Abstract: Specifications such as noise, effective number of bits (ENOB), effective resolution, and noise-free resolution inlarge part define how accurate an ADC really is. Consequently, understanding the performance metrics related to noise isone of the most difficult aspects of transitioning from a SAR to a delta-sigma ADC. With the current demand for higherresolution, designers must develop a better understanding of ADC noise, ENOB, effective resolution, and signal-to-noiseratio (SNR). This application NOTE helps that understanding.
Abstract: The MAX9930–MAX9933 family of RF controllers and detector can be used in a wide variety of applications. Anideal application is cable television (CATV) over fiber, where either a RF controller or a RF detector controls the gain of atransimpedance amplifier (TIA). This application NOTE shows how the MAX9930 (RF controller) can be used as either theRF controller or detector.
Abstract: This application NOTE presents an overview of the operational characteristics of accurate I²C real-time clocks (RTCs),including the DS3231, DS3231M, and DS3232. It focuses on general application guidelines that facilitate use of device resources forpower management, I²C communication circuit configurations, and I²C characteristics relative to device power-up sequences andinitializations. Additional discussions on decoupling are provided to support developing strategies for mitigating power-supply pushingof device frequency.
Abstract: The DS4830 optical microcontroller's analog-to-digital converter (ADC) offset can change with temperature and gainselection. However, the DS4830 allows users to measure the ADC internal offset. The measured ADC offset is added to the ADCoffset register to nullify the offset error. This application NOTE demonstrates the DS4830's ADC internal offset calibration in theapplication program.
The purpose of this application NOTE is to show an example of how a digital potentiometer can be used in thefeedback loop of a step-up DC-DC converter to provide calibration and/or adjustment of the output voltage.The example circuit uses a MAX5025 step-up DC-DC converter (capable of generating up to 36V,120mWmax) in conjunction with a DS1845, 256 position, NV digital potentiometer. For this example, the desiredoutput voltage is 32V, which is generated from an input supply of 5V. The output voltage can be adjusted in35mV increments (near 32V) and span a range wide enough to account for resistance, potentiometer and DCDCconverter tolerances (27.6V to 36.7V).
Abstract: Transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs) are widely used to translate the current output of sensors like photodiode-to-voltagesignals, since several circuits and instruments can only accept voltage input. An operational amplifier with a feedback resistor fromoutput to the inverting input is the most straightforward implementation of such a TIA. However, even this simple TIA circuit requirescareful trade-offs among noise gain, offset voltage, bandwidth, and stability. Clearly stability in a TIA is essential for good, reliableperformance. This application NOTE explains the empirical calculations for assessing stability and then shows how to fine-tune theselection of the feedback phase-compensation capacitor.
Who has never experienced oscillations issues when using an operational amplifier? Opampsare often used in a simple voltage follower configuration. However, this is not the bestconfiguration in terms of capacitive loading and potential risk of oscillations.Capacitive loads have a big impact on the stability of operational amplifier-basedapplications. Several compensation methods exist to stabilize a standard op-amp. Thisapplication NOTE describes the most common ones, which can be used in most cases.The general theory of each compensation method is explained, and based on this, specific
This application NOTE provides a detailed description of themetastable behavior in PLDs from both circuit and statisticalviewpoints. Additionally, the information on the metastablecharacteristics of Cypress PLDs presented here can help youachieve any desired degree of reliability.
Recent advances in low voltage silicon germaniumand BiCMOS processes have allowed the design andproduction of very high speed amplifi ers. Because theprocesses are low voltage, most of the amplifi er designshave incorporated differential inputs and outputs to regainand maximize total output signal swing. Since many lowvoltageapplications are single-ended, the questions arise,“How can I use a differential I/O amplifi er in a single-endedapplication?” and “What are the implications of suchuse?” This Design NOTE addresses some of the practicalimplications and demonstrates specifi c single-endedapplications using the 3GHz gain-bandwidth LTC6406differential I/O amplifi er.
Linear Technology’s High Frequency Product lineupincludes a variety of RF I/Q modulators. The purpose ofthis application NOTE is to illustrate the circuits requiredto interface these modulators with several popular D/Aconverters. Such circuits typically are required to maximizethe voltage transfer from the DAC to the baseband inputsof the modulator, as well as provide some reconstructionfi ltering.
