional Input Offset Voltage Nulling Circuit;  
See Text for Component Values  
REV. D  
–11–  
 
 
 
AD641  
Using Higher Supply Voltages  
resistor of nominally 270 and low temperature coefficient  
(TC). It is trimmed to calibrate the intercept to 10 mV dc (or  
–24 dBm for sinusoidal inputs), that is, to an attenuation of  
nominally 20 dBs at +27°C. R2 has a nominal value of 30 and  
has a high positive TC, such that the overall attenuation factor  
is 0.33%/°C at +27°C. This results in a transmission factor that is  
proportional to absolute temperature, or PTAT. (See Intercept  
Stabilization for further explanation.) To improve the accuracy  
of the attenuator, the ATN COM nodes are bonded to both Pin  
3 and Pin 4. These should be connected directly to the “SlGNAL  
LOW” of the source (for example, to the grounded side of the  
signal connector, as shown in Figure 32) not to an arbitrary  
point on the ground plane.  
The AD641 is calibrated using ±5 V supplies. Scaling is very  
insensitive to the supply voltages and higher supply voltages will  
not directly cause significant errors. However, the AD641 power  
dissipation must be kept below 500 mW in the interest of reli-  
ability and long term stability. When using well regulated supply  
voltages above ±6 V, the decoupling resistors shown in the  
application schematics can be increased to maintain ±5 V at the  
IC. The resistor values are calculated using the specified maxi-  
mum of 15 mA current into the +VS terminal (Pin 12) and a  
maximum of 60 mA into the –VS terminal (Pin 7). For example,  
when using ±9 V supplies, a resistor of (9 V – 5 V)/15 mA, about  
261 , should be included in the +VS lead to each AD641 and  
(9 V – 5 V)/60 mA, about 64.9 in each –VS lead. Of course,  
asymmetric supplies may be dealt with in a similar way.  
R4 is identical to R2, and in shunt with R3 (270 thin film)  
forms a 27 resistor with the same TC as the output resistance  
of the attenuator. By connecting Pin 1 to ATN LOW (Pin 2)  
this resistance minimizes the offset caused by bias currents. The  
offset nulling scheme shown in Figure 25 may still be used, with  
the external resistor RB omitted and ROS = 500 k. Offset stabil-  
ity is improved because the compensating voltage introduced at  
Pin 20 is now PTAT. Drifts of under 1 µV/°C (referred to Pins  
1 and 20) can be maintained using the attenuator.  
Using the Attenuator  
In applications where the signal amplitude is sufficient, the on-  
chip attenuator should be used because it provides a tempera-  
ture independent dynamic range (compare Figures 18 and 19).  
Figure 26 shows this attenuator in more detail. R1 is a thin-film  
SIG  
+IN  
ATN  
OUT  
It may occasionally be desirable to attenuate the signal even  
further. For example, the source may have a full-scale value of  
±10 V, and since the basic range of the AD641 extends only to  
±200 mV dc, an attenuation factor of ×50 might be chosen.  
This may be achieved either by using an independent external  
attenuator or more simply by adding a resistor in series with  
ATN IN (Pin 5). In the latter case the resistor must be trimmed  
to calibrate the intercept, since the input resistance at Pin 5 is  
not guaranteed. A fixed resistor of 1 kin series with a 500 Ω  
variable resistor calibrate to an intercept of 50 mV (or –26 dBV)  
for dc or square wave inputs and provide a ±10 V input range.  
The intercept stability will be degraded to about 0.003 dB/°C.  
20  
19  
18  
17  
16  
R1  
R2  
FIRST  
AMPLIFIER  
R3  
R4  
1
2
3
4
5
ATN  
IN  
SIG  
–IN  
ATN ATN  
LO  
ATN  
COM COM  
INPUT  
Figure 26. Details of the Input Attenuator  
DENOTES A CONNECTION TO THE  
GROUND PLANE; OBSERVE COMMON  
CONNECTIONS WHERE SHOWN.  
ALL UNMARKED CAPACITORS ARE  
0.1F CERAMIC. FOR VALUES OF  
+5V  
1mA/DECADE  
OUTPUT  
–50mV/DECADE  
10⍀  
10⍀  
10⍀  
10⍀  
NUMBERED COMPONENTS SEE TEXT  
SIGNAL  
INPUT  
C1  
C2  
R
= 50⍀  
NC  
11  
C3  
L
20  
19  
18  
17  
16  
15  
12  
14  
13  
11  
20  
19  
18  
17  
16  
15  
12  
14  
13  
SIG ATN CKT RG1 RG0 RG2  
+IN OUT COM  
SIG  
+OUT  
LOG  
OUT  
LOG +V  
COM  
SIG ATN CKT RG1 RG0 RG2  
+IN OUT COM  
SIG  
+OUT  
LOG  
OUT  
LOG +V  
COM  
S
S
1k⍀  
1k⍀  
1k⍀  
1k⍀  
U2 AD641  
U1 AD641  
R1  
SIG ATN ATN ATN ATN  
SIG  
SIG ATN ATN ATN ATN  
SIG  
–IN  
LO COM COM IN  
–OUT  
BL2  
9
–IN  
LO COM COM IN  
–OUT  
BL2  
9
BL1 –V  
ITC  
BL1 –V  
ITC  
8
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
10  
NC  
NC  
R2  
4.7⍀  
4.7⍀  
–5V  
Figure 27. Basic Connections for Cascaded AD641s  
–12–  
REV. D  
 
AD641  
OPERATION OF CASCADED AD641S  
Alternatively, the input offset can be nulled by a negative feed-  
back network from the SIG OUT nodes of U2 to the SIG IN  
nodes of U1, as shown in Figure 29. The low pass response of  
the feedback path transforms to a closed-loop high pass response.  
The high gain (×100,000) of the signal path results in a com-  
mensurate reduction in the effective time constant of this net-  
work. For example, to achieve a high pass corner of 100 kHz,  
the low pass corner must be at 1 Hz.  
Frequently, the dynamic range of the input will be 50 dB or  
more. Two AD641s can be cascaded, as shown in Figure 27.  
The balanced signal output from U1 becomes the input to U2.  
Resistors are included in series with each LOG OUT pin and  
capacitors C1 and C2 are placed directly between Pins 13 and 14  
to provide a local path for the RF current at these output pairs.  
C1 through C3 are chosen to provide the required low pass  
corner in conjunction with the load RL. Board layout and  
grounding disciplines are critically important at the high gain  
(X100,000) and bandwidth (~ 150 MHz) of this system.  
In fact, it is somewhat more complicated than this. When the ac  
input sufficiently exceeds that of the offset, the feedback be-  
comes ineffective and the response becomes essentially dc  
coupled. Even for quite modest inputs the last stage will be  
limiting and the output (Pins 10 and 11) of U2 will be a square  
wave of about ±180 mV amplitude, dwelling approximately  
equal times at its two limit values, and thus having a net average  
value near zero. Only when the input is very small does the high  
pass behavior of this nulling loop become apparent. Consequently,  
the low pass time constant can usually be reduced considerably  
without serious performance degradation.  
The intercept voltage is calculated as follows. First, note that if  
its LOG OUT is disconnected, U1 simply inserts 50 dB of gain  
ahead of U2. This would lower the intercept by 50 dB, to  
–110 dBV for square wave calibration. With the LOG OUT of  
U1 added in, there is a finite zero signal current which slightly  
shifts the intercept. With the intercept temperature compensa-  
tion on U1 disabled this zero signal output is –270 µA equiva-  
lent to a 5.4 dB upward shift in the intercept, since the slope is  
50 µA/dB. Thus, the intercept is at –104.6 dBV (–88 dBm for  
50 sine calibration). ITC may be disabled by grounding Pin 8  
of either U1 or U2.  
The resistor values are chosen such that the dc feedback is  
adequate to null the worst case input offset, say, 500 µV. There  
must be some resistance at Pins 1 and 20 across which the offset  
compensation voltage is developed. The values shown in the  
figure assume that we wish to terminate a 50 source at Pin 20.  
The 50 resistor at Pin 1 is essential, both to minimize offsets  
due to bias current mismatch and because the outputs at Pins  
10 and 11 can only swing negatively (from ground to –180 mV)  
whereas we need to cater for input offsets of either polarity.  
Cascaded AD641s can be used in dc applications, but input  
offset voltage will limit the dynamic range. The dc intercept is  
6 µV. The offset should not be confused with the intercept, which is  
found by extrapolating the transfer function from its central “log  
linear” region. This can be understood by referring to Equation  
(1) and noting that an input offset is simply additive to the value  
of VIN in the numerator of the logarithmic argument; it does not  
affect the denominator (or intercept) VX. In dc coupled applica-  
tions of wide dynamic range, special precautions must be taken  
to null the input offset and minimize drift due to input bias  
offset. It is recommended that the input attenuator be used,  
providing a practical input range of –74 dBV (±200 µV dc) to  
+6 dBV (±2 V dc) when nulled using the adjustment circuit  
shown in Figure 25.  
For a sine input of 1 µV amplitude (–120 dBV) and in the ab-  
sence of offset, the differential voltage at Pins 10 and 11 of U2  
would be almost sinusoidal but 100,000 times larger, or 100 mV.  
The last limiter in U2 would be entering saturation. A 1 µV  
input offset added to this signal would put the last limiter well  
into saturation, and its output would then have a different aver-  
age value, which is extracted by the low pass network and deliv-  
ered back to the input. For larger signals, the output approaches a  
square wave for zero input offset and becomes rectangular when  
offset is present. The duty cycle modulation of this output now  
produces the nonzero average value. Assume a maximum re-  
quired differential output of 100 mV (after averaging in C1 and  
C2) as shown in Figure 29. R3 through R6 can now be chosen  
to provide ±500 µV of correction range, and with these values  
the input offset is reduced by a factor of 500. Using 4.7 µF  
capacitors, the time constant of the network is about 1.2 ms,  
and its corner frequency is at 13.5 Hz. The closed loop high  
pass corner (for small signals) is, therefore, at 1.35 MHz.  
12  
11  
20 19  
U1  
U2  
9
10  
1
2
(a)  
(b)  
20 19  
12  
9
11  
U1  
U2  
10  
1
2
14A  
R3  
A
= –140mV  
U2  
INPUT  
VE  
–200V  
4.99k⍀  
R4  
C1  
C2  
R1  
50⍀  
20  
20  
11  
11  
10  
4.99k⍀  
Figure 28. Two Methods for AC Coupling AD641s  
U1  
Eliminating the Effect of First Stage Offset  
R2  
50⍀  
Usually, the input signal will be sinusoidal and U1 and U2 can  
be ac coupled. Figure 28a shows a low resistance choke at the  
input of U2 which shorts the dc output of U1 while preserving  
the hf response. Coupling capacitors may be inserted (Figure  
28b) in which case two chokes are used to provide bias paths for  
U2. These chokes must exhibit high impedance over the operat-  
ing frequency range.  
R6  
4.99k⍀  
1
10  
1
R5  
4.99k⍀  
–700V  
A
= –140mV  
VE  
4A  
Figure 29. Feedback Offset Correction Network  
REV. D  
–13–  
 
 
AD641  
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS  
RSSI APPLICATIONS  
We show here two applications, using AD641s to achieve a wide  
dynamic range. As already mentioned, the use of a differential  
signal path and differential logarithmic outputs diminishes the  
risk of instability due to poor grounding. Nevertheless, it must  
be remembered that at high frequencies even very small lengths  
of wire, including the leads to capacitors, have significant im-  
pedance. The ground plane itself can also generate small but  
troublesome voltages due to circulating currents in a poor lay-  
out. A printed circuit evaluation board is available from Analog  
Devices (Part Number AD641-EB) to facilitate the prototyping  
of an application using one or two AD641s, plus various exter-  
nal components.  
The AD641 can be used to perform an RSSI (Received Signal  
Strength Indicator) function. This is a commonly used function  
in radio receivers, but can be used in other instrumentation such  
as photomultiplier tubes. The signal strength indicator on FM  
radios is one example of an RSSI application. It is this signal  
that is monitored to determine where to stop during seek or  
scan operations.  
The AD641 is used to measure the strength of the incoming RF  
signal and outputs a current that is proportional to the loga-  
rithm of its ac amplitude. In this manner signal amplitudes with  
a wide dynamic range and wide bandwidth can be measured.  
250 MHz RSSI Converter with 44 dB Dynamic Range  
At very low signal levels various effects can cause significant  
deviation from the ideal response, apart from the inherent non-  
linearities of the transfer function already discussed. Note that  
any spurious signal presented to the AD641s is demodulated and  
added to the output. Thus, in the absence of thorough shielding,  
emissions from any radio transmitters or RFI from equipment  
operating in the locality will cause the output to appear too  
high. The only cure for this type of error is the use of very care-  
ful grounding and shielding techniques.  
Figure 30 shows the schematic for an RSSI circuit that uses a  
single AD641. The dynamic range for this circuit using a single  
AD641 is 44 dB. The AD641 amplifies and full wave rectifies  
(detects) the input and outputs a current. The AD846 is used to  
convert the current to a ground referenced voltage. With a 1 kΩ  
feedback resistor, the output varies by 1 V/decade or 50 mV/dB.  
1.0k⍀  
4.7⍀  
+6V  
R3  
100⍀  
7
2
3
+6V  
RSSI  
OUTPUT  
+50mV/dB  
U3  
AD846  
6
68⍀  
C1  
47pF  
4
SIGNAL  
INPUT  
4.7⍀  
–6V  
20  
19  
18  
17  
16  
15  
12  
14  
13  
11  
(LO)  
SIG  
+OUT  
SIG ATN CKT RG1 RG0 RG2  
+IN OUT COM  
LOG  
OUT  
LOG +V  
COM  
S
1k⍀  
1k⍀  
U1 AD641  
R1  
SIG ATN ATN  
ATN ATN  
SIG  
DENOTES A CONNECTION TO THE  
GROUND PLANE; OBSERVE COMMON  
CONNECTIONS WHERE SHOWN.  
ALL UNMARKED CAPACITORS ARE  
0.1F CERAMIC. FOR VALUES OF  
NUMBERED COMPONENTS SEE TEXT  
–IN  
LO COM  
COM IN  
BL1  
6
BL2  
9
–OUT  
–V  
S
ITC  
8
1
2
3
4
5
7
10  
R2  
NC  
18⍀  
–6V  
Figure 30. RSSI Using Single AD641  
–14–  
REV. D  
 
AD641  
4.5  
4
3
2.5  
2
0dBm  
3.5  
3
0dBm  
–20dBm  
1.5  
1
2.5  
2
–20dBm  
–50dBm  
1.5  
1
–35dBm  
–50dBm  
0.5  
0
–80dBm  
0.5  
0
–0.5  
1
10  
100  
1000  
1
10  
100  
1000  
FREQUENCY – MHz  
FREQUENCY – MHz  
Figure 33. Cascaded AD641s RSSI vs. Frequency  
Figure 31. Single AD641 RSSI vs. Frequency  
Filtering between the devices and input offset nulling techniques  
described elsewhere are also useful for extending the dynamic  
range of two cascaded devices.  
Figure 31 shows a plot of RSSI vs. frequency for various input  
signal amplitudes. It can be seen that at higher frequencies the  
output drops off as explained in the section “Effect of Fre-  
quency on Calibration.’’ If the RSSI circuit is to be operated at  
a known frequency with limited bandwidth, the compensation  
techniques described in that section can be used to enhance  
accuracy.  
Figure 33 shows a plot of this circuit vs. frequency for various  
input amplitudes. The drop off at high frequency can be seen to  
be greater than for the single device case due to the compound-  
ing effects of the bandwidth limiting of the extra stages.  
250 MHz RSSI Converter with 58 dB Dynamic Range  
For a larger dynamic range two AD641s can be cascaded, as  
shown in Figure 32. The low end usefulness of the circuit will  
be set by the noise floor of the overall environment that the circuit  
sees. This includes all sources of both radiated and conducted  
noise. Proper layout to avoid conducted noise and good shield-  
ing to minimize radiated noise are essential for good low signal  
operation.  
R 5  
1.13k⍀  
(SEE TEXT)  
4.7⍀  
+6V  
7
2
3
LOG  
OUTPUT  
+50mV/dB  
U3  
AD846  
6
4.7⍀  
DENOTES A CONNECTION TO THE  
GROUND PLANE; OBSERVE COMMON  
CONNECTIONS WHERE SHOWN.  
ALL UNMARKED CAPACITORS ARE  
0.1F CERAMIC. FOR VALUES OF  
NUMBERED COMPONENTS SEE TEXT  
4
–6V  
(LO)  
+6V  
R 4  
100⍀  
R 3  
100⍀  
68⍀  
68⍀  
C1  
47pF  
C 2  
47pF  
SIGNAL  
INPUT  
NC  
20  
19  
18  
17  
16  
15  
12  
14  
13  
11  
20  
19  
18  
17  
16  
15  
12  
14  
13  
11  
SIG  
+IN  
ATN CKT RG1 RG0 RG2  
OUT COM  
LOG  
COM  
SIG ATN CKT RG1 RG0 RG2  
+IN OUT COM  
SIG  
+OUT  
LOG  
OUT  
+V  
SIG  
+OUT  
LOG  
OUT  
LOG +V  
COM  
S
S
1k⍀  
1k⍀  
1k⍀  
1k⍀  
L1  
(SEE  
U2 AD641  
U1 AD641  
R1  
TEXT)  
SIG ATN ATN ATN ATN  
SIG  
SIG ATN ATN ATN ATN  
SIG  
–V  
S
BL1  
6
–IN  
LO COM COM IN  
ITC BL2 –OUT  
–V  
S
BL2  
9
–IN  
LO COM COM IN  
BL1  
6
ITC  
8
–OUT  
1
2
3
4
5
9
7
8
10  
1
2
3
4
5
7
10  
NC  
R2  
NC  
18⍀  
18⍀  
–6V  
Figure 32. Complete 58 dB Dynamic Range Converter for 250 MHz Operation  
REV. D  
–15–  
 
 
 
AD641  
OUTLINE DIMENSIONS  
1.060 (26.92)  
1.030 (26.16)  
0.980 (24.89)  
20  
1
11  
10  
0.280 (7.11)  
0.250 (6.35)  
0.240 (6.10)  
0.325 (8.26)  
0.310 (7.87)  
0.300 (7.62)  
0.100 (2.54)  
BSC  
0.060 (1.52)  
MAX  
0.195 (4.95)  
0.130 (3.30)  
0.115 (2.92)  
0.210 (5.33)  
MAX  
0.015  
(0.38)  
MIN  
0.150 (3.81)  
0.130 (3.30)  
0.115 (2.92)  
0.015 (0.38)  
GAUGE  
0.014 (0.36)  
0.010 (0.25)  
0.008 (0.20)  
PLANE  
SEATING  
PLANE  
0.022 (0.56)  
0.018 (0.46)  
0.014 (0.36)  
0.430 (10.92)  
MAX  
0.005 (0.13)  
MIN  
0.070 (1.78)  
0.060 (1.52)  
0.045 (1.14)  
COMPLIANT TO JEDEC STANDARDS MS-001  
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.  
CORNER LEADS MAY BE CONFIGURED AS WHOLE OR HALF LEADS.  
Figure 33. 20-Lead Plastic Dual In-Line Package [PDIP]  
Narrow Body  
(N-20)  
Dimensions shown in inches and (millimeters)  
0.180 (4.57)  
0.048 (1.22 )  
0.042 (1.07)  
0.165 (4.19)  
0.056 (1.42)  
0.042 (1.07)  
0.20 (0.51)  
MIN  
0.020 (0.50)  
R
3
19  
0.021 (0.53)  
0.013 (0.33)  
0.048 (1.22)  
0.042 (1.07)  
18  
14  
4
8
PIN 1  
0.050  
(1.27)  
BSC  
IDENTIFIER  
BOTTOM  
VIEW  
(PINS UP)  
0.330 (8.38)  
0.290 (7.37)  
TOP VIEW  
(PINS DOWN)  
0.032 (0.81)  
0.026 (0.66)  
9
13  
0.020  
(0.51)  
R
0.045 (1.14)  
0.025 (0.64)  
R
0.356 (9.04)  
0.350 (8.89)  
SQ  
0.120 (3.04)  
0.090 (2.29)  
0.395 (10.03)  
0.385 (9.78)  
SQ  
COMPLIANT TO JEDEC STANDARDS MO-047-AA  
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.  
Figure 34. 20-Lead Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier [PLCC]  
(P-20)  
Dimensions shown in inches and (millimeters)  
Rev. D | Page 16  
AD641  
0.098 (2.49)  
MAX  
0.005  
(0.13)  
MIN  
0.310 (7.87)  
0.220 (5.59)  
20  
11  
10  
1
PIN 1  
0.060 (1.52)  
0.015 (0.38)  
0.320 (8.13)  
0.290 (7.37)  
0.200 (5.08)  
1.060 (26.92) MAX  
MAX  
0.150 (3.81)  
MIN  
0.015 (0.38)  
0.008 (0.20)  
0.200 (5.08)  
0.125 (3.18)  
15°  
0°  
SEATING  
PLANE  
0.100  
(2.54)  
BSC  
0.070 (1.78)  
0.030 (0.76)  
0.023 (0.58)  
0.014 (0.36)  
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.  
Figure 35. 20-Lead Ceramic Dual In-Line Package [CERDIP]  
(Q-20)  
Dimensions shown in inches and (millimeters)  
ORDERING GUIDE  
Model1  
AD641ANZ  
Temperature Range  
Package Description  
20-Lead PDIP  
20-Lead PLCC  
Package Option  
−40°C to +85°C  
−40°C to +85°C  
−55°C to +125°C  
N-20  
P-20  
Q-20  
AD641APZ  
5962-9559802MRA  
20-Lead CERDIP  
1 Z = RoHS Compliant Part.  
©1999–2016 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks and  
registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.  
C2014c-0-6/16(D)  
Rev. D | Page 17  

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