Overview
The AD8306AR, produced by Analog Devices Inc., is a complete IF limiting amplifier designed to provide both an accurate logarithmic (decibel) measure of the input signal and a programmable limiter output. This device operates over a wide frequency range from 5 MHz to 400 MHz and offers a dynamic range of 100 dB. It is characterized by its ease of use, requiring few external components, and its ability to operate on a single supply voltage of +2.7 V to +6.5 V at 16 mA typical current consumption. The AD8306AR is particularly useful in applications requiring precise signal strength indication and high-gain amplification with minimal power consumption.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Frequency Range | 5 MHz to 400 MHz | |
| Dynamic Range | 100 dB | |
| Supply Voltage | +2.7 V to +6.5 V | V |
| Supply Current | 16 mA (typical) | mA |
| Power Consumption | < 50 mW at 3 V | mW |
| Input Impedance | 1 kΩ in parallel with 2.5 pF | |
| Input-Referred Noise Spectral Density | 1.28 nV/√Hz | nV/√Hz |
| Gain | 90 dB (total), 72 dB (main path), 18 dB (programmable output stage) | dB |
| Bandwidth | 400 MHz | MHz |
| Power-Up Time | 500 ns | ns |
| Sleep Current | < 1 µA | µA |
| Package | 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) |
Key Features
- Programmable Limiter Gain and Output Current: The AD8306AR offers programmable limiter gain and output current, making it versatile for various applications.
- Differential Outputs: The device provides fully differential outputs up to 10 mA and 2.4 V p-p.
- High Gain and Bandwidth: It features a total gain of 90 dB and a bandwidth of 400 MHz.
- Constant Phase: The device has a typical delay skew of ±56 ps, ensuring constant phase over the operating frequency range.
- Low Power Consumption: The AD8306AR operates with a power consumption of under 50 mW at 3 V.
- CMOS-Compatible Control Interface: The device can be enabled within 500 ns and disabled to a standby current of under 1 µA.
- High Input Impedance: The input presents a moderately high impedance of 1 kΩ in parallel with 2.5 pF.
- Temperature Stability: The logarithmic slope is stabilized against supply and temperature variations using a band-gap reference.
Applications
- Receivers for Frequency and Phase Modulation: The AD8306AR is suitable for receivers that require precise signal strength indication and high-gain amplification.
- IF and RF Power Measurement: It is used in wide-range IF and RF power measurement applications.
- Receiver Signal Strength Indication (RSSI): The device provides an accurate logarithmic measure of the input signal, making it ideal for RSSI functions.
- Low Cost Radar and Sonar Signal Processing: The AD8306AR is applied in low-cost radar and sonar systems for signal processing.
- Instrumentation: It is used in network and spectrum analyzers due to its high precision and stability.
Q & A
- What is the operating frequency range of the AD8306AR?
The AD8306AR operates over a frequency range of 5 MHz to 400 MHz.
- What is the dynamic range of the AD8306AR?
The dynamic range is 100 dB, from –91 dBV to +9 dBV.
- What is the typical supply current of the AD8306AR?
The typical supply current is 16 mA.
- How much power does the AD8306AR consume at 3 V supply voltage?
The power consumption is under 50 mW at 3 V.
- What is the input impedance of the AD8306AR?
The input impedance is 1 kΩ in parallel with 2.5 pF.
- What is the gain of the AD8306AR?
The total gain is 90 dB, with 72 dB from the main path and an additional 18 dB from the programmable output stage.
- How long does it take for the AD8306AR to power up?
The power-up time is approximately 500 ns.
- What is the sleep current of the AD8306AR?
The sleep current is less than 1 µA.
- In what package is the AD8306AR available?
The AD8306AR is available in a 16-SOIC package.
- What are some common applications of the AD8306AR?
Common applications include receivers for frequency and phase modulation, IF and RF power measurement, RSSI, low-cost radar and sonar signal processing, and instrumentation such as network and spectrum analyzers.
