Gain-Control Interface, Signal-Gating Inputs

The Gain-Control Interface

The attenuation is controlled through a differential, high imped- ance (15 MΩ) input, with a scaling factor which is laser trimmed to 32 dB per volt, that is, 31.25 mV/dB. Each of the two amplifiers has its own control interface. An internal band- gap reference ensures stability of the scaling with respect to supply and temperature variations, and is the only circuitry common to both channels.

When the differential input voltage VG = 0 V, the attenuator “slider” is centered, providing an attenuation of 21.07 dB, thus resulting in an overall gain of 20 dB (= –21.07 dB + 41.07 dB). When the control input is –625 mV, the gain is lowered by

20 dB (= 0.625 × 32), to 0 dB; when set to +625 mV, the gain is increased by 20 dB, to 40 dB. When this interface is over- driven in either direction, the gain approaches either –1.07 dB (= –42.14 dB + 41.07 dB) or 41.07 dB (= 0 + 41.07 dB), respectively.

The gain of the AD600 can thus be calculated using the follow- ing simple expression:

Gain (dB) = 32 VG + 20	(1)
where VG is in volts. For the AD602, the expression is:
Gain (dB) = 32 VG + 10	(2)

Operation is specified for VG in the range from –625 mV dc to +625 mV dc. The high impedance gain-control input ensures minimal loading when driving many amplifiers in multiple- channel applications. The differential input configuration pro- vides flexibility in choosing the appropriate signal levels and polarities for various control schemes.

For example, the gain-control input can be fed differentially to the inputs, or single-ended by simply grounding the unused in- put. In another example, if the gain is to be controlled by a DAC providing a positive only ground referenced output, the “Gain Control LO” pin (either C1LO or C2LO) should be bi- ased to a fixed offset of +625 mV, to set the gain to 0 dB when “Gain Control HI” (C1HI or C2HI) is at zero, and to 40 dB when at +1.25 V.

It is a simple matter to include a voltage divider to achieve other scaling factors. When using an 8-bit DAC having a FS output of +2.55 V (10 mV/bit) a divider ratio of 1.6 (generating 6.25 mV/ bit) would result in a gain setting resolution of 0.2 dB/ bit.

Later, we will discuss how the two sections of an AD600 or AD602 may be cascaded, when various options exist for gain control.

Signal-Gating Inputs

Each amplifier section of the AD600 and AD602 is equipped with a signal gating function, controlled by a TTL or CMOS logic input (GAT1 or GAT2). The ground references for these inputs are the signal input grounds A1LO and A2LO, respec- tively. Operation of the channel is unaffected when this input is LO or left open-circuited. Signal transmission is blocked when this input is HI. The dc output level of the channel is set to within a few millivolts of the output ground (A1CM or A2CM), and simultaneously the noise level drops significantly. The reduction in noise and spurious signal feedthrough is useful in ultrasound beam-forming applications, where many amplifier outputs are summed.

AD600/AD602

Common-Mode Rejection

A special circuit technique is used to provide rejection of volt- ages appearing between input grounds (A1LO and A2LO) and output grounds (A1CM and A2CM). This is necessary because of the “op amp” form of the amplifier, as shown in Figure 1.

The feedback voltage is developed across the resistor RF1 (which, to achieve low noise, has a value of only 20 Ω). The voltage developed across this resistor is referenced to the input common, so the output voltage is also referred to that node.

To provide rejection of this common voltage, an auxiliary ampli- fier (not shown) is included, which senses the voltage difference between input and output commons and cancels this error component. Thus, for zero differential signal input between A1HI and A1LO, the output A1OP simply follows the voltage at A1CM. Note that the range of voltage differences which can ex- ist between A1LO and A1CM (or A2LO and A2CM) is limited to about ± 100 mV. Figure 50 (one of the typical performance curves at the end of this data sheet) shows typical common- mode rejection ratio versus frequency.

ACHIEVING 80 dB GAIN RANGE

The two amplifier sections of the X-AMP can be connected in series to achieve higher gain. In this mode, the output of A1 (A1OP and A1CM) drives the input of A2 via a high-pass network (usually just a capacitor) that rejects the dc offset. The nominal gain range is now –2 dB to +82 dB for the AD600 or –22 dB to +62 dB for the AD602.

There are several options in connecting the gain-control inputs. The choice depends on the desired signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and gain error (output ripple). The following examples feature the AD600; the arguments generally apply to the AD602, with appropriate changes to the gain values.

Sequential Mode (Maximum S/N Ratio)

In the sequential mode of operation, the SNR is maintained at its highest level for as much of the gain control range possible, as shown in Figure 2. Note here that the gain range is 0 dB to 80 dB. Figure 3 shows the general connections to accomplish this. Both gain-control inputs, C1HI and C2HI, are driven in parallel by a positive only, ground referenced source with a range of 0 V to +2.5 V.

	85
	85
	80
	75
	70
– dB	65
– dB	60
RATIO	55
S/N	50
	45
	40
	35
	30
	30
	–0.5	0.0	0.5	1.0	1.5	2.0	2.5	3.0

Figure 2. S/N Ratio vs. Control Voltage Sequential Control (1 MHz Bandwidth)

REV. A

–5–

AD600, AD602 specifications

Analog Devices, a leader in high-performance signal processing, offers the AD602 and AD600, two versatile RF amplifiers known for their impressive performance in a variety of applications. The AD602 is a dual-channel, low-noise variable gain amplifier (VGA), while the AD600 is a similar VGA but designed for single-channel applications. Both devices are highly regarded in the fields of communications, instrumentation, and imaging, as they provide outstanding performance in amplifying weak signals.

The AD602 features a gain range of -6 dB to +40 dB, allowing for precise control of the output signal strength. This flexibility makes it well-suited for applications such as IF amplification, where signal levels can vary significantly. The device also includes a low distortion characteristic, enabling it to maintain signal integrity even when handling larger input signals. With a wide bandwidth spanning from DC to 100 MHz, the AD602 caters to applications requiring both low-frequency and high-frequency performance.

On the other hand, the AD600 shares many similarities with the AD602 but offers slightly different characteristics. With a gain range of -1.5 dB to +40 dB, it offers a broader range of control for its output signal strength. Like the AD602, its low distortion and high linearity are crucial for high-fidelity signal processing. The AD600 is also capable of delivering a high output current, making it favorable for driving capacitive loads effectively.

Both devices employ Analog Devices' proprietary topology that minimizes the effects of thermal drift and achieves high levels of performance under varying conditions. They are built with advanced manufacturing processes that ensure stability and reliability in industrial applications. Integrated with differential inputs, these devices help eliminate common-mode noise, thus improving overall signal quality.

The AD602 and AD600 are equipped with comprehensive protection features, enabling them to withstand overload conditions without compromising performance. Their low noise figure contributes to excellent low-level signal recovery, making these amplifiers ideal for radar receivers, medical imaging systems, and satellite communication.

In summary, the AD602 and AD600 by Analog Devices stand out as powerful, reliable variable gain amplifiers with robust performance characteristics. Their flexibility in gain control, low distortion, high linearity, and advanced protection features make them invaluable components in modern electronic systems, enhancing the quality and reliability of signal processing applications across various industries.