AD640 DC-Coupled Demodulating 120 MHz Logarithmic Amplifier

Absolute calibration of a wideband logarithmic amplifier is unique. The AD640 is a high accuracy measurement device, not simply a logarithmic building block. Advanced design results in unprecedented stability over the full military temperature range. The fully differential signal path greatly reduces the risk of instability due to inadequate power supply decoupling and shared ground connections, a serious problem with commonly used unbalanced designs. Differential interfaces also ensure that the appropriate ground connection can be chosen for each signal port. They further increase versatility and simplify applications. The signal input impedance is ~500 kΩ in shunt with ~2 pF. The dc-coupled signal path eliminates the need for numerous interstage coupling capacitors and simplifies logarithmic conversion of subsonic signals. The low input offset voltage of 50 µV (200 µV max) ensures good accuracy for low level dc inputs. Thermal recovery “tails,” which can obscure the response when a small signal immediately follows a high level input, have been minimized by special attention to design details. The noise spectral density of 2 nV/√Hz results in a noise floor of ~23 µV rms (–80 dBm) at a bandwidth of 100 MHz. The dynamic range using cascaded AD640s can be extended to 95 dB by the inclusion of a simple filter between the two devices.

The AD640 is a complete monolithic logarithmic amplifier. A single AD640 provides up to 50 dB of dynamic range for frequencies from dc to 120 MHz. Two AD640s in cascade can provide up to 95 dB of dynamic range at reduced bandwidth. The AD640 uses a successive detection scheme to provide an output current proportional to the logarithm of the input voltage. It is laser calibrated to close tolerances and maintains high accuracy over the full military temperature range using supply voltages from ±4.5 V to ±7.5 V.

The AD640 comprises five cascaded dc-coupled amplifier/limiter stages, each having a small signal voltage gain of 10 dB and a –3 dB bandwidth of 350 MHz. Each stage has an associated full-wave detector, whose output current depends on the absolute value of its input voltage. The five outputs are summed to provide the video output (when low-pass filtered) scaled at 1 mA per decade (50 µA per dB). On chip resistors can be used to convert this output current to a voltage with several convenient slope options. A balanced signal output at +50 dB (referred to input) is provided to operate AD640s in cascade.

The logarithmic response is absolutely calibrated to within ±1 dB for dc or square wave inputs from ±0.75 mV to ±200 mV, with an intercept (logarithmic offset) at 1 mV dc. An integral X10 attenuator provides an alternative input range of ±7.5 mV to ±2 V dc. Scaling is also guaranteed for sinusoidal inputs.

The AD640B is specified for the industrial temperature range of –40°C to +85°C and the AD640T, available processed to MILSTD-883B, for the military range of –55°C to +125°C. Both are available in 20-lead side-brazed ceramic DIPs or leadless chip carriers (LCC). The AD640J is specified for the commercial temperature range of 0°C to +70°C, and is available in both 20-lead plastic DIP (N) and PLCC (P) packages. This device is now available to Standard Military Drawing (DESC) number 5962-9095501MRA and 5962-9095501M2A.

Product Highlights
  • Absolute calibration of a wideband logarithmic amplifier is unique. The AD640 is a high accuracy measurement device, not simply a logarithmic building block.
  • Advanced design results in unprecedented stability over the full military temperature range.
  • The fully differential signal path greatly reduces the risk of instability due to inadequate power supply decoupling and shared ground connections, a serious problem with commonly used unbalanced designs.
  • Differential interfaces also ensure that the appropriate ground connection can be chosen for each signal port. They further increase versatility and simplify applications. The signal input impedance is ~500 kΩ in shunt with ~2 pF.
  • The dc-coupled signal path eliminates the need for numerous interstage coupling capacitors and simplifies logarithmic conversion of subsonic signals.
  • The low input offset voltage of 50 µV (200 µV max) ensures good accuracy for low level dc inputs.
  • Thermal recovery “tails,” which can obscure the response when a small signal immediately follows a high level input, have been minimized by special attention to design details.
  • The noise spectral density of 2 nV/√Hz results in a noise floor of ~23 µV rms (–80 dBm) at a bandwidth of 100 MHz. The dynamic range using cascaded AD640s can be extended to 95 dB by the inclusion of a simple filter between the two devices.
Applications
  • Radar, sonar, ultrasonic and audio systems
  • Precision instrumentation from DC to 120 MHz
  • Power measurement with absolute calibration
  • Wide range high accuracy signal compression
  • Alternative to discrete and hybrid IF strips
  • Replaces several discrete log amp ICs
Features and Benefits
  • Complete, fully calibrated monolithic system
  • Five stages, each having 10 dB gain, 350 MHz BW
  • Direct coupled fully differential signal path
  • Logarithmic slope, intercept and AC response are stable over full military temperature range
  • Dual polarity current outputs scaled 1 mA/decade
  • Voltage Slope Options (1 V/Decade, 100 mV/dB, etc.)
  • Low power operation (typically 220 mW at 65 V)
  • Low cost plastic packages also available
  • RF & Microwave
    Data Sheets
    Documentnote
    AD640: DC-Coupled Demodulating 120 MHz Logarithmic Amplifier Data Sheet (Rev. D)PDF 411.29 K
    AD640: Military Data Sheet
    Product Highlight
    Documentnote
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Documentnote
    Order Information
    Part NumberPackagePacking QtyTemp RangePrice 100-499Price 1000+RoHS
    5962-9095502M2A Production20 ld LCCOTH 54-55 to 125C421.6381.14N
    5962-9095502MRA Production20 ld Side-Brazed CerDipOTH 0-55 to 125C429.69388.43N
    AD640BE Production20 ld LCCOTH 54-40 to 85C132.13119.44Y
    AD640BP Production20 ld PLCCOTH 49-40 to 85C00N
    AD640BPZ Production20 ld PLCCOTH 49-40 to 85C89.7981.17Y
    AD640JNZ Production20 ld PDIPOTH 180 to 70C40.3636.48Y
    AD640JPZ Production20 ld PLCCOTH 490 to 70C40.3636.48Y
    AD640JPZ-REEL7 Production20 ld PLCCREEL 2500 to 70C40.3636.48Y
    AD640TCHIPS ProductionCHIPS OR DIEREEL 49-55 to 125C120.59110.73Y
    AD640TD/883B Production20 ld Side-Brazed CerDipOTH 19-55 to 125C390.62353.13N
    AD640TE/883B Production20 ld LCCOTH 54-55 to 125C382.68345.94N
    Reference Materials
    AD640: DC-Coupled Demodulating 120 MHz Logarithmic Amplifier Data Sheet (Rev. D) ad640
    AD640: Military Data Sheet ad640
    ADI Warns Against Misuse of COTS Integrated Circuits ad640
    Space Qualified Parts List ad640
    RF Source Booklet adf9010
    Measurement and Control of RF Power, Part I ad640
    Measurement and Control of RF Power, Part II ad640
    Measurement and Control of RF Power, Part III ad640
    Log Amps and Directional Couplers Enable VSWR Detection ad640
    Measuring VSWR and Gain in Wireless Systems ad640
    Measuring the RF Power in CDMA2000 and W-CDMA High Power Amplifiers (HPAs) ad640
    Detecting Fast RF Bursts using Log Amps ad640
    Make Precise Base-Station Power Measurements ad640
    Design a Logamp RF Pulse Detector ad640