AD8307ANZ [ADI]

Low Cost DC-500 MHz, 92 dB Logarithmic Amplifier; 低成本DC - 500 MHz的92分贝对数放大器
AD8307ANZ
型号: AD8307ANZ
厂家: ADI    ADI
描述:

Low Cost DC-500 MHz, 92 dB Logarithmic Amplifier
低成本DC - 500 MHz的92分贝对数放大器

模拟计算功能 信号电路 放大器 光电二极管
文件: 总24页 (文件大小:510K)
中文:  中文翻译
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Low Cost DC-500 MHz, 92 dB  
Logarithmic Amplifier  
AD8307  
FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM  
FEATURES  
Complete multistage logarithmic amplifier  
92 dB dynamic range: –75 dBm to +17 dBm  
to –90 dBm using matching network  
Single supply of 2.7 V minimum at 7.5 mA typ  
DC to 500 MHz operation, ±1 dB linearity  
Slope of 25 mV/dB, intercept of −84 dBm  
Highly stable scaling over temperature  
Fully differential dc-coupled signal path  
100 ns power-up time, 150 μA sleep current  
AD8307  
BAND GAP REFERENCE  
7
6
5
VPS  
7.5mA  
ENB  
INT  
AND BIASING  
SIX 14.3dB 900MHz  
AMPLIFIER STAGES  
+INP  
INP  
INM  
8
1
MIRROR  
1.1k  
–INP  
2µA  
/dB  
3
OUT  
OFS  
4
3
2
NINE DETECTOR CELLS  
SPACED 14.3dB  
12.5kΩ  
COM  
2
COM  
INPUT-OFFSET  
COMPENSATION LOOP  
APPLICATIONS  
Conversion of signal level to decibel form  
Transmitter antenna power measurement  
Receiver signal strength indication (RSSI)  
Low cost radar and sonar signal processing  
Network and spectrum analyzers (to 120 dB)  
Signal level determination down to 20 Hz  
True decibel ac mode for multimeters  
Figure 1.  
GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
The AD8307 is the first logarithmic amplifier made available in an  
8-lead (SOIC-8) package. It is a complete 500 MHz monolithic  
demodulating logarithmic amplifier based on the progressive  
compression (successive detection) technique, providing a  
dynamic range of 92 dB to ±3 dB law-conformance and 88 dB  
to a tight ±1 dB error bound at all frequencies up to 100 MHz. It  
is extremely stable and easy to use, requiring no significant  
external components. A single-supply voltage of 2.7 V to 5.5 V  
at 7.5 mA is needed, corresponding to an unprecedented power  
consumption of only 22.5 mW at 3 V. A fast acting CMOS-  
compatible control pin can disable the AD8307 to a standby  
current of less than 150 μA.  
only slightly at 500 MHz. There is no minimum frequency limit.  
The AD8307 can be used at audio frequencies of 20 Hz or lower.  
The output is a voltage scaled 25 mV/dB, generated by a current  
of nominally 2 μA/dB through an internal 12.5 kꢁ resistor. This  
voltage varies from 0.25 V at an input of −74 dBm (that is, the  
ac intercept is at −84 dBm, a 20 μV rms sine input), up to 2.5 V  
for an input of +1ꢀ dBm. This slope and intercept can be  
trimmed using external adjustments. Using a 2.7 V supply, the  
output scaling can be lowered, for example to 15 mV/dB, to  
permit utilization of the full dynamic range.  
The AD8307 exhibits excellent supply insensitivity and temperature  
stability of the scaling parameters. The unique combination of  
low cost, small size, low power consumption, high accuracy and  
stability, very high dynamic range, and a frequency range  
encompassing audio through IF to UHF makes this product  
useful in numerous applications requiring the reduction of a  
signal to its decibel equivalent.  
Each of the cascaded amplifier/limiter cells has a small signal  
gain of 14.3 dB, with a −3 dB bandwidth of 900 MHz. The input  
is fully differential and at a moderately high impedance (1.1 kΩ  
in parallel with about 1.4 pF). The AD8307 provides a basic  
dynamic range extending from approximately −75 dBm (where  
dBm refers to a 50 Ω source, that is, a sine amplitude of about  
5ꢀ μV) up to +17 dBm (a sine amplitude of 2.2 V). A simple  
input matching network can lower this range to –88 dBm to  
+3 dBm. The logarithmic linearity is typically within ±0.3 dB up  
to 100 MHz over the central portion of this range, and degrades  
The AD8307 operates over the industrial temperature range of  
−40°C to +85°C, and is available in 8-lead SOIC and PDIP  
packages.  
Rev. C  
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 that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No  
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.  
Trademarks and registeredtrademarks arethe property of their respective owners.  
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106, U.S.A.  
Tel: 781.329.4700  
Fax: 781.461.3113  
www.analog.com  
©2006 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved.  
AD8307  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
Features .............................................................................................. 1  
Input Interface ............................................................................ 14  
Offset Interface ........................................................................... 15  
Output Interface ......................................................................... 15  
Theory of Operation ...................................................................... 17  
Basic Connections...................................................................... 17  
Input Matching ........................................................................... 17  
Narrow-Band Matching ............................................................ 18  
Slope and Intercept Adjustments ............................................. 19  
Applications Information.............................................................. 20  
Buffered Output.......................................................................... 20  
Four Pole Filter ........................................................................... 20  
1 ꢂW to 1 kW 50 Ω Power Meter............................................. 21  
Measurement System with 120 dB Dynamic Range.............. 21  
Operation at Low Frequencies.................................................. 22  
DC-Coupled Applications......................................................... 22  
Operation Above 500 MHz....................................................... 23  
Outline Dimensions....................................................................... 24  
Ordering Guide .......................................................................... 24  
Applications....................................................................................... 1  
Functional Block Diagram .............................................................. 1  
General Description......................................................................... 1  
Revision History ............................................................................... 2  
Specifications..................................................................................... 3  
Absolute Maximum Ratings............................................................ 4  
ESD Caution.................................................................................. 4  
Pin Configuration and Function Descriptions............................. 5  
Typical Performance Characteristics ............................................. ꢀ  
Log Amp Theory .............................................................................. 9  
Progressive Compression .......................................................... 10  
Demodulating Log Amps.......................................................... 11  
Intercept Calibration.................................................................. 12  
Offset Control ............................................................................. 12  
Extension of Range..................................................................... 13  
Interfaces.......................................................................................... 14  
Enable Interface .......................................................................... 14  
REVISION HISTORY  
10/06—Rev. B to Rev. C  
Updated Format..................................................................Universal  
Changes to Table 1............................................................................ 3  
Changes to Table 3............................................................................ 5  
Changes to Offset Interface........................................................... 15  
Changes to Output Interface......................................................... 15  
Updated captions to Outline Dimensions................................... 24  
Changes to Ordering Guide .......................................................... 24  
6/03—Rev. A to Rev. B  
Renumbered TPCs and Figures........................................Universal  
Changes to Ordering Guide ............................................................ 3  
Changes to Figure 24...................................................................... 17  
Deleted Evaluation Board Information ....................................... 18  
Updated Outline Dimensions....................................................... 19  
Rev. C | Page 2 of 24  
AD8307  
SPECIFICATIONS  
VS = 5 V, TA = 25°C, RL ≥ 1 MΩ, unless otherwise noted.  
Table 1.  
Parameter  
Conditions  
Min  
Typ  
Max  
Unit  
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS  
Input Range (±3 dB Error)  
Input Range (±± dB Error)  
Logarithmic Conformance  
From noise floor to maximum input  
From noise floor to maximum input  
f ≤ ±00 MHz, central 80 dB  
f = 500 MHz, central 75 dB  
Unadjusted±  
92  
88  
±0.3  
±0.5  
25  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
mV/dB  
mV/dB  
μV  
dBm  
dBm  
nV/√Hz  
dBm  
kΩ  
±±  
Logarithmic Slope  
vs. Temperature  
Logarithmic Intercept  
23  
23  
27  
27  
Sine amplitude, unadjusted2  
Equivalent sine power in 50 Ω  
20  
−84  
−87  
−88  
−77  
−76  
vs. Temperature  
Input Noise Spectral Density  
Operating Noise Floor  
Output Resistance  
Internal Load Capacitance  
Response Time  
Inputs shorted  
RSOURCE = 50 Ω/2  
Pin 4 to ground  
±.5  
−78  
±2.5  
3.5  
±0  
±5  
pF  
ns  
Small signal, ±0% to 90%,  
0 mV to±00 mV, CL = 2 pF  
Large signal, ±0% to 90%,  
0 V to 2.4 V, CL = 2 pF  
400  
500  
ns  
Upper Usable Frequency3  
Lower Usable Frequency  
AMPLIFIER CELL CHARACTERISTICS  
Cell Bandwidth  
500  
±0  
MHz  
Hz  
AC-coupled input  
−3 dB  
900  
±4.3  
MHz  
dB  
Cell Gain  
INPUT CHARACTERISTICS  
DC Common-Mode Voltage  
Common-Mode Range  
DC Input Offset Voltage4  
AC-coupled input  
Either input (small signal)  
RSOURCE ≤ 50 Ω  
Drift  
Differential  
3.2  
±.6  
50  
0.8  
±.±  
±.4  
±0  
V
V
−0.3  
VS − ±  
500  
μV  
μV/°C  
kΩ  
pF  
μA  
Incremental Input Resistance  
Input Capacitance  
Bias Current  
Either pin to ground  
Either input  
25  
POWER INTERFACES  
Supply Voltage  
Supply Current  
2.7  
5.5  
±0  
750  
V
mA  
μA  
VENB ≥ 2 V  
VENB ≤ ± V  
8
±50  
Disabled  
± This can be adjusted downward by adding a shunt resistor from the output to ground. A 50 kΩ resistor reduces the nominal slope to 20 mV/dB.  
2 This can be adjusted in either direction by a voltage applied to Pin 5, with a scale factor of 8 dB/V.  
3 See the Operation Above 500 MHz section.  
4 Normally nulled automatically by internal offset correction loop. May be manually nulled by a voltage applied between Pin 3 and ground; see the  
Applications Information section.  
Rev. C | Page 3 of 24  
AD8307  
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS  
Table 2.  
Stresses above those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings  
can cause permanent 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 can affect  
device reliability.  
Parameter  
Ratings  
Supply  
7.5 V  
Input Voltage (Pin ± and Pin 8)  
Storage Temperature Range, N, R  
Ambient Temperature Range, Rated  
Performance Industrial, AD8307AN,  
AD8307AR  
VSUPPLY  
−65°C to +±25°C  
−40°C to +85°C  
ESD CAUTION  
Lead Temperature Range  
(Soldering ±0 sec)  
300°C  
Rev. C | Page 4 of 24  
AD8307  
PIN CONFIGURATION AND FUNCTION DESCRIPTIONS  
INP  
INM  
COM  
OFS  
OUT  
1
2
3
4
8
7
6
5
VPS  
ENB  
INT  
AD8307  
TOP VIEW  
(Not to Scale)  
Figure 2. Pin Configuration  
Table 3. Pin Function Descriptions  
Pin No.  
Mnemonic Description  
±
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
INM  
COM  
OFS  
OUT  
INT  
ENB  
VPS  
INP  
Signal Input Minus Polarity. Normally at VPOS/2.  
Common Pin (Usually Grounded).  
Offset Adjustment. External capacitor connection.  
Logarithmic (RSSI) Output Voltage. ROUT = ±2.5 kΩ.  
Intercept Adjustment, ±3 dB (see the Slope and Intercept Adjustments section).  
CMOS-Compatible Chip Enable. Active when high.  
Positive Supply: 2.7 V to 5.5 V.  
Signal Input Plus Polarity. Normally at VPOS/2. Due to the symmetrical nature of the response, there is no special  
significance to the sign of the two input pins. DC resistance from INP to INM = ±.± kΩ.  
Rev. C | Page 5 of 24  
AD8307  
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS  
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
3
2
1
TEMPERATURE ERROR @ +85°C  
TEMPERATURE ERROR @ +25°C  
0
–1  
–2  
–3  
TEMPERATURE ERROR @ –40°C  
1.0  
1.2  
1.7  
1.8  
2.0  
1.1  
1.3  
1.4  
1.5  
1.6  
1.9  
–80  
–60  
–40  
–20  
0
20  
V
(V)  
INPUT LEVEL (dBm)  
ENB  
Figure 3. Supply Current vs. VENB Voltage (5 V)  
Figure 6. Log Conformance vs. Input Level (dBm) at +25°C, +85°C, and −40°C  
8
3
INPUT FREQUENCY 10MHz  
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
2
INPUT FREQUENCY 100MHz  
1
INPUT FREQUENCY 300MHz  
INPUT FREQUENCY 500MHz  
0
–80  
1.0  
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
1.4  
1.5  
1.6  
1.7  
1.8  
1.9  
2.0  
–60  
–40  
–20  
0
20  
V
(V)  
INPUT LEVEL (dBm)  
ENB  
Figure 7. VOUT vs. Input Level (dBm) at Various Frequencies  
Figure 4. Supply Current vs. VENB Voltage (3 V)  
1.5  
3
2
1.0  
0.5  
FREQUENCY INPUT = 300MHz  
1
CFO VALUE = 0.01µF  
0
0
–0.5  
–1.0  
–1.5  
–1  
–2  
–3  
CFO VALUE = 1µF  
CFO VALUE = 0.1µF  
FREQUENCY INPUT = 100MHz  
–80  
–60  
–40  
–20  
0
20  
–80  
–60  
–40  
–20  
0
20  
INPUT LEVEL (dBm)  
INPUT LEVEL (dBm)  
Figure 5. Log Conformance vs. Input Level (dBm) 100 MHz, and 300 MHz  
Figure 8. Log Conformance vs. CFO Values at 1 kHz Input Frequency  
Rev. C | Page 6 of 24  
AD8307  
3.0  
2.5  
2.0  
1.5  
1.0  
0.5  
0
3
2
100MHz  
INT P = 3.0V  
IN  
10MHz, INT = –96.52dBm  
1
INT P = 4.0V  
+INPUT  
IN  
10MHz, INT = –87.71dBm  
0
NO CONNECT ON INT  
10MHz, INT = –82.90dBm  
–1  
–2  
–3  
–INPUT  
–80  
–70 –60 –50 –40 –30 –20 –10  
INPUT LEVEL (dBm)  
0
10  
20  
–80  
–60  
–40  
–20  
0
20  
INPUT LEVEL (dBm)  
Figure 9. VOUT vs. Input Level at 5 V Supply; Showing Intercept Adjustment  
Figure 12. Log Conformance vs. Input Level at 100 MHz Showing  
Response to Alternative Inputs  
3.0  
3
2.5  
2
INT VOLTAGE  
INT = 1.0V, INT = –86dBm  
500MHz  
2.0  
1
0
INT VOLTAGE  
INT NO CONNECT, INT = –71dBm  
1.5  
1.0  
–1  
100MHz  
INT VOLTAGE  
0.5  
–2  
–3  
INT = 2.0V, INT = –78dBm  
0
–80  
–70  
–60  
–50  
–40  
–30  
–20  
–10  
0
10  
–90  
–70  
–50  
–30  
–10  
10  
INPUT LEVEL (dBm)  
INPUT LEVEL (dBm)  
Figure 10. VOUT vs. Input Level at 3 V Supply Using AD820 as Buffer,  
Gain = +2; Showing Intercept Adjustment  
Figure 13. Log Conformance vs. Input at 100 MHz, 500 MHz;  
Input Driven Differentially Using Transformer  
3
2.5  
2.0  
2
500MHz  
1
1.5  
100MHz @ –40°C  
0
100MHz  
100MHz @ +25°C  
1.0  
0.5  
0
–1  
10MHz  
–2  
–3  
100MHz @ +85°C  
–70  
–60  
–50  
–40  
–30  
–20  
–10  
0
10  
20  
–80  
–60  
–40  
–20  
0
20  
INPUT LEVEL (dBm)  
INPUT LEVEL (dBm)  
Figure 14. Log Conformance vs. Input Level at 3 V Supply  
Using AD820 as Buffer, Gain = +2  
Figure 11. VOUT vs. Input Level at Three Temperatures (−40°C, +25°C, +85°C)  
Rev. C | Page 7 of 24  
AD8307  
2V  
V
OUT  
CH1  
V
CH1 500mV  
OUT  
CH 1  
CH1 200mV  
CH1 GND  
V
ENB  
CH 2  
INPUT  
SIGNAL  
CH2  
CH2  
GND  
GND  
500ns  
200ns  
CH2 2.00V  
CH2 1.00V  
Figure 15. Power-Up Response Time  
Figure 18. VOUT Rise Time  
CH1 200mV  
CH1 500mV  
V
OUT  
CH 1  
2.5V  
INPUT  
SIGNAL  
CH2  
CH2  
GND  
V
CH 2  
ENB  
V
OUT  
CH1  
CH1 GND  
GND  
500ns  
200ns  
CH2 2.00V  
CH2 1.00V  
Figure 16. Power-Down Response Time  
Figure 19. Large Signal Response Time  
TRIG  
OUT  
HP8648B  
10MHz REF CLK  
EXT TRIG  
OUT  
HP8112A  
PULSE  
GENERATOR  
SIGNAL  
GENERATOR  
PULSE  
PULSE MODE IN  
VPS = 5.0V  
VPS = 5.0V  
SYNCH OUT  
HP8648B  
HP8112A  
PULSE  
0.1µF  
MODULATION  
MODE  
SIGNAL  
0.1µF  
1nF  
GENERATOR  
GENERATOR  
1nF  
OUT  
RF OUT  
RF OUT  
NC  
5
NC  
5
8
7
6
8
7
6
INP VPS ENB INT  
INP VPS ENB INT  
52.3  
AD8307  
52.3Ω  
AD8307  
INM COM OFS OUT  
INM COM OFS OUT  
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
NC  
TEK744A  
SCOPE  
NC  
TEK744A  
SCOPE  
TEK P6204  
FET PROBE  
TRIG  
1nF  
TEK P6139A  
10x PROBE  
TRIG  
1nF  
NC = NO CONNECT  
NC = NO CONNECT  
Figure 20. Test Setup for VOUT Pulse Response  
Figure 17. Test Setup for Power-Up/Power-Down Response Time  
Rev. C | Page 8 of 24  
AD8307  
(the log intercept) at the unique value VIN = VX and ideally  
LOG AMP THEORY  
becomes negative for inputs below the intercept. In the ideal  
case, the straight line describing VOUT for all values of VIN  
continues indefinitely in both directions. The dotted line shows  
that the effect of adding an offset voltage VSHIFT to the output is  
to lower the effective intercept voltage VX. Exactly the same  
alteration could be achieved by raising the gain (or signal level)  
ahead of the log amp by the factor VSHIFT/VY. For example, if VY  
is 500 mV per decade (25 mV/dB), an offset of +150 mV added  
to the output appears to lower the intercept by two tenths of a  
decade, or ꢀ dB. Adding an offset to the output is thus  
Logarithmic amplifiers perform a more complex operation than  
that of classical linear amplifiers, and their circuitry is significantly  
different. A good grasp of what log amps do and how they work  
can prevent many pitfalls in their application. The essential  
purpose of a log amp is not to amplify, though amplification is  
utilized to achieve the function. Rather, it is to compress a  
signal of wide dynamic range to its decibel equivalent. It is thus  
a measurement device. A better term might be logarithmic  
converter, since its basic function is the conversion of a signal  
from one domain of representation to another, via a precise  
nonlinear transformation.  
indistinguishable from applying an input level that is ꢀ dB higher.  
The log amp function described by Equation 1 differs from that  
of a linear amplifier in that the incremental gain δVOUT/δVIN is a  
very strong function of the instantaneous value of VIN, as is  
apparent by calculating the derivative. For the case where the  
logarithmic base is δ,  
Logarithmic compression leads to situations that can be  
confusing or paradoxical. For example, a voltage offset added to  
the output of a log amp is equivalent to a gain increase ahead of  
its input. In the usual case where all the variables are voltages,  
and regardless of the particular structure, the relationship  
between the variables can be expressed as:  
δVOUT  
δVIN  
VY  
VIN  
(2)  
=
VOUT = VY log (VIN/VX )  
where:  
OUT is the output voltage.  
(1)  
That is, the incremental gain is inversely proportional to the  
instantaneous value of the input voltage. This remains true for  
any logarithmic base, which is chosen as 10 for all decibel  
related purposes. It follows that a perfect log amp is required to  
have infinite gain under classical small signal (zero amplitude)  
conditions. Less ideally, this result indicates that, whatever  
means are used to implement a log amp, accurate response  
under small signal conditions (that is, at the lower end of the  
dynamic range) demands the provision of a very high gain  
bandwidth product. A further consequence of this high gain is  
that, in the absence of an input signal, even very small amounts  
of thermal noise at the input of a log amp cause a finite output  
for zero input. This results in the response line curving away  
from the ideal shown in Figure 21 toward a finite baseline,  
which can be either above or below the intercept. Note that the  
value given for this intercept can be an extrapolated value, in  
which case the output can not cross zero, or even reach it, as is  
the case for the AD8307.  
V
VY is the slope voltage; the logarithm is usually taken to base 10  
(in which case VY is also the volts per decade).  
V
IN is the input voltage.  
VX is the intercept voltage.  
All log amps implicitly require two references, here, VX and VY,  
which determine the scaling of the circuit. The absolute  
accuracy of a log amp cannot be any better than the accuracy of  
its scaling references. Equation 1 is mathematically incomplete  
in representing the behavior of a demodulating log amp such as  
the AD8307, where VIN has an alternating sign. However, the  
basic principles are unaffected, and this can be safely used as the  
starting point in the analyses of log amp scaling.  
V
OUT  
5V  
4V  
3V  
2V  
V
Y
Y
Y
Y
While Equation 1 is fundamentally correct, a simpler formula is  
appropriate for specifying the calibration attributes of a log amp  
like the AD8307, which demodulates a sine wave input:  
V
SHIFT  
LOWER INTERCEPT  
VOUT = VSLOPE (PIN – P0)  
where:  
OUT is the demodulated and filtered baseband (video or  
RSSI) output.  
SLOPE is the logarithmic slope, now expressed in V/dB (typically  
between 15 mV/dB and 30 mV/dB).  
IN is the input power, expressed in decibels relative to some  
(3)  
Y
LOG V  
IN  
V
= 0  
V
OUT  
–2  
= 10  
2
4
X
V
= V  
X
V
V
V
= 10 V  
V
= 10 V  
IN  
0dBc  
IN  
–40dBc  
X
IN  
X
IN  
+80dBc  
+40dBc  
V
–2V  
Y
Figure 21. Ideal Log Amp Function  
P
Figure 21 shows the input/output relationship of an ideal log  
amp, conforming to Equation 1. The horizontal scale is  
logarithmic and spans a wide dynamic range, shown here as  
over 120 dB, or six decades. The output passes through zero  
reference power level.  
P0 is the logarithmic intercept, expressed in decibels relative to  
the same reference level.  
Rev. C | Page 9 of 24  
AD8307  
The most widely used reference in RF systems is decibels above  
1 mW in 50 Ω, written dBm. Note that the quantity (PIN – P0) is  
just dB. The logarithmic function disappears from the formula  
because the conversion has already been implicitly performed  
in stating the input in decibels. This is strictly a concession to  
popular convention; log amps manifestly do not respond to  
power (tacitly, power absorbed at the input), but rather to input  
voltage. The use of dBV (decibels with respect to 1 V rms) is  
more precise, though still incomplete, since waveform is involved,  
too. Since most users think about and specify RF signals in terms of  
power, more specifically, in dBm re: 50 Ω, this convention is used in  
specifying the performance of the AD8307.  
in the case of the AD8307, VY is traceable to an on-chip band  
gap reference, while VX is derived from the thermal voltage  
kT/q and is later temperature corrected.  
AE  
K
SLOPE = 1  
A/1  
SLOPE = A  
0
E
INPUT  
K
PROGRESSIVE COMPRESSION  
Figure 23. A/1 Amplifier Function  
Most high speed, high dynamic range log amps use a cascade of  
nonlinear amplifier cells (Figure 22) to generate the logarithmic  
function from a series of contiguous segments, a type of  
piecewise linear technique. This basic topology immediately  
opens up the possibility of enormous gain bandwidth products.  
For example, the AD8307 employs six cells in its main signal  
path, each having a small signal gain of 14.3 dB (×5.2) and a  
−3 dB bandwidth of about 900 MHz. The overall gain is about  
20,000 (8ꢀ dB) and the overall bandwidth of the chain is some  
500 MHz, resulting in the incredible gain bandwidth product  
(GBW) of 10,000 GHz, about a million times that of a typical op  
amp. This very high GBW is an essential prerequisite for  
accurate operation under small signal conditions and at high  
frequencies. In Equation 2, however, the incremental gain  
decreases rapidly as VIN increases. The AD8307 continues to  
exhibit an essentially logarithmic response down to inputs as  
small as 50 μV at 500 MHz.  
Let the input of an N-cell cascade be VIN, and the final output  
OUT. For small signals, the overall gain is simply AN. A six stage  
V
system in which A = 5 (14 dB) has an overall gain of 15,ꢀ25  
(84 dB). The importance of a very high small signal gain in  
implementing the logarithmic function has been noted;  
however, this parameter is only of incidental interest in the  
design of log amps.  
From here onward, rather than considering gain, analyze the  
overall nonlinear behavior of the cascade in response to a  
simple dc input, corresponding to the VIN of Equation 1. For  
very small inputs, the output from the first cell is V1 = AVIN.  
The output from the second cell is V2 = A2 VIN, and so on, up to  
VN = AN VIN. At a certain value of VIN, the input to the Nth cell,  
VN–1, is exactly equal to the knee voltage EK. Thus, VOUT = AEK  
and since there are N–1 cells of gain A ahead of this node,  
calculate VIN = EK /AN–1. This unique situation corresponds to  
the lin-log transition, (labeled 1 in Figure 24). Below this input,  
the cascade of gain cells acts as a simple linear amplifier, while  
for higher values of VIN, it enters into a series of segments that  
lie on a logarithmic approximation (dotted line).  
STAGE 1  
STAGE 2  
STAGE N–1  
STAGE N  
V
V
X
W
A
A
A
A
V
OUT  
Figure 22. Cascade of Nonlinear Gain Cells  
(4A–3) E  
(3A–2) E  
(2A–1) E  
AE  
K
K
K
To develop the theory, first consider a scheme slightly different  
from that employed in the AD8307, but simpler to explain and  
mathematically more straightforward to analyze. This approach  
is based on a nonlinear amplifier unit, called an A/1 cell, with  
the transfer characteristic shown in Figure 23.  
2
3
3
2
(A–1) E  
K
1
RATIO  
OF A  
The local small signal gain δVOUT/δVIN is A, maintained for all  
inputs up to the knee voltage EK, above which the incremental  
gain drops to unity. The function is symmetrical: the same drop  
in gain occurs for instantaneous values of VIN less than –EK. The  
large signal gain has a value of A for inputs in the range −EK ≤  
K
0
LOG V  
IN  
N–1  
/A  
N–2  
N–3  
N–4  
E
E
/A  
E
/A  
E
/A  
K
K
K
K
Figure 24. First Three Transitions  
VIN ≤ +EK, but falls asymptotically toward unity for very large  
Continuing this analysis, the next transition occurs when the  
inputs. In logarithmic amplifiers based on this amplifier  
function, both the slope voltage and the intercept voltage must  
be traceable to the one reference voltage, EK. Therefore, in this  
fundamental analysis, the calibration accuracy of the log amp is  
dependent solely on this voltage. In practice, it is possible to  
separate the basic references used to determine VY and VX and  
input to the (N–1) stage just reaches EK; that is, when VIN  
=
EK /AN–2. The output of this stage is then exactly AEK, and it is  
easily demonstrated (from the function shown in Figure 23)  
that the output of the final stage is (2A–1) EK (labeled 2 in  
Figure 24). Thus, the output has changed by an amount (A–1)EK  
for a change in VIN from EK /AN–1 to EK/AN–2, that is, a ratio change  
Rev. C | Page ±0 of 24  
AD8307  
of A. At the next critical point (labeled 3 in Figure 24), the input  
is again A times larger and VOUT has increased to (3A–2)EK, that  
is, by another linear increment of (A–1)EK.  
SLOPE = 0  
AE  
K
tanh  
Further analysis shows that right up to the point where the  
input to the first cell is above the knee voltage, VOUT changes by  
(A–1)EK for a ratio change of A in VIN. This can be expressed as  
a certain fraction of a decade, which is simply log10(A). For  
example when A = 5, a transition in the piecewise linear output  
function occurs at regular intervals of 0.7 decade (log10(A), or  
14 dB divided by 20 dB). This insight allows us to immediately  
write the volts per decade scaling parameter, which is also the  
scaling voltage, VY, when using base 10 logarithms, as  
A/0  
SLOPE = A  
0
E
K
INPUT  
Figure 25. A/0 Amplifier Functions (Ideal and Tanh)  
The ADꢀ40, ADꢀ0ꢀ, ADꢀ08, AD8307, and various other  
Analog Devices, Inc. communications products incorporating a  
logarithmic IF amplifier all use this technique. It becomes  
apparent that the output of the last stage can no longer provide  
the logarithmic output, since this remains unchanged for all inputs  
Linear Change in VOUT  
Decades Change in VIN  
(
A 1  
)
EK  
VY =  
=
(4)  
log10(A)  
Note that only two design parameters are involved in  
above the limiting threshold, which occurs at VIN = EK/AN−1  
.
determining VY, namely, the cell gain A and the knee voltage EK,  
while N, the number of stages, is unimportant in setting the  
slope of the overall function. For A = 5 and EK = 100 mV, the  
slope would be a rather awkward 572.3 mV per decade  
(28.ꢀ mV/dB). A well designed log amp has rational scaling  
parameters.  
Instead, the logarithmic output is now generated by summing  
the outputs of all the stages. The full analysis for this type of log  
amp is only slightly more complicated than that of the previous  
case. It is readily shown that, for practical purposes, the intercept  
voltage VX is identical to that given in Equation 5, while the  
slope voltage is  
The intercept voltage can be determined by using two pairs of  
transition points on the output function (consider Figure 24).  
The result is  
AEK  
VY =  
(ꢀ)  
log10 A  
( )  
EK  
Preference for the A/0 style of log amp, over one using A/1 cells,  
stems from several considerations. The first is that an A/0 cell  
can be very simple. In the AD8307 it is based on a bipolar  
transistor differential pair, having resistive loads, RL, and an  
emitter current source, IE. This exhibits an equivalent knee  
voltage of EK = 2 kT/q and a small signal gain of A = IERL/EK.  
The large signal transfer function is the hyperbolic tangent  
(see dotted line in Figure 25). This function is very precise, and  
the deviation from an ideal A/0 form is not detrimental. In fact,  
the rounded shoulders of the tanh function result in a lower  
ripple in the logarithmic conformance than that obtained using  
an ideal A/0 function.  
VX =  
(5)  
(
A1))  
A(N +1/  
For the case under consideration, using N = ꢀ, calculate  
VZ = 4.28 μV. However, be careful about the interpretation of  
this parameter, since it was earlier defined as the input voltage  
at which the output passes through zero (see Figure 21). Clearly,  
in the absence of noise and offsets, the output of the amplifier  
chain shown in Figure 23 can be zero when, and only when,  
VIN = 0. This anomaly is due to the finite gain of the cascaded  
amplifier, which results in a failure to maintain the logarithmic  
approximation below the lin-log transition (point 1 in Figure 24).  
Closer analysis shows that the voltage given by Equation 5  
represents the extrapolated, rather than actual, intercept.  
An amplifier built of these cells is entirely differential in  
structure and can thus be rendered very insensitive to  
disturbances on the supply lines and, with careful design, to  
temperature variations. The output of each gain cell has an  
associated transconductance (gm) cell, which converts the  
differential output voltage of the cell to a pair of differential  
currents, which are summed simply by connecting the outputs  
of all the gm (detector) stages in parallel. The total current is  
then converted back to a voltage by a transresistance stage to  
generate the logarithmic output. This scheme is depicted, in  
single sided form, in Figure 2ꢀ.  
DEMODULATING LOG AMPS  
Log amps based on a cascade of A/1 cells are useful in baseband  
applications because they do not demodulate their input signal.  
However, baseband and demodulating log amps alike can be  
made using a different type of amplifier stage, called an A/0 cell.  
Its function differs from that of the A/1 cell in that the gain  
above the knee voltage EK falls to zero, as shown by the solid  
line in Figure 25. This is also known as the limiter function, and  
a chain of N such cells are often used to generate hard limited  
output in recovering the signal in FM and PM modes.  
Rev. C | Page ±± of 24  
AD8307  
2
3
4
A V  
IN  
AV  
A V  
A V  
IN  
IN  
IN  
motion of VX resulting from the temperature variation of EK. Do  
this by adding an offset with the required temperature behavior.  
V
V
LIM  
IN  
A/0  
A/0  
A/0  
A/0  
The precise temperature shaping of the intercept positioning offset  
results in a log amp having stable scaling parameters, making it a  
true measurement device, for example, as a calibrated received  
signal strength indicator (RSSI). In this application, one is more  
interested in the value of the output for an input waveform that  
is invariably sinusoidal. Although the input level can  
alternatively be stated as an equivalent power, in dBm, be sure  
to work carefully. It is essential to know the load impedance in  
which this power is presumed to be measured.  
gm  
gm  
gm  
gm  
gm  
I
OUT  
Figure 26. Log Amp Using A/0 Stages and Auxiliary Summing Cells  
The chief advantage of this approach is that the slope voltage  
can now be decoupled from the knee voltage EK = 2 kT/q, which  
is inherently PTAT. By contrast, the simple summation of the  
cell outputs would result in a very high temperature coefficient  
of the slope voltage given in Equation ꢀ. To do this, the detector  
stages are biased with currents (not shown) which are rendered  
stable with temperature. These are derived either from the  
supply voltage (as in the ADꢀ0ꢀ and ADꢀ08) or from an  
internal band gap reference (as in the ADꢀ40 and AD8307).  
This topology affords complete control over the magnitude and  
temperature behavior of the logarithmic slope, decoupling it  
completely from EK.  
In RF practice, it is generally safe to assume a reference impedance  
of 50 Ω in which 0 dBm (1 mW) corresponds to a sinusoidal  
amplitude of 31ꢀ.2 mV (223.ꢀ mV rms). The intercept can likewise  
be specified in dBm. For the AD8307, it is positioned at −84 dBm,  
corresponding to a sine amplitude of 20 μV. It is important to bear  
in mind that log amps do not respond to power, but to the voltage  
applied to their input.  
The AD8307 presents a nominal input impedance much higher  
than 50 Ω (typically 1.1 kΩ low frequencies). A simple input  
matching network can considerably improve the sensitivity of  
this type of log amp. This increases the voltage applied to the  
input and thus alters the intercept. For a 50 Ω match, the  
voltage gain is 4.8 and the entire dynamic range moves down by  
13.ꢀ dB (see Figure 35). Note that the effective intercept is a  
function of waveform. For example, a square wave input reads  
ꢀ dB higher than a sine wave of the same amplitude and a  
Gaussian noise input 0.5 dB higher than a sine wave of the same  
rms value.  
A further step is needed to achieve the demodulation response,  
required when the log amp is to convert an alternating input  
into a quasi-dc baseband output. This is achieved by altering the  
gm cells used for summation purposes to also implement the  
rectification function. Early discrete log amps based on the  
progressive compression technique used half-wave rectifiers.  
This made post-detection filtering difficult. The ADꢀ40 was the  
first commercial monolithic log amp to use a full wave rectifier,  
a practice followed in all subsequent Analog Devices types.  
These detectors can be modeled as being essentially linear gm  
cells, but producing an output current independent of the sign  
of the voltage applied to the input of each cell. That is, they  
implement the absolute value function. Since the output from  
the later A/0 stages closely approximates an amplitude  
symmetric square wave for even moderate input levels (most  
stages of the amplifier chain operate in a limiting mode), the  
current output from each detector is almost constant over each  
period of the input. Somewhat earlier detector stages produce a  
waveform having only very brief dropouts, while the detectors  
nearest the input produce a low level, almost sinusoidal  
waveform at twice the input frequency. These aspects of the  
detector system result in a signal that is easily filtered, resulting  
in low residual ripple on the output.  
OFFSET CONTROL  
In a monolithic log amp, direct coupling between the stages is  
used for several reasons. First, this avoids the use of coupling  
capacitors, which typically have a chip area equal to that of a  
basic gain cell, thus considerably increasing die size. Second, the  
capacitor values predetermine the lowest frequency at which the  
log amp can operate; for moderate values, this can be as high as  
30 MHz, limiting the application range. Third, the parasitic  
(backplate) capacitance lowers the bandwidth of the cell, further  
limiting the applications.  
However, the very high dc gain of a direct-coupled amplifier  
raises a practical issue. An offset voltage in the early stages of  
the chain is indistinguishable from a real signal. For example, if  
it were as high as 400 μV, it would be 18 dB larger than the  
smallest ac signal (50 μV), potentially reducing the dynamic  
range by this amount. This problem is averted by using a global  
feedback path from the last stage to the first, which corrects this  
offset in a similar fashion to the dc negative feedback applied  
around an op amp. The high frequency components of the  
signal must be removed to prevent a reduction of the HF gain in  
the forward path.  
INTERCEPT CALIBRATION  
All monolithic log amps from Analog Devices include accurate  
means to position the intercept voltage VX (or equivalent power for  
a demodulating log amp). Using the scheme shown in Figure 2ꢀ,  
the basic value of the intercept level departs considerably from that  
predicted by the simpler analyses given earlier. However, the  
intrinsic intercept voltage is still proportional to EK, which is PTAT  
(Equation 5). Recalling that the addition of an offset to the output  
produces an effect that is indistinguishable from a change in the  
position of the intercept, it is possible to cancel the left-right  
In the AD8307, this is achieved by an on-chip filter, providing  
sufficient suppression of HF feedback to allow operation above  
Rev. C | Page ±2 of 24  
AD8307  
1 MHz. To extend the range below this frequency, an external  
capacitor can be added. This permits the high-pass corner to be  
lowered to audio frequencies using a capacitor of modest value.  
Note that this capacitor has no effect on the minimum signal  
frequency for input levels above the offset voltage: this extends  
down to dc (for a signal applied directly to the input pins). The  
offset voltage varies from part to part; some exhibit essentially  
stable offsets of under 100 μV without the benefit of an offset  
adjustment.  
applied to a tapped attenuator, and progressively smaller signals  
are applied to three passive rectifying gm cells whose outputs are  
summed with those of the main detectors. With care in design,  
the extension to the dynamic range can be seamless over the full  
frequency range. For the AD8307, it amounts to a further 27 dB.  
Therefore, the total dynamic range is theoretically 113 dB. The  
specified range of 90 dB (−74 dBm to +1ꢀ dBm) is for high  
accuracy and calibrated operation, and includes the low end  
degradation due to thermal noise and the top end reduction due  
to voltage limitations. The additional stages are not, however,  
redundant, but are needed to maintain accurate logarithmic  
conformance over the central region of the dynamic range, and  
in extending the usable range considerably beyond the specified  
range. In applications where log conformance is less demanding,  
the AD8307 can provide over 95 dB of range.  
EXTENSION OF RANGE  
The theoretical dynamic range for the basic log amp shown in  
Figure 2ꢀ is AN. For A = 5.2 (14.3 dB) and N = ꢀ, it is 20,000 or  
8ꢀ dB. The actual lower end of the dynamic range is largely  
determined by the thermal noise floor, measured at the input of  
the chain of amplifiers. The upper end of the range is extended  
upward by the addition of top end detectors. The input signal is  
Rev. C | Page ±3 of 24  
AD8307  
INTERFACES  
The AD8307 comprises six main amplifier/limiter stages, each  
having a gain of 14.3 dB and small signal bandwidth of  
900 MHz; the overall gain is 8ꢀ dB with a −3 dB bandwidth of  
500 MHz. These six cells, and their associated gm styled full  
wave detectors, handle the lower two-thirds of the dynamic  
range. Three top end detectors, placed at 14.3 dB taps on a  
passive attenuator, handle the upper third of the 90 dB range.  
Biasing for these cells is provided by two references: one  
determines their gain; the other is a band gap circuit that  
determines the logarithmic slope and stabilizes it against supply  
and temperature variations. The AD8307 can be enabled/  
disabled by a CMOS-compatible level at ENB (Pin ꢀ). The first  
amplifier stage provides a low voltage noise spectral density  
(1.5 nV/√Hz).  
tolerance is typically within 20%. Similarly, the capacitors have  
a typical tolerance of 15% and essentially zero temperature or  
voltage sensitivity. Most interfaces have additional small junction  
capacitances associated with them, due to active devices or ESD  
protection; these can be neither accurate nor stable. Component  
numbering in each of these interface diagrams is local.  
ENABLE INTERFACE  
The chip enable interface is shown in Figure 28. The currents in  
the diode-connected transistors control the turn on and turn off  
states of the band gap reference and the bias generator, and are a  
maximum of 100 μA when Pin ꢀ is taken to 5 V, under worst-  
case conditions. Left unconnected, or at a voltage below 1 V, the  
AD8307 is disabled and consume a sleep current of under 50 μA;  
tied to the supply, or a voltage above 2 V, it is fully enabled. The  
internal bias circuitry is very fast, typically <100 ns for either off  
or on. In practice, the latency period before the log amp exhibits  
its full dynamic range is more likely to be limited by factors  
relating to the use of ac coupling at the input or the settling of  
the offset control loop.  
The differential current-mode outputs of the nine detectors are  
summed and then converted to single sided form in the output  
stage, nominally scaled 2 μA/dB. The logarithmic output  
voltage is developed by applying this current to an on-chip  
12.5 kΩ resistor, resulting in a logarithmic slope of 25 mV/dB  
(that is, 500 mV/decade) at Pin OUT. This voltage is not  
buffered, allowing the use of a variety of special output  
interfaces, including the addition of post-demodulation  
filtering. The last detector stage includes a modification to  
temperature stabilize the log intercept, which is accurately  
positioned to make optimal use of the full output voltage range  
available. The intercept can be adjusted using the INT pin,  
which adds or subtracts a small current to the signal current.  
AD8307  
40k  
6
ENB  
TO BIAS  
STAGES  
2
COM  
Figure 28. Enable Interface  
7
VPS  
AD8307  
S
125  
125Ω  
BAND GAP REFERENCE  
7
6
5
VPS  
7.5mA  
ENB  
INT  
AND BIASING  
6kΩ  
COM  
SIX 14.3dB 900MHz  
AMPLIFIER STAGES  
C
2kΩ  
2kΩ  
6kΩ  
+INP  
P
INP  
INM  
8
1
8
1
Q1  
INP  
INM  
MIRROR  
1.1k  
–INP  
TOP-END  
2µA  
/dB  
3
4kΩ  
C
C
D
~3kΩ  
DETECTORS  
OUT  
OFS  
4
3
2
NINE DETECTOR CELLS  
SPACED 14.3dB  
Q2  
12.5kΩ  
COM  
TYP 2.2V FOR  
3V SUPPLY,  
3.2V AT 5V  
M
2
COM  
I
E
INPUT-OFFSET  
COMPENSATION LOOP  
COM  
2.4mA  
S
2
Figure 27. Main Features of the AD8307  
COM  
The last gain stage also includes an offset sensing cell. This  
generates a bipolarity output current when the main signal path  
has an imbalance due to accumulated dc offsets. This current is  
integrated by an on-chip capacitor (which can be increased in  
value by an off-chip component at OFS). The resulting voltage  
is used to null the offset at the output of the first stage. Since it  
does not involve the signal input connections, whose ac-coupling  
capacitors otherwise introduce a second pole in the feedback  
path, the stability of the offset correction loop is assured.  
Figure 29. Signal Input Interface  
INPUT INTERFACE  
Figure 29 shows the essentials of the signal input interface. CP  
and CM are the parasitic capacitances to ground; CD is the  
differential input capacitance, mostly due to Q1 and Q2. In  
most applications, both input pins are ac-coupled. The switches  
close when Enable is asserted. When disabled, the inputs float,  
bias current IE is shut off, and the coupling capacitors remain  
charged. If the log amp is disabled for long periods, small  
leakage currents discharge these capacitors. If they are poorly  
matched, charging currents at power-up can generate a  
The AD8307 is built on an advanced, dielectrically isolated,  
complementary bipolar process. Most resistors are thin film  
types having a low temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR)  
and high linearity under large signal conditions. Their absolute  
Rev. C | Page ±4 of 24  
AD8307  
7
VPS  
transient input voltage that can block the lower reaches of the  
dynamic range until it has become much less than the signal.  
125  
125Ω  
INPUT  
STAGE  
MAIN GAIN  
STAGES  
TO LAST  
DETECTOR  
In most applications, the signal is single sided and can be  
applied to either Pin 1 or Pin 8, with the other pin ac-coupled to  
ground. Under these conditions, the largest input signal that  
can be handled by the AD8307 is 10 dBm (sine amplitude of  
1 V) when operating from a 3 V supply; 1ꢀ dBm can be  
handled using a 5 V supply. The full 1ꢀ dBm can be achieved for  
supplies down to 2.7 V, using a fully balanced drive. For  
frequencies above about 10 MHz, this is most easily achieved  
using a matching network. Using such a network, having an  
inductor at the input, the input transient is eliminated.  
Occasionally, it is desirable to use the dc-coupled potential of  
the AD8307. The main challenge here is to present signals to  
the log amp at the elevated common-mode input level,  
requiring the use of low noise, low offset buffer amplifiers.  
Using dual supplies of 3 V, the input pins can operate at  
ground potential.  
Q1  
64µA AT  
S
BALANCE  
Q2  
gm  
AVERAGE  
ERROR  
OFS  
3
BIAS, ~1.2V  
CURRENT  
Q3  
36kΩ  
Q4  
C
C
HP  
OFS  
48kΩ  
2
COM  
Figure 30. Offset Interface and Offset Nulling Path  
The offset feedback is limited to a range of 1.ꢀ mV; signals larger  
than this override the offset control loop, which only affects  
performance for very small inputs. An external capacitor reduces  
the high-pass corner to arbitrarily low frequencies; using 1 μF this  
corner is below 10 Hz. All ADI log amps use an offset nulling loop;  
the AD8307 differs in using this single sided form.  
OUTPUT INTERFACE  
OFFSET INTERFACE  
The outputs from the nine detectors are differential currents,  
having an average value that is dependent on the signal input  
level, plus a fluctuation at twice the input frequency. The  
currents are summed at nodes LGP and LGM in Figure 31.  
Further currents are added at these nodes, to position the  
intercept, by slightly raising the output for zero input, and to  
provide temperature compensation. Since the AD8307 is not  
laser trimmed, there is a small uncertainty in both the log slope  
and the log intercept. These scaling parameters can be adjusted.  
The input referred dc offsets in the signal path are nulled via the  
interface associated with Pin 3, shown in Figure 30. Q1 and Q2  
are the first stage input transistors, with their corresponding  
load resistors (125 Ω). Q3 and Q4 generate small currents,  
which can introduce a dc offset into the signal path. When the  
voltage on OFS is at about 1.5 V, these currents are equal, and  
nominally ꢀ4 μA. When OFS is taken to ground, Q4 is off and  
the effect of the current in Q3 is to generate an offset voltage of  
ꢀ4 μV × 125 Ω = 8 mV. Since the first stage gain is ×5, this is  
equivalent to a input offset (INP to INM) of 1.ꢀ mV. When OFS  
is taken to its most positive value, the input referred offset is  
reversed to −1.ꢀ mV. If true dc coupling is needed, down to very  
small inputs, this automatic loop must be disabled, and the  
residual offset eliminated using a manual adjustment.  
For zero signal conditions, all the detector output currents are  
equal. For a finite input of either polarity, their difference is  
converted by the output interface to a single sided unipolar  
current nominally scaled 2 μA/dB (40 μA/decade), at Pin OUT.  
An on-chip 12.5 kΩ resistor, R1, converts this current to a  
voltage of 25 mV/dB. C1 and C2 are effectively in shunt with R1  
and form a low-pass filter pole with a corner frequency of about  
5 MHz. The pulse response settles to within 1% of the final  
value within 300 ns. This integral low-pass filter provides  
adequate smoothing in many IF applications. At 10.7 MHz, the  
2f ripple is 12.5 mV in amplitude, equivalent to 0.5 dB, and  
only 0.5 mV ( 0.02 dB) at f = 50 MHz. A filter capacitor CFLT  
added from Pin OUT to ground lowers this corner frequency.  
Using 1 μF, the ripple is maintained to less than 0.5 dB down  
to input frequencies of 100 Hz. Note that COFS should also be  
increased in low frequency applications, and is typically made  
In normal operation, however, using an ac-coupled input signal,  
the OFS pin should be left open. Any residual input offset  
voltage is then automatically nulled by the action of the  
feedback loop. The gm cell, which is gated off when the chip is  
disabled, converts any output offset (sensed at a point near the  
end of the cascade of amplifiers) to a current. This is integrated  
by the on-chip capacitor CHP, and any added external  
capacitance COFS, so as to generate an error voltage, which is  
applied back to the input stage in the polarity needed to null the  
output offset. From a small signal perspective, this feedback  
alters the response of the amplifier, which, rather than behaving  
as a fully dc-coupled system, now exhibits a zero in its ac  
transfer function, resulting in a closed loop high-pass corner at  
about 1.5 MHz.  
equal to CFLT  
.
Rev. C | Page ±5 of 24  
AD8307  
7
5
VPS  
INT  
It can be desirable to increase the speed of the output response,  
with the penalty of increased ripple. One way to do this is  
simply by connecting a shunt load resistor from Pin OUT to  
ground, which raises the low-pass corner frequency. This also  
alters the logarithmic slope, for example to 7.5 mV/dB using a  
5.3ꢀ kΩ resistor, while reducing the 10% to 90% rise time to  
25 ns. The ripple amplitude for 50 MHz input remains 0.5 mV,  
but this is now equivalent to 0.07 dB. If a negative supply is  
available, the output pin can be connected directly to the  
summing node of an external op amp connected as an inverting  
mode transresistance stage.  
3pF  
1.25k  
1.25kΩ  
1.25kΩ  
1.25kΩ  
8.25kΩ  
60kΩ  
LGP  
LGM  
~400mV  
FROM ALL  
DETECTORS  
2µA/dB  
0–220µA  
25mV/dB  
C2  
1pF  
BIAS  
60µA  
4
OUT  
C1  
2.5pF  
R1  
12.5kΩ  
C
FLT  
2
COM  
Figure 31. Simplified Output Interface  
Note that while the AD8307 can operate down to supply  
voltages of 2.7 V, the output voltage limit is reduced when the  
supply drops below 4 V. This characteristic is the result of  
necessary headroom requirements, approximately two VBE  
drops, in the design of the output stage.  
Rev. C | Page ±6 of 24  
AD8307  
THEORY OF OPERATION  
The AD8307 has very high gain and a bandwidth from dc to  
over 1 GHz, at which frequency the gain of the main path is still  
over ꢀ0 dB. Consequently, it is susceptible to all signals within  
this very broad frequency range that find their way to the input  
terminals. It is important to remember that these are  
indistinguishable from the wanted signal, and has the effect of  
raising the apparent noise floor (that is, lowering the useful  
dynamic range). For example, while the signal of interest can be  
an IF of 50 MHz, any of the following could easily be larger  
than the IF signal at the lower extremities of its dynamic range:  
ꢀ0 Hz hum (picked up due to poor grounding techniques);  
spurious coupling (from a digital clock source on the same PC  
board); local radio stations; and so on.  
the log amp side of the coupling capacitors; in the former case,  
smaller capacitors can be used for a given frequency range; in  
the latter case, the effective RIN is lowered directly at the log  
amp inputs.  
Figure 33 shows the output versus the input level, in dBm, when  
driven from a terminated 50 Ω generator, for sine inputs at  
10 MHz, 100 MHz, and 500 MHz; Figure 34 shows the typical  
logarithmic conformance under the same conditions. Note that  
+10 dBm corresponds to a sine amplitude of 1 V, equivalent to  
an rms power of 10 mW in a 50 Ω termination. However, if the  
termination resistor is omitted, the input power is negligible.  
The use of dBm to define input level therefore needs to be  
considered carefully in connection with the AD8307.  
3.0  
Careful shielding is essential. A ground plane should be used to  
provide a low impedance connection to the common pin,  
COM, for the decoupling capacitor(s) used at VPS, and as the  
output ground. It is inadvisable to assume that the ground plane  
is an equipotential. Neither of the inputs should be ac-coupled  
directly to the ground plane, but should be kept separate from  
it, being returned instead to the low associated with the source.  
This can mean isolating the low side of an input connector with  
a small resistance to the ground plane.  
2.5  
10MHz  
2.0  
1.5  
100MHz  
1.0  
BASIC CONNECTIONS  
500MHz  
0.5  
Figure 32 shows the simple connections suitable for many  
applications. The inputs are ac coupled by C1 and C2, which  
should have the same value, say, CC. The coupling time constant  
is RIN CC/2, thus forming a high-pass corner with a 3 dB  
attenuation at fHP = 1/(pRINCC ). In high frequency applications,  
0
–80 –70 –60 –50 –40 –30 –20 –10  
INPUT LEVEL (dBm)  
0
10  
20  
Figure 33. Log Response at 10 MHz, 100 MHz, and 500 MHz  
5
f
HP should be as large as possible in order to minimize the  
4
coupling of unwanted low frequency signals. Conversely, in low  
frequency applications, a simple RC network forming a low-  
pass filter should be added at the input for the same reason. For  
the case where the generator is not terminated, the signal range  
should be expressed in terms of the voltage response, and  
extends from −85 dBV to +ꢀ dBV.  
3
2
500MHz  
1
0
10MHz  
–1  
–2  
0.1µF  
100MHz  
4.7Ω  
V , 2.7V TO 5.5V  
P
AT ~8mA  
C1 = C  
–3  
–4  
–5  
C
8
NC  
5
7
6
INPUT  
–75dBm TO  
+16dBm  
INP VPS ENB INT  
R
IN  
–80 –70 –60 –50 –40 –30 –20 –10  
INPUT LEVEL (dBm)  
0
10  
20  
R
T
AD8307  
INM COM OFS OUT  
1.1kΩ  
Figure 34. Logarithmic Law Conformance at 10 MHz, 100 MHz, and 500 MHz  
1
2
3
4
NC  
OUTPUT  
25mV/dB  
INPUT MATCHING  
C2 = C  
C
NC = NO CONNECT  
Where higher sensitivity is required, an input matching network  
is valuable. Using a transformer to achieve the impedance  
transformation also eliminates the need for coupling capacitors,  
which lowers the offset voltage generated directly at the input,  
and balances the drives to Pin INP and Pin INM. The choice of  
turns ratio depends somewhat on the frequency. At frequencies  
below 50 MHz, the reactance of the input capacitance is much  
higher than the real part of the input impedance. In this  
Figure 32. Basic Connections  
Where it is necessary to terminate the source at a low impedance,  
the resistor RT should be added, with allowance for the shunting  
effect of the basic 1.1 kΩ input resistance (RIN) of the AD8307.  
For example, to terminate a 50 Ω source, a 52.3 Ω 1% tolerance  
resistor should be used. This can be placed on the input side or  
Rev. C | Page ±7 of 24  
AD8307  
0.1µF  
4.7  
frequency range, a turns ratio of about 1:4.8 lowers the input  
impedance to 50 Ω while raising the input voltage, thus  
lowering the effect of the short-circuit noise voltage by the same  
factor. There is a small contribution from the input noise  
current, so the total noise is reduced by a lesser factor. The  
intercept is also lowered by the turns ratio; for a 50 Ω match, it  
is reduced by 20 log10 (4.8) or 13.ꢀ dB.  
V , 2.7V TO 5.5V  
P
AT ~8mA  
C1  
NC  
5
8
7
6
50INPUT  
–88dBm TO  
+3dBm  
INP VPS ENB INT  
L
M
AD8307  
INM COM OFS OUT  
Z
= 50Ω  
1
2
3
4
IN  
NC  
OUTPUT  
25mV/dB  
NARROW-BAND MATCHING  
C2  
NC = NO CONNECT  
Transformer coupling is useful in broadband applications.  
However, a magnetically-coupled transformer may not be  
convenient in some situations. At high frequencies, it is often  
preferable to use a narrow-band matching network, as shown in  
Figure 35.  
Figure 35. High Frequency Input Matching Network  
14  
13  
12  
11  
10  
9
GAIN  
This has several advantages. The same voltage gain is achieved,  
providing increased sensitivity, but now a measure of selectivity  
is also introduced. The component count is low: two capacitors  
and an inexpensive chip inductor. Further, by making these  
capacitors unequal, the amplitudes at Pin INP and Pin INM can  
be equalized when driving from a single sided source; that is,  
the network also serves as a balun.  
8
7
6
5
4
3
INPUT  
2
Figure 3ꢀ shows the response for a center frequency of  
100 MHz. Note the very high attenuation at low frequencies.  
The high frequency attenuation is due to the input capacitance  
of the log amp.  
1
0
–1  
60  
70  
80  
90  
100  
110  
120  
130  
140  
150  
FREQUENCY (MHz)  
Figure 36. Response of 100 MHz Matching Network  
Table 4 provides solutions for a variety of center frequencies  
(FC) and matching impedances (ZIN) of nominally 50 Ω and  
100 Ω. The unequal capacitor values were chosen to provide a  
well balanced differential drive, and to allow better centering of  
the frequency response peak when using standard value  
components; this generally results in a ZIN that is not exact. The  
full AD8307 HF input impedance and the inductor losses are  
included in the modeling.  
Table 4. Narrow-Band Matching Values  
FC (MHz)  
ZIN (Ω)  
C1 (pF)  
±60  
82  
30  
±5  
C2 (pF)  
±50  
75  
27  
±3  
8.2  
6.8  
5.6  
3.3  
9±  
LM (nH)  
3300  
±600  
680  
330  
220  
±50  
±00  
39  
5600  
2700  
±000  
430  
260  
±80  
Voltage Gain (dB)  
±0  
20  
50  
±00  
±50  
200  
250  
500  
±0  
45  
44  
46  
50  
57  
57  
50  
54  
±03  
±02  
99  
98  
±0±  
95  
±3.3  
±3.4  
±3.4  
±3.4  
±3.2  
±2.8  
±2.3  
±0.9  
±0.4  
±0.4  
±0.6  
±0.5  
±0.3  
±0.3  
9.9  
±0  
7.5  
6.2  
3.9  
±00  
5±  
22  
±±  
7.5  
5.6  
4.3  
2.2  
20  
50  
43  
±8  
±00  
±50  
200  
250  
500  
9.±  
6.2  
4.7  
3.9  
2.0  
92  
±±4  
±30  
47  
6.8  
Rev. C | Page ±8 of 24  
AD8307  
SLOPE AND INTERCEPT ADJUSTMENTS  
Where higher calibration accuracy is needed, the adjustments  
shown in Figure 37 can be used, either singly or in combination.  
The log slope is lowered to 20 mV/dB by shunting the nominally  
12.5 kΩ on-chip load resistor (see Figure 31) with 50 kΩ, adjusted  
by VR1. The calibration range is 10% (18 mV/dB to 22 mV/dB),  
including full allowance for the variability in the value of the  
internal load. The adjustment can be made by alternately  
applying two input levels, provided by an accurate signal  
generator, spaced over the central portion of the log amp’s  
dynamic range, for example −ꢀ0 dBm and 0 dBm. An AM  
modulated signal, at the center of the dynamic range, can also  
be used. For a modulation depth M, expressed as a fraction, the  
decibel range between the peaks and troughs over one cycle of  
the modulation period is given by  
The log intercept is adjustable over a 3 dB range, which is  
sufficient to absorb the worst-case intercept error in the  
AD8307, plus some system level errors. For greater range, set RS  
to zero. VR2 is adjusted while applying an accurately known  
CW signal near the lower end of the dynamic range in order to  
minimize the effect of any residual uncertainty in the slope. For  
example, to position the intercept to −80 dBm, a test level of  
−ꢀ5 dBm can be applied and VR2 adjusted to produce a dc  
output of 15 dB above zero at 25 mV/dB, which is +0.3 V.  
0.1µF  
4.7  
V , 2.7V TO 5.5V  
P
AT ~8mA  
VR2  
50kΩ  
R
S
C1 = C  
C
±3dB  
8
7
6
5
INPUT  
–75dBm TO  
+16dBm  
INP VPS ENB INT  
FOR V = 3V, R = 20kΩ  
P
P
S
1 + M  
AD8307  
V
= 5V, R = 51kΩ  
S
ΔdB = 20log  
(7)  
10 1 M  
INM COM OFS OUT  
1
2
3
4
NC  
20mV/dB  
±10%  
For example, using an rms signal level of −40 dBm with a 70%  
modulation depth (M = 0.7), the decibel range is 15 dB, as the  
signal varies from −47.5 dBm to −32.5 dBm.  
C2 = C  
C
32.4kΩ  
VR1  
50kΩ  
NC = NO CONNECT  
Figure 37. Slope and Intercept Adjustments  
Rev. C | Page ±9 of 24  
AD8307  
0.1µF  
4.7  
V , 2.7V TO 5.5V  
P
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION  
VR2  
50kΩ  
R
S
The AD8307 is a highly versatile and easily applied log amp  
requiring very few external components. Most applications of this  
product can be accommodated using the simple connections  
shown in the preceding section.  
±3dB  
2N3904  
R2  
8
7
6
5
INPUT  
–75dBm TO  
+16dBm  
INP VPS ENB INT  
25mV/dB  
AD8031  
AD8307  
INM COM OFS OUT  
R
T
(OPTIONAL)  
BUFFERED OUTPUT  
1
2
3
4
10mV/dB  
±18%  
OUTPUT  
50Ω  
MINIMUM  
3.01kΩ  
NC  
The output can be buffered, and the slope optionally increased,  
using an op amp. If the single-supply capability is to be preserved, a  
suitable component is the AD8031. Like the AD8307, it is  
capable of operating from a 2.7 V supply and features a rail-to-  
rail output capability; it is available in a 5-lead version and in  
dual form as the 8-lead AD8032. Figure 38 shows how the slope  
can be increased to 50 mV/dB (1 V per decade), requiring a  
5 V supply (90 dB times 50 mV is a 4.5 V swing). VR1 provides  
a 10% slope adjustment; VR2 provides a 3 dB intercept  
range. With R2 = 4.99 kΩ, the slope is adjustable to 25 mV/dB,  
allowing the use of a 2.7 V supply. Setting R2 to 80.ꢀ kΩ, it is  
raised to 100 mV/dB, providing direct reading in decibels on a  
digital voltmeter. Since a 90 dB range now corresponds to a 9 V  
swing, a supply of at least this amount is needed for the op amp.  
NC = NO CONNECT  
R1  
2kΩ  
VR1  
6.34kΩ  
5kΩ  
COM  
Figure 39. Cable Driving Log Amp  
In Figure 40, the capacitor values are chosen for operation in  
the audio field, providing a corner frequency of 10 Hz, an  
attenuation of 80 dB/decade above this frequency, and a 1%  
settling time of 150 ms (0.1% in 175 ms). The residual ripple is  
4 mV ( 0.02 dB) when the input to the AD8307 is at 20 Hz.  
This filter can easily be adapted to other frequencies by  
proportional scaling of C5 to C7 (for example, for 100 kHz use  
100 pF). Placed ahead of a digital multimeter, the convenient  
slope scaling of 100 mV/dB requires only a repositioning of the  
decimal point to read directly in decibels. The supply voltage for  
the filter must be large enough to support the dynamic range; a  
minimum of 9 V is needed for most applications; 12 V is  
recommended.  
0.1µF  
4.7  
V , 2.7V TO 5.5V  
P
VR2  
50kΩ  
R
S
±3dB  
FOR V = 3V, R = 20kΩ  
P
P
S
INPUT 5mV  
TO 160V rms  
8
7
6
5
V
= 5V, R = 51kΩ  
0.1µF  
S
4.7  
INPUT  
–75dBm TO  
+16dBm  
INP VPS ENB INT  
V
OUTPUT  
50mV/dB  
±10%  
OP AMP IS AD8032 SCALE  
C1 TO C8 AS NEEDED.  
NOTE POLARITIES IF TANTALUM  
CAPACITORS ARE USED.  
P
AD8031  
R1  
50kΩ  
VR1  
2kΩ  
AD8307  
422Ω  
INM COM OFS OUT  
C1  
R2  
30.1kΩ  
1
2
3
4
INT ±4dB  
C5  
C8  
10µF  
20mV/dB  
+
OUTPUT  
1µF  
NC  
1µF  
7.32kΩ  
100kΩ  
34kΩ  
100mV/dB  
NC  
5
+
+
8
7
6
NC = NO CONNECT  
R1  
20kΩ  
VR1  
50kΩ  
32.4kΩ  
C1  
INP VPS ENB INT  
93kΩ  
COM  
C3  
2.5nF  
AD8307  
INM COM OFS OUT  
Figure 38. Log Amp with Buffered Output  
1
2
3
4
34kΩ  
+
C1 is optional; it lowers the corner frequency of the low-pass  
output filter. A value of 0.1 μF should be used for applications in  
which the output is measured on a voltmeter or other low speed  
device. On the other hand, when C1 is omitted, the 10% to 90%  
response time is under 200 ns and is typically 300 ns to 99% of  
final value. To achieve faster response times, it is necessary to  
lower the load resistance at the output of the AD8307, then  
restore the scale using a higher gain in the op amp. Using  
8.33 kΩ, the basic slope is 10 mV/dB; this can be restored to  
25 mV/dB using a buffer gain of 2.5. The overall 10% to 90%  
response time is under 100 ns. Figure 39 shows how the output  
current capability can be augmented to drive a 50 Ω load; RT  
optionally provides reverse termination, which halves the slope  
to 12.5 mV/dB.  
VR2  
C7  
+
50kΩ  
1µF  
75kΩ  
+
C2  
10µF  
SLOPE  
+
C6  
80.6kΩ  
32.4kΩ  
1µF  
COM  
Figure 40. Log Amp with Four Pole Low Pass Filter  
Figure 40 also shows the use of an input attenuator that can  
optionally be employed here, or in any other of these  
applications, to produce a useful wide range ac voltmeter with  
direct decibel scaling. The basic range of −73 dBm to +17 dBm  
(that is, 50 μV rms to 1.ꢀ V rms, for sine excitations) is shifted  
for illustrative purposes to 5 mV to 1ꢀ0 V rms (at which point  
the power in R1 is 512 mW). Because the basic input resistance  
of the AD8307 is not precise, VR1 is used to center the signal  
range at its input, doubling as a 4 dB intercept adjustment. The  
low frequency response extends to 15 Hz; a higher corner  
frequency can be selected as needed by scaling C1 and C2. The  
shunt capacitor C3 is used to lower the high frequency  
bandwidth to about 100 kHz, and thus lower the susceptibility  
to spurious signals. Other values should be chosen as needed  
for the coupling and filter capacitors.  
FOUR POLE FILTER  
In low frequency applications, for example, audio down to  
20 Hz, it is useful to employ the buffer amplifier as a multipole  
low-pass filter in order to achieve low output ripple while  
maintaining a rapid response time to changes in signal level.  
Rev. C | Page 20 of 24  
AD8307  
characteristic of log amps; indeed, the AD8307 exhibits the  
same scaling factor.  
1 ꢀW TO 1 kW 50 Ω POWER METER  
The front-end adaptation shown in Figure 41 provides the  
measurement of power being delivered from a transmitter final  
amplifier to an antenna. The range has been set to cover the  
power range −30 dBm (7.07 mV rms, or 1 μW) to +ꢀ0 dBm  
(223 V rms, or 1 kW). A nominal voltage attenuation ratio of  
158:1 (44 dB) is used; thus the intercept is moved from  
−84 dBm to −40 dBm and the AD8307, scaled 0.25 V/decade of  
power, now reads 1.5 V for a power level of 100 mW, 2.0 V at  
10 W and 2.5 V at 1 kW. The general expression is  
The ADꢀ03 has a very low input referred noise: 1.3 nV/√Hz at its  
100 Ω input, or 0.9 nV/√Hz when matched to 50 Ω, equivalent to  
0.4 μV rms, or −115 dBm, in a 200 kHz bandwidth. It is also  
capable of handling inputs in excess of 1.4 V rms, or +1ꢀ dBm. It is  
thus able to cope with a dynamic range of over 130 dB in this  
particular bandwidth.  
Now, if the gain control voltage for the X-AMP is derived from the  
output of the AD8307, the effect is to raise the gain of this front-  
end stage when the signal is small and lower it when it is large, but  
without altering the fundamental logarithmic nature of the  
response. This gain range is 40 dB, which, combined with the 90 dB  
range of the AD8307, again corresponds to a 130 dB range.  
P (dBm) = 40 (VOUT − 1)  
The required attenuation could be implemented using a  
capacitive divider, providing a very low input capacitance, but it  
is difficult to ensure accurate values of small capacitors. A better  
approach is to use a resistive divider, taking the required  
precautions to minimize spurious coupling into the AD8307 by  
placing it in a shielded box, with the input resistor passing  
through a hole in this box, as indicated in Figure 41. The  
coupling capacitors shown here are suitable for f ≥ 10 MHz. A  
capacitor can be added across the input pins of the AD8307 to  
reduce the response to spurious HF signals, which, as already  
noted, extends to over 1 GHz.  
V , +5V  
P
R1  
187kΩ  
R2  
BANDPASS  
FILTER*  
4.7Ω  
28kΩ  
50Ω  
0.1µF  
INPUT  
–105dBm  
TO  
0.65V  
NC  
5
+15dBm  
8
7
6
1
2
3
8
GPOS VPOS  
R3  
INP VPS ENB INT  
L1  
750nH  
330Ω  
7
6
GNEG VOUT  
AD603  
VINP  
AD8307  
R4  
464Ω  
INM COM OFS OUT  
VNEG  
1
2
3
4
C1  
150pF  
VR1  
5kΩ  
INT  
0.3V  
TO  
2.3V  
NC  
4
5
COMM FDBK  
1nF  
±8dB  
R7  
80.6kΩ  
The mismatch caused by the loading of this resistor is trivial;  
only 0.05% of the power delivered to the load is absorbed by the  
measurement system, a maximum of 500 mW at 1 kW. The  
post-demodulation filtering and slope calibration arrangements  
are chosen from other applications described in this data sheet  
to meet the particular system requirements. The 1 nF capacitor  
lowers the risk of HF signals entering the AD8307 via the load.  
R6  
20kΩ  
V
, –5V  
N
0.15V TO 1.15V  
OUTPUT  
10mV/dB  
R5  
100kΩ  
*FOR EXAMPLE: MURATA SFE10.7MS2G-A  
NC = NO CONNECT  
Figure 42. 120 dB Measurement System  
Figure 42 shows how these two parts can work together to  
provide state-of-the-art IF measurements in applications such  
as spectrum/network analyzers and other high dynamic range  
instrumentation. To understand the operation, note first that  
the AD8307 is used to generate an output of about 0.3 V to  
2.3 V. This 2 V span is divided by 2 in R5/Rꢀ/R7 to provide the  
1 V span needed by the ADꢀ03 to vary its gain by 40 dB. Note  
that an increase in the positive voltage applied at GNEG (Pin 2  
of ADꢀ03) lowers the gain. This feedback network is tapped to  
provide a convenient 10 mV/dB scaling at the output node,  
which can be buffered if necessary.  
TO  
ANTENNA  
100k  
1/2W  
0.1µF  
V
P
22Ω  
+5V  
51pF  
NC  
5
8
7
6
LEAD-  
THROUGH  
CAPACITORS,  
1nF  
VR1  
2kΩ  
INT ±3dB  
INP VPS ENB INT  
AD8307  
50INPUT  
FROM P.A.  
1µW TO  
1kW  
INM COM OFS OUT  
604Ω  
1
2
3
4
2kΩ  
NC  
V
OUT  
51pF  
OUTPUT  
1nF  
The center of the voltage range fed back to the ADꢀ03 is  
ꢀ50 mV, and the 20 dB gain range is centered by R1/R2. Note  
that the intercept calibration of this system benefits from the  
use of a well regulated 5 V supply. To absorb the insertion loss  
of the filter and center the full dynamic range, the intercept is  
adjusted by varying the maximum gain of the ADꢀ03, using  
VR1. Figure 43 shows the AD8307 output over the range  
−120 dBm to +20 dBm and the deviation from an ideal  
logarithmic response. The dotted line shows the increase in the  
noise floor that results when the filter is omitted; the decibel  
difference is about 10 log10(50/0.2) or 24 dB, assuming a 50  
MHz bandwidth from the ADꢀ03. An L-C filter can be used in  
place of the ceramic filter used in this example.  
NC = NO CONNECT  
Figure 41. 1 μW to 1 kW 50 Ω Power Meter  
MEASUREMENT SYSTEM WITH 120 dB DYNAMIC  
RANGE  
The dynamic range of the AD8307 can be extended further—  
from 90 dB to over 120 dB—by the addition of an X-AMP® such  
as the ADꢀ03. This type of variable gain amplifier exhibits a  
very exact exponential gain control characteristic, which is  
another way of stating that the gain varies by a constant number  
of decibels for a given change in the control voltage. For the  
ADꢀ03, this scaling factor is 40 dB/V, or 25 mV/dB. It is  
apparent that this property of a linear-in-dB response is  
Rev. C | Page 2± of 24  
AD8307  
2.50  
2.25  
2.00  
1.75  
1.50  
1.25  
1.00  
0.75  
0.50  
0.25  
0
See Figure 40 for a more elaborate filter. To improve the law  
conformance at very low signal levels and at low frequencies, add  
C4 to the offset compensation loop.  
WITHOUT  
FILTER  
5V  
2
1
4.7  
0.1µF  
C1  
R1  
0
10µF  
5kΩ  
+
V
IN  
–1  
–2  
NC  
5
ERROR  
(WITH FILTER)  
0.5mV TO  
20V SINE  
AMPLITUDE  
8
7
6
INP VPS ENB INT  
C3  
750pF  
AD8307  
WITH FILTER  
–60  
INM COM OFS OUT  
1
2
3
4
V
OUT  
+
C2  
10µF  
25mV/dB  
R2  
5kΩ  
–100  
–80  
–40  
–20  
0
20  
C4  
1µF  
C5  
1µF  
INPUT LEVEL (dBm)  
NC = NO CONNECT  
Figure 43. Results for 120 dB Measurement System  
Figure 44. Connections for Low Frequency Operation  
OPERATION AT LOW FREQUENCIES  
DC-COUPLED APPLICATIONS  
The AD8307 provides excellent logarithmic conformance at  
signal frequencies that can be arbitrarily low, depending only on  
the values used for the input coupling capacitors. It can also be  
desirable to add a low-pass input filter in order to desensitize  
the log amp to HF signals. Figure 44 shows a simple arrangement,  
providing coupling with an attenuation of 20 dB; the intercept is  
shifted up by this attenuation, from −84 dBm to −ꢀ4 dBm, and  
the input range is now 0.5 mV to 20 V (sine amplitude).  
It may occasionally be necessary to provide response to dc inputs.  
Since the AD8307 is internally dc-coupled, there is no fundamental  
reason why this is precluded. However, there is a practical  
constraint since its inputs must be positioned about 2 V above the  
COM potential for proper biasing of the first stage. If the source is a  
differential signal at this level, it can be directly connected to the  
input. For example, a microwave detector can be ac-coupled at its  
RF input and its baseband load then automatically provided by the  
floating RIN and CIN of the AD8307, at about VP/2.  
A high-pass 3 dB corner frequency of nominally 3 Hz is set by the  
10 μF coupling capacitors C1 and C2, which are preferably  
tantalum electrolytics (note the polarity) and a low-pass 3 dB  
corner frequency of 200 kHz (set by C3 and the effective resistance  
at the input of 1 kΩ). The −1% amplitude error points occur at 20  
Hz and 30 kHz. These are readily altered to suit other applications  
by simple scaling. When C3 is zero, the low-pass corner is at 200  
MHz. Note that the lower end of the dynamic range is improved by  
this capacitor, which essentially provides an HF short circuit at the  
input. This significantly lowers the wideband noise; the noise  
reduction is about 2 dB compared to when the AD8307 is driven  
from a 50 Ω source. Ensure that the output is free of post-  
demodulation ripple by lowering the low-pass filter time constant.  
This is provided by C5; with the value shown in Figure 44, the  
output time constant is 125 ms.  
Usually, the source is a single sided ground-referenced signal;  
thus, it is necessary to provide a negative supply for the  
AD8307. This can be achieved as shown in Figure 45. The  
output is now referenced to this negative supply, and it is  
necessary to provide an output interface that performs a  
differential-to-single sided conversion. This is the purpose of  
the AD830. The slope can be arranged to be 20 mV/dB, when  
the output ideally runs from zero, for a dc input of 10 μV, to  
2.2 μV, for an input of 4 V. The device is fundamentally  
insensitive to the sign of the input signal, but with this biasing  
scheme, the maximum negative input is constrained to about  
−1.5 V. The transfer function after trimming and with R7 = 0 is  
V
OUT = (0.4 V) log10 (VIN/10 μV)  
R1  
4.7Ω  
+5V FOR 20mV/dB  
+10V FOR 50mV/dB  
+15V FOR 100mV/dB  
+5V  
C1  
0.1µF  
VR2  
V
OUT  
50kΩ  
–5V  
5
R2  
3.3kΩ  
R5*  
8
7
6
5
8
7
6
VP  
NC VN  
INP VPS ENB INT  
INT  
V
IN  
AD830  
X1 X2 Y1 Y2  
AD8307  
INM COM OFS OUT  
C1  
1µF  
R7  
R8  
TEMP  
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
20mV/dB  
R6  
VR1  
2kΩ  
AD589  
32.4kΩ  
Q1  
2N3904  
C3  
0.1µF  
R9  
250Ω  
VR3  
50kΩ  
R3  
1kΩ  
–5V  
–2V  
NC = NO CONNECT  
*51kFOR 20mV/dB; 5kFOR 100mV/dB  
Figure 45. Connections for DC-Coupled Applications  
Rev. C | Page 22 of 24  
AD8307  
The intercept can be raised, for example, to 100 μV, with the  
rationale that the dc precision does not warrant operation in  
the first decade (from 10 μV to 100 μV). Likewise, the slope can  
be raised to 50 mV/dB, using R7 = 3 kΩ, R8 = 2 kΩ , or to  
100 mV/dB, to simplify decibel measurements on a DVM,  
using R7 = 8 kΩ, R8 = 2 kΩ, which raises the maximum output  
11 V, thus requiring a 15 V supply for the AD830. The output  
can be made to swing in a negative direction by simply  
reversing Pins 1 and 2. Low-pass filtering capacitor, C3, sets the  
output rise time to about 1 ms.  
Next, it is necessary to set the intercept. This is the purpose of  
VR2, which should be adjusted after VR1. The simplest method  
is to short the input and adjust VR2 for an output of 0.3 V,  
corresponding to the noise floor. For more exacting  
applications, a temporary sinusoidal test voltage of 1 mV in  
amplitude, at about 1 MHz, should be applied, which can  
require the use of a temporary on-board input attenuator. For  
20 mV/dB scaling, a 10 μV dc intercept (which is ꢀ dB below  
the ac intercept) requires adjusting the output to 0.ꢀ8 V; for  
100 mV/dB scaling, this becomes 3.4 V. If a 100 μV intercept is  
preferred (usefully lowering the maximum output voltage),  
these become 0.28 V and 1.4 V, respectively.  
6.0  
5.5  
5.0  
Finally, the slope must be adjusted. This can be performed by  
applying a low frequency square wave to the main input, having  
precisely determined upper and lower voltage levels, provided  
by a programmable waveform generator. A suitable choice is a  
100 Hz square wave with levels of 10 mV and 1 V. The output is  
a low-pass filtered square wave, and its amplitude should be  
0.8 V for 20 mV/dB scaling, or 4 V for 100 mV/dB scaling.  
4.5  
4.0  
3.5  
3.0  
2.5  
2.0  
1.5  
1.0  
0.5  
0
1.0  
0.5  
0
–0.5  
–1.0  
OPERATION ABOVE 500 MHZ  
The AD8307 is not intended for use above 500 MHz. However,  
it does provide useful performance at higher frequencies.  
Figure 47 shows a plot of the logarithmic output of the AD8307  
for an input frequency of 900 MHz. The device shows good  
logarithmic conformance from −50 dBm to −10 dBm. There is a  
bump in the transfer function at −5 dBm, but if this is  
acceptable, the device is usable over a ꢀ0 dB dynamic range  
(−50 dBm to +10 dBm).  
10µ  
100µ  
1m  
10m  
100m  
1
10  
V
IN  
Figure 46. Ideal Output and Law-Conformance Error for the DC-Coupled  
AD8307 at 50 mV/dB  
Figure 4ꢀ shows the output and the law-conformance error, in  
the absence of noise and input offset, for the 50 mV/dB option.  
Note that the error ripple for dc excitation is about twice that  
for the more usual sinusoidal excitation. In practice, both the  
noise and the internal offset voltage degrade the accuracy in the  
first decade of the dynamic range. The latter is now manually  
nulled by VR1, using a simple method that ensures very low  
residual offsets.  
2.0  
1.8  
1.6  
1.4  
1.2  
1.0  
0.8  
0.6  
A temporary ac signal, typically a sine wave of 100 mV in  
amplitude at a frequency of about 100 Hz, is applied via the  
capacitor at node TEMP; this has the effect of disturbing the  
offset nulling voltage. The output voltage is then viewed on an  
oscilloscope and VR1 is adjusted until the peaks of the  
(frequency-doubled) waveform are exactly equal in amplitude.  
This procedure can provide an input null down to about 10 μV.  
The temperature drift is very low, though not specified since the  
AD8307 is not principally designed to operate as a baseband log  
amp; in ac modes, this offset is nulled continuously and  
automatically.  
0.4  
0.2  
0
–60  
–50  
–40  
–30  
–20  
–10  
0
10  
P
(dBm)  
IN  
Figure 47. Output vs. Input Level for a 900 MHz Input Signal  
Rev. C | Page 23 of 24  
AD8307  
OUTLINE DIMENSIONS  
0.400 (10.16)  
0.365 (9.27)  
0.355 (9.02)  
8
1
5
4
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 48. 8-Lead Plastic Dual In-Line Package [PDIP]  
(N-8)  
Dimensions shown in inches and (millimeters)  
5.00 (0.1968)  
4.80 (0.1890)  
8
1
5
4
6.20 (0.2440)  
5.80 (0.2284)  
4.00 (0.1574)  
3.80 (0.1497)  
0.50 (0.0196)  
0.25 (0.0099)  
1.27 (0.0500)  
BSC  
45°  
1.75 (0.0688)  
1.35 (0.0532)  
0.25 (0.0098)  
0.10 (0.0040)  
8°  
0°  
0.51 (0.0201)  
0.31 (0.0122)  
COPLANARITY  
0.10  
1.27 (0.0500)  
0.40 (0.0157)  
0.25 (0.0098)  
0.17 (0.0067)  
SEATING  
PLANE  
COMPLIANT TO JEDEC STANDARDS MS-012-AA  
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.  
Figure 49. 8-Lead Standard Small Outline Package [SOIC_N]  
Narrow Body  
(R-8)  
Dimensions shown in millimeters and (inches)  
ORDERING GUIDE  
Model  
AD8307AN  
AD8307ANZ±  
Temperature Range  
Package Description  
8-Lead PDIP  
8-Lead PDIP  
Package Option  
−40°C to +85°C  
−40°C to +85°C  
−40°C to +85°C  
−40°C to +85°C  
−40°C to +85°C  
−40°C to +85°C  
−40°C to +85°C  
−40°C to +85°C  
N-8  
N-8  
R-8  
R-8  
R-8  
R-8  
R-8  
R-8  
AD8307AR  
8-Lead SOIC_N  
AD8307AR-REEL  
AD8307AR-REEL7  
AD8307ARZ±  
AD8307ARZ-REEL±  
AD8307ARZ-RL7±  
±Z = Pb-free part.  
8-Lead SOIC_N ±3" REEL  
8-Lead SOIC_N 7" REEL  
8-Lead SOIC_N  
8-Lead SOIC_N ±3" REEL  
8-Lead SOIC_N 7" REEL  
©2006 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks and  
registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.  
D01082-0-10/06(C)  
Rev. C | Page 24 of 24  

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