Datasheet

AD8337
Rev. C | Page 18 of 32
THEORY OF OPERATION
VOUT
GAIN
R
G
18dB
(8x)
2
1
6
PRAO
VNEG
VCOM
+
–
7
749Ω
107Ω
PrA
6dB
GAIN
INTERFACE
BIAS
+
–
8
VPOS
INPP
INPN
5
3
4
INTERPOLATOR
ATTENUATOR
–24dB TO 0dB
+
–
R
FB1
= R
FB2
= 100Ω
05575-065
R
FB2
R
FB1
Figure 65. Circuit Block Diagram
OVERVIEW
The AD8337 is a low noise, single-ended, linear-in-dB, general-
purpose variable gain amplifier (VGA) usable at frequencies up
to 100 MHz. It is fabricated using a proprietary Analog Devices
dielectrically isolated, complementary bipolar process. The
bandwidth is dc to 280 MHz and features low dc offset voltage
and an ideal nominal gain range of 0 dB to 24 dB. Requiring
about 15.5 mA, the power consumption is only 78 mW from
either a single +5 V or a dual ±2.5 V supply. Figure 65 is the
circuit block diagram of the AD8337.
PREAMPLIFIER
An uncommitted current-feedback op amp included in the
AD8337 can be used as a preamplifier to buffer the ladder
network attenuator of the X-AMP. As with any op amp, the gain
is established using external resistors, and the preamplifier is
specified with a noninverting gain of 6 dB (2×) and gain resistor
values of 100 Ω. The preamplifier gain can be increased using
larger values of R
FB2
, trading off bandwidth and offset voltage.
The value of R
FB2
is to be ≥100 Ω because the value and an
internal compensation capacitor determine the 3 dB bandwidth,
and smaller values can compromise preamplifier stability.
Because the AD8337 is dc-coupled, larger preamp gains increase
the offset voltage. The offset voltage can be compensated by
connecting a resistor between the INPN input and the supply
voltage. If the offset is negative, the resistor value connects to
the negative supply. For ease of adjustment, a trimmer network
can be used.
For larger gains, the overall noise is reduced if a low value of
R
FB1
is selected. For values of R
FB1
= 20 Ω and R
FB2
= 301 Ω, the
preamp gain is 16× (24.1 dB), and the input-referred noise is
approximately 1.5 nV/√Hz. For this value of gain, the overall
gain range increases by 18 dB; therefore, the gain range is 18 dB
to 42 dB.
VGA
This X-AMP, with its linear-in-dB gain characteristic
architecture, yields the optimum dynamic range for receiver
applications. Referring to Figure 65, the signal path consists of
a −24 dB variable attenuator followed by a fixed gain amplifier of
18 dB, for a total VGA gain range of −6 dB to +18 dB. With the
preamplifier configured for a gain of 6 dB, the composite gain
range is 0 dB to 24 dB.
The VGA plus preamp, with 6 dB of gain, implements the
following exact gain law:
(dB)
V
dB
19.7(dB) ICPT
GAIN
VGain +
⎥
⎦
⎤
⎢
⎣
⎡
×=
where the nominal intercept (ICPT) = 12.65 dB.
The ICPT increases as the gain of the preamp is increased. For
example, if the gain of the preamp is increased by 6 dB, ICPT
increases to 18.65 dB. Although the previous equation shows
the exact gain law as based on statistical data, a quick estimation
of signal levels can be made using the default slope of 20 dB/V
for a particular gain setting. For example, the change in gain for
a V
GAIN
change of 0.3 V is 6 dB using a slope of 20 dB/V and
5.91 dB using the exact slope of 19.6 dB/V. This is a difference
of only 0.09 dB.
GAIN CONTROL
The gain control interface provides a high impedance input and
is referenced to the VCOM pin (in a single-supply application to
midsupply at [VPOS + VNEG]/2 for optimum swing). When
dual supplies are used, VCOM is connected to ground. The voltage
on the VCOM pin determines the midpoint of the gain range. For
a ground referenced design, the VGAIN range is from −0.7 V to
+0.7 V with the most linear-in-dB section of the gain control
between −0.6 V and +0.6 V. In the center 80% of the VGAIN
range, the gain error is typically less than ±0.2 dB. The gain
control voltage can be increased or decreased to the positive or
negative rails without gain foldover.