To achieve the levels of
high-frequency performance of the OPAx891, follow
proper printed-circuit board (PCB), high-frequency design techniques. The following
is a general set of guidelines. In addition, a OPAx891
evaluation board is available to use as a guide for layout or for evaluating the
device performance.
- Ground planes—make sure
that the ground plane used on the board provides all components with a
low-inductive ground connection. However, in the areas of the amplifier inputs
and output, the ground plane can be removed to minimize stray capacitance.
- Proper power-supply decoupling—use a 6.8μF
tantalum capacitor in parallel with a 0.1μF ceramic capacitor on each supply
pin. Sharing the tantalum capacitor among several amplifiers is possible
depending on the application, but always use a 0.1μF ceramic capacitor on the
supply pin of every amplifier. In addition, place the 0.1μF capacitor as close
as possible to the supply pin. As this distance increases, the inductance in the
connecting trace makes the capacitor less effective. Strive for distances of
less than 0.1 inch (2.54mm) between the device power pins and the ceramic
capacitors.
- Short trace runs or compact part
placements—optimum high-frequency performance is achieved when stray
series inductance has been minimized. To reduce stray series inductance, make
the circuit layout as compact as possible, thereby minimizing the length of all
trace runs. Focus attention on the inputs of the amplifier, keeping the trace
lengths as short as possible. This layout helps to minimize stray capacitance at
the input of the amplifier.
- Sockets—TI does not recommend sockets for
high-speed operational amplifiers. The additional lead inductance in the socket
pins often leads to stability problems. Surface-mount packages soldered directly
to the printed-circuit board is the best implementation.
- Short trace runs and compact part
placements—Improved high-frequency performance is achieved when stray
series inductance is minimized. To reduce stray series inductance, the circuit
layout must be made as compact as possible, thereby minimizing the length of all
trace runs. Particular attention must be provided to the inverting input of the
amplifier. The length must be kept as short as possible. This design decision
helps minimize stray capacitance at the input of the amplifier.