Like all widely-used devices, numerous common terms have developed that are unique to this type of device. These terms include:
- Fully differential amplifier (FDA)—In this document, this term is restricted to devices offering what appears similar to a differential inverting op amp design element that requires an input resistor (not high-impedance input) and includes a second internal control-loop setting the output average voltage (Vocm) to a default or set point. This second loop interacts with the differential loop in some configurations.
- The desired output signal at the two output pins is a differential signal swinging symmetrically around a common-mode voltage where that is the average voltage for the two outputs.
- Single-ended to differential—always use the
outputs differentially in an FDA; however, the source signal can be either a
single-ended source or differential, with a variety of implementation details
for either. When the FDA operation is single-ended to differential, only one of
the two input resistors receives the source signal with the other input resistor
connected to a dc reference (often ground) or through a capacitor to
ground.
To simplify, several features in the application
of the THS4541-Q1 are not explicitly stated, but are necessary for correct
operation. These requirements include:
- Good power-supply decoupling is required.
Minimize the distance (< 0.1") from the power-supply pins to high-frequency,
0.1-μF decoupling capacitors. Often a larger capacitor (2.2 µF is typical) is
used along with a high-frequency, 0.1-µF supply decoupling capacitor at the
device supply pins (share this capacitor for the four supply pins in the
package). For single-supply operation, only the positive supply has these
capacitors. When a split supply is used, use these capacitors for each supply to
ground. If necessary, place the larger capacitors somewhat farther from the
device and share these capacitors among several devices in the same area of the
printed circuit board (PCB). For each THS4541-Q1, attach a separate 0.1-µF
capacitor to a nearby ground plane. With cascaded or multiple parallel channels,
including ferrite beads from the larger capacitor is often useful to the local
high-frequency decoupling capacitor.
- Minimize the distance (< 0.1") from the
power-supply pins to high-frequency, 0.1-μF decoupling capacitors. At the device
pins, the ground and power plane layout must not be in close proximity to the
signal I/O pins. Avoid narrow power and ground traces to minimize inductance
between the pins and the decoupling capacitors. Always decouple the power-supply
connections (on pins 4 and 7) with these capacitors. An optional supply
decoupling capacitor across the two power supplies (for bipolar operation)
improves 2nd-harmonic distortion performance. Use larger (2.2 μF to 6.8 μF)
decoupling capacitors, effective at lower frequency, on the main supply pins.
Place these capacitors somewhat farther from the device. These capacitors can be
shared among several devices in the same area of the PCB.
- Although not always stated, tie the power disable
pin to the positive supply when only an enabled channel is desired.
- Virtually all ac characterization equipment
expects a 50-Ω termination from the 50-Ω source, and a 50-Ω single-ended source
impedance from the device outputs to the 50-Ω sensing termination. This
termination is achieved in all characterizations (often with some insertion
loss), but is not necessary for most applications. Matching impedance is most
often required when transmitting over longer distances. Tight layouts from a
source, through the THS4541-Q1, and on to an ADC input do not require
doubly-terminated lines or filter designs; the exception is if the source
requires a defined termination impedance for correct operation (for example, a
SAW filter source).
- The amplifier signal path is flexible for single
or split-supply operation. Most applications are intended to be single supply,
but any split-supply design can be used, as long as the total supply across the
TH4541-Q1 is less than 5.5 V and the required input, output, and common-mode pin
headrooms to each supply are observed. Left open, the Vocm pin defaults to near
midsupply for any combination of split or single supplies used. The disable pin
is negative-rail referenced. Using a negative supply requires the disable pin to
be pulled down to within 0.7 V of the negative supply to disable the
amplifier.
- External element values are normally assumed to
be accurate and matched. In an FDA, match the feedback resistor values and also
match the (dc and ac) impedance from the summing junctions to the source on one
side and the reference or ground on the other side. Unbalancing these values
introduces nonidealities in the signal path. For the signal path, imbalanced
resistor ratios on the two sides create a common-mode to differential
conversion. Also, mismatched Rf values and feedback ratios create some added
differential output error terms from any common-mode dc, ac signal, or noise
terms. Snapping to standard 1% resistor values is a typical approach and
generally leads to some nominal feedback ratio mismatch. Mismatched resistors or
ratios do not in themselves degrade harmonic distortion. If there is meaningful
CM noise or distortion coming in, those errors are converted to a differential
error through element or ratio mismatch.