Recent Feature Articles: Design Ideas, Tutorials, and Measurement Techniques

Multipliers vs. Modulators - June 2013

Modulators are closely related to multipliers, but the output of a multiplier is the product of its inputs, while the output of a modulator is the product of the signal on one input and the sign of the signal on the other input. The modulation function can be modeled by an amplifier whose gain is switched positive and negative by a comparator on its carrier input; or a multiplier with a limiting amplifier between the carrier input and one of its ports.

Programmable-Gain TIAs Maximize Dynamic Range in Spectroscopy Systems - May 2013

Precision instruments that measure physical properties using a photodiode or other current-output sensor often include a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) and a programmable-gain stage to maximize dynamic range. This article shows the benefits and challenges of implementing a single-stage programmable-gain TIA to minimize noise while maintaining high bandwidth and accuracy.

Choose Resistors to Minimize Errors in Grounded-Load Current Source - April 2013

Operational amplifiers are often used to make high-quality current sources. In industrial applications, they are widely used to provide 4 mA to 20 mA currents. The improved Howland current source is very popular because it can drive a grounded load. Its accuracy is determined by the amplifier and the resistors. This article shows how to choose the external resistors to minimize errors.

Convert a Buck Regulator into a Smart LED Driver, Including Dimming - March 2013

With their long life and low energy consumption, LEDs promise to change the lighting industry, but a key limiter to rapid adoption is the cost of the LEDs themselves. In well-designed systems, LEDs can reliably produce many more lumens per dollar of product cost, so to reduce the total luminaire cost we can drive the LEDs at a much higher current than that at which the device is specified.

Understand How Amplifier Noise Contributes to Total Noise in ADC Signal Chains - February 2013

ADCs provide optimal performance when the analog inputs are driven to the rated full-scale input voltage, but the maximum available signal often differs from the specified voltage and may need to be adjusted. A useful device for handling this requirement is a variable-gain amplifier (VGA). Understanding how the VGA affects the ADC’s performance will help in optimizing performance of the entire signal chain.

Modeling Amplifiers as Analog Filters Increases SPICE Simulation Speed - January 2013

Simulation models for amplifiers are typically implemented with resistors, capacitors, transistors, diodes, dependent and independent sources, and other components—or as s-domain transfer functions. This article presents a method that models amplifiers as second-order analog filters, providing much faster time-domain simulations, especially for higher bandwidth amplifiers.

Compensating Amplifiers That Are Stable at Gain ≥ 10 to Operate at Lower Gains - December 2012

This article shows how compensating an amplifier that is normally stable with a gain higher than +9 to operate with a gain as low as +2 provides higher slew rate and faster settling time than an equivalent internally compensated amplifier. The two methods presented here trade complexity for total wideband noise. The ADA4895-2 dual high-speed, low-power operational amplifier is used as an example.

Implementing an Isolated Half-Bridge Gate Driver - November 2012

Many applications, ranging from isolated dc-to-dc power supplies to solar inverters, use isolated half-bridge gate drivers to control large amounts of power with high efficiency, power density, isolation voltage, and long-term reliability. This article discusses details of these design concepts to illustrate the ability of isolated half-bridge gate driver ICs to provide high performance in a small package.

Versatile, Low-Power, Precision Single-Ended-to-Differential Converter - October 2012

Many applications, including driving modern ADCs, transmitting signals over twisted-pair cables, and conditioning high-fidelity audio signals, require differential signaling, which achieves higher signal-to-noise ratios, increased common-mode noise immunity, and lower second-harmonic distortion. This article offers a circuit block that can convert single-ended signals to differential signals.

Making Batteries Last Longer with Fast, High-Precision SAR Analog-to-Digital Converters - September 2012

Low power consumption is key for today's devices: portable instruments require reduced size and weight, longer operating life, lower cost, and more features—and line-powered systems can operate without heat sinks or fans, making them smaller, lower cost, more reliable, and greener. Lowering the supply voltage, and turning a SAR ADC’s fast clock off after each conversion can save power.

ADuC7026 Provides Programmable Voltages for Evaluating Multiple Power Supply Systems - August 2012

High-voltage switches, bipolar ADCs, and other devices with multiple power supplies often require that supply voltages be applied or removed in a particular sequence. This article proposes an easy method for determining the behavior of a system when subjected to supply transients, interruptions, or sequence variations. Available evaluation boards enable prototyping with a minimum of development.

Diagnostic Technique Detects Open and Short Circuits in Wiring Harnesses - July 2012

As a vital part of modern cars, wiring harnesses containing thousands of assembly components connect various electronic systems, enabling them to work together. A single failure in any harness can affect the entire system. This article offers a circuit idea that provides a robust, cost-effective technique for implementing wire diagnostics on the video and audio transmission lines in automotive applications.

Optimize High-Current Sensing Accuracy by Improving Pad Layout of Low-Value Resistors - June 2012

When using very low value current-sense resistors, the solder resistance becomes a substantial portion of the total resistance, adding to the measurement error. High-accuracy applications use 4-terminal resistors and Kelvin sensing, but this can be expensive. This article describes an approach that enables precision Kelvin sensing using a standard, low-cost, 2-pad sense resistor with a 4-pad layout.

Understanding Microphone Sensitivity - May 2012

Sensitivity, the ratio of the analog output voltage or digital output value to the input pressure, is a key specification of any microphone. This article will discuss the distinction in sensitivity specifications between analog and digital microphones, how to choose the best microphone for an application, how to get the fullest performance from that device, and why adding a bit (or more) of digital gain can enhance the microphone signal.

Simple Circuit Provides Adjustable CAN-Level Differential-Output Signal - April 2012

The controller area network (CAN) serial-bus topology allows devices and microcontrollers to communicate with each other without a host computer. Featuring arbitration-free transmission, it places a controller and a host processor at each device node, eliminating the more complex wiring harness that would be necessary to interconnect devices with a host computer.

Low-Noise, Gain-Selectable Amplifier - March 2012

Traditional gain-selectable amplifiers use switches in the feedback loop to connect resistors to an amplifier, but the switch resistance degrades the noise performance of the amplifier, adds significant capacitance on the inverting input, and contributes to nonlinear gain error. This article presents a gain-selectable amp that uses an innovative switching technique that preserves the noise performance while reducing the nonlinear gain error.

Designing a Low-Power Toxic Gas Detector - February 2012

Safety first! Many industrial processes involve toxic compounds, including chlorine, phosphine, arsine, and hydrogen cyanide, so it is important to know when dangerous concentrations exist.This article describes a portable carbon monoxide detector using an electrochemical sensor. CO is relatively safe to handle, but it is still lethal, so use extreme care and appropriate ventilation when testing the circuit described here.

Efficient FSK/PSK Modulator Uses Multichannel DDS to Switch at Zero Crossings - January 2012

This article describes how two synchronized DDS channels can implement a zero-crossing FSK or PSK modulator. In phase-coherent radar systems, zero-crossing switching reduces the amount of post processing needed for target signature recognition; and zero-crossing switching reduces PSK spectral splatter. Here, the AD9958 two-channel complete DDS is used to switch at the zero crossing.

How to Apply DC-to-DC Step-Up/Step-Down Regulators Successfully - December 2011

High efficiency dc-to-dc converters come in three basic topologies: step-down (buck), step-up (boost), and step-down/step-up (buck/boost). The buck converter is used to generate a lower dc output voltage, the boost converter is used to generate a higher dc output voltage, and the buck/boost converter is used to generate an output voltage less than, greater than, or equal to the input voltage.

Front End Turns PC Sound Card into High-Speed Sampling Oscilloscope - November 2011

Various software packages enable PC sound cards to provide oscilloscope-like displays, but the low-sample-rate, high-resolution ADCs and ac-coupled front ends have limited bandwidths. For repetitive waveforms, a sampling front-end stretches the time axis, allowing the PC to be used as a high-speed sampling scope. This article describes a front end and probe that provide an appropriate adaptation.

Ultrahigh-Performance Differential-Output Programmable-Gain Instrumentation Amplifier - October 2011

Data-acquisition systems and PLCs require versatile high-performance analog front ends that interface with a variety of sensors to measure signals accurately and reliably. Depending on the magnitude of the voltage or current being measured, the signal may need to be amplified or attenuated to match the full-scale input range of the ADC used for further digital processing and feedback control.

How to Apply DC-to-DC Step-Up (Boost) Regulators Successfully - September 2011

Battery-powered systems often stack cells in series to achieve higher voltages, but this is not always possible due to a lack of space. Switching converters use an inductor’s magnetic field to alternately store energy and release it to the load at a different voltage. With low losses they are a good choice for high efficiency. Boost, or step-up converters—covered here—provide higher voltage.

System Demonstration Platform Facilitates Quick Prototyping and Evaluation - August 2011

System design can be complex, but the ability to prototype and quickly demonstrate subsections of the solution can simplify the process and reduce the risks faced by designers. With the System Demonstration Platform (SDP), system designers can reuse central elements, allowing subsections of their designs to be evaluated and demonstrated prior to the final system implementation.

Simple Ambient Light Sensor Circuit - July 2011

Ambient light is increasingly considered as a source for harvesting energy to power heartbeat monitors, bathroom fixtures, remote weather sensors, and other low-power devices. At the heart of an energy-harvesting system is the ability to measure ambient light accurately. This design idea describes a simple, cost-effective circuit that provides a voltage proportional to the intensity of ambient light.

How to Apply DC-to-DC Step-Down (Buck) Regulators Successfully - June 2011

Typical low-power systems operate with a Li-Ion battery whose output varies from 4.2 V to 3 V, while the ICs require 0.8 V, 1.8 V, 2.5 V, and 2.8 V. A simple way to reduce the voltage is to use an LDO, but power not delivered to the load is lost as heat, making LDOs inefficient when VIN is much greater than VOUT. Switching converters store energy in a magnetic field, enabling high-efficiency regulation.

Low-Power, Unity-Gain Difference Amplifier Implements Low-Cost Current Source - May 2011

In Difference Amplifier Forms Heart of Precision Current Source, published in Analog Dialogue in September 2009, the AD8276 unity-gain difference amplifier and AD8603 micropower op amp were used to implement a precision current source. This article shows how the circuit can be simplified for use in low-cost, low-current applications—achieving ±1.5% accuracy from –40°C to +85°C.

High-Resolution Temperature Measurement - April 2011

The AD8494 thermocouple amplifier includes a temperature sensor, normally used for cold-junction compensation. Grounding the thermocouple inputs allows it to be used as a standalone Celsius thermometer. In this configuration, the in-amp produces a 5-mV/°C voltage between its output and reference pins. This article suggests two ways that this output voltage can be offset and scaled to facilitate high-resolution temperature measurement.

Activate Cell Phone Indicator LEDs While Preserving Standby Time - March 2011

Cell phone manufacturers are pressed to provide status LEDs that alert users to messages waiting, impending appointments, and other notifications while the phone is in standby. At the same time, users demand longer battery life. This pair of seemingly simple issues presents manufacturers with a dilemma: how can they power notification LEDs while keeping standby consumption low?

Cyclic Redundancy Checking Ensures Correct Data Communications - February 2011

Electronic systems must often endure temperature extremes, noise, or other harsh conditions. To ensure correct operation, many DACs implement cyclic redundancy checking (CRC), with 24-bit data augmented with an 8-bit checksum. If the received checksum does not agree with the data, an output pin indicates an error. The controller clears the error and resends the data.

Low Dropout Regulators—Why the Choice of Bypass Capacitor Matters - January 2011

Widely seen as a panacea for solving noise issues, capacitors deserve more respect. Designers think that adding capacitors will cure noise problems, but give little thought to parameters other than value and voltage rating. But capacitors are not perfect; they possess parasitic resistance and inductance, their value varies with temperature and voltage, and they are sensitive to mechanical effects.

Boost Supply and High-Voltage DAC Provide Tuning Signal for Antennas and Filters - December 2010

Antenna arrays and filters are often tuned by varying the voltage on a barium strontium titanate capacitor. Voltages applied to this ferroelectric material cause small variations in the crystal structure, changing the dielectric constant and, thus, the capacitance. The capacitor is tuned by applying a voltage of up to 30 V. This article shows an easy way to generate a high-voltage tuning signal in a low-voltage system.

Multichannel DDS Enables Phase-Coherent FSK Modulation - November 2010

Common single-channel direct-digital synthesizers produce phase-continuous frequency transitions. In Doppler radar, NMR/MRI spectrometry, and other applications, however, phase-coherent transitions are preferred. This article demonstrates how to configure the AD9958/AD9959 multichannel DDS as a robust phase-coherent frequency-shift keyed (FSK) modulator by summing the DDS outputs.

High-Performance Difference Amplifier with Precision Supply-Referenced Level Shift - October 2010

Designed on small-geometry processes, high-performance ADCs typically run on single 1.8-V to 5-V supplies. When processing ±10-V or larger signals, an amplifier circuit ahead of the ADC can attenuate the signal to keep it from saturating the ADC inputs. A difference amplifier (diff amp) is commonly used when the signal includes a large common-mode voltage.

Low-Voltage Current Sink Controls High-Voltage LED String - September 2010

Portable displays using white LED backlights also need auxiliary LED lighting, an inductive boost to maximize backlight efficiency, a charge pump to allow independent control of each auxiliary LED, and programmable current sinks to control color and brightness. This tip shows how a programmable LED driver and low-cost boost converter can achieve a flexible, high-efficiency, easy-to-program solution.

Dual Difference Amplifier with On-Chip Resistors Implements Precision ADC Driver - August 2010

Discrete difference amplifiers exhibit mediocre accuracy, significant drift over temperature, poor CMR, and a small input voltage range. Monolithic diff amps have better CMR, but still suffer from gain drift due to the mismatch between on-chip devices and the external gain resistor.The AD8270 dual diff amp overcomes these limitations, providing a complete, inexpensive, high-performance solution.

High-Speed, Current-Feedback Amplifier Drives and Equalizes up to 100-m VGA Cables - July 2010

In classrooms, lecture halls, and conference rooms, PCs transmit RGB video signals to projectors through VGA cables. The cable length depends on the room size and ceiling height, but most cables are shorter than 100 m. This article shows how the ADA4858-3 triple high-speed current-feedback op amp with integrated charge pump can drive and equalize up to 100 m of VGA cable.

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