MAX4434–MAX4437
Single-Supply, 150MHz, 16-Bit Accurate,
Ultra-Low Distortion Op Amps
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Detailed Description
The MAX4434–MAX4437 are wide-bandwidth, ultra-low-
distortion, voltage-feedback amplifiers. The MAX4434/
MAX4436 are internally compensated for unity gain.
The MAX4435/MAX4437 are internally compensated for
gains of +5V/V or greater.
These amplifiers have ultra-fast 35ns (MAX4434/
MAX4436) 16-bit settling times, -97dB SFDR at 1MHz,
and 4Vp-p output swing with minimum 115dB open-
loop gain.
High-Speed ADC Input Driver Application
The MAX4434–MAX4437 op amps are ideal for driving
high-speed 14- to 16-bit ADCs. In most cases, these
ADCs operate with a charge balance scheme, with
capacitive loads internally switched on and off from the
input. The driver used must withstand these changing
capacitive loads while holding the signal amplitude sta-
bility consistent with the ADC’s resolution and, at the
same time, have a frequency response compatible with
the sampling speed of the ADC (Figure 1).
Inverting and Noninverting Configurations
The circuits typically used for the inverting and non-
inverting configurations of the MAX4434–MAX4437 are
shown in Figures 2a and 2b. The minimum uncondition-
ally stable gain values are 1 for the MAX4434/MAX4436
and 5 for the MAX4435/MAX4437. Use care in selecting
the value for the resistor marked RS in both circuits. From
dynamic stability considerations (based on the part’s fre-
quency response and the input capacitance of the
MAX4434–MAX4437), the maximum recommended
value for RS is 500
Ω. In general, lower RS values will
yield a higher bandwidth and better dynamic stability, at
the cost of higher power consumption, higher power dis-
sipation in the IC, and reduced output drive availability.
For a minimum RS value, take into consideration that the
current indicated as IF is supplied by the output stage
and must be discounted from the maximum output cur-
rent to calculate the maximum current available to the
load. IF can be found using the following equation:
IF = VIN(MAX) / RS
If DC thermal stability is an important design concern,
the Thevenin resistance seen by both inputs at DC
must be balanced. This includes the resistance of the
signal source and termination resistors if the amplifier
signal input is fed from a transmission line. The capaci-
tance associated with the feedback resistors must also
be considered as a possible limitation to the available
bandwidth or to the dynamic stability. Only resistors
with small parallel capacitance specifications should
be considered.
Applications Information
Layout and Power-Supply Bypassing
The MAX4434–MAX4437 have wide bandwidth and
consequently require careful board layout. To realize
the full AC performance of these high-speed amplifiers,
pay careful attention to power-supply bypassing and
board layout. The PC board should have a large low-
impedance ground plane that is as free of voids as
possible. Do not use commercial breadboards. Keep
signal lines as short and straight as possible. Observe
high-frequency bypassing techniques to maintain the
amplifier’s accuracy and stability. In general, use sur-
VCC
VEE
HIGH-SPEED
14/16-BIT ADC
Figure 1. Typical Application Circuit
VOUT
VIN
RS
RF
IF
RF
RS
VOUT
VIN
=
A = 1 +
Figure 2a. Noninverting Configuration
- RF
RS
VOUT
VIN
VOUT
VIN
RB
RF
RS
IF
=
A =
Figure 2b. Inverting Configuration