
Real-Time Analog 
FEATURES 
VO = VY(VZ/VX)m transfer function 
Wide dynamic range (denominator) −1000:1 
Simultaneous multiplication and division 
Resistor-programmable powers and roots 
No external trims required 
Low input offsets <100 μV 
Low error ±0.25% of reading (100:1 range) 
Monolithic construction  
Real-time analog multiplication, division and 
exponentiation 
High accuracy analog division with a wide input dynamic range 
On board +2 V or +10 V scaling reference  
Voltage and current (summing) input modes  
Monolithic construction with lower cost and higher 
reliability than hybrid and modular circuits 
APPLICATIONS 
One- or two-quadrant multiply/divide 
Log ratio computation 
Squaring/square rooting 
Trigonometric function approximations 
Linearization via curve fitting 
Precision AGC 
Power functions 
Computational Unit (ACU)
AD538
FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM 
+10
+2V
I
X
25kΩ
V
X
LOG
RATIO
25kΩ
V
Z
I
Z
INTERNAL
VO LTAG E
REFERENCE
V
Y
25kΩ
I
Y
C
I
LOG
ANTILOG
Figure 1. 
100Ω
AD538
OUTPUT
100Ω
D
B
A
V
O
00959-001
GENERAL DESCRIPTION 
The AD538 is a monolithic real-time computational circuit  
that provides precision analog multiplication, division, and 
exponentiation. The combination of low input and output offset 
voltages and excellent linearity results in accurate computation 
over an unusually wide input dynamic range. Laser wafer 
trimming makes multiplication and division with errors as low 
as 0.25% of reading possible, while typical output offsets of  
100 μV or less add to the overall off-the-shelf performance level. 
Real-time analog signal processing is further enhanced by the 
400 kHz bandwidth of the device. 
The overall transfer function of the AD538 is V 
Programming a particular function is via pin strapping. No 
external components are required for one-quadrant (positive 
input) multiplication and division. Two-quadrant (bipolar 
numerator) division is possible with the use of external level 
shifting and scaling resistors. The desired scale factor for both 
Rev. E 
Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no 
responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for any infringements of patents or other 
rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No 
license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices. 
Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 
 = VY(VZ/VX)m. 
O
multiplication and division can be set using the on-chip +2 V or 
+10 V references, or controlled externally to provide simultaneous 
multiplication and division. Exponentiation with an m value 
from 0.2 to 5 can be implemented with the addition of one or 
two external resistors. 
Direct log ratio computation is possible by using only the log 
ratio and output sections of the chip. Access to the multiple 
summing junctions adds further to the flexibility of the AD538. 
Finally, a wide power supply range of  ±4.5 V to  ±18 V allows  
operation from standard ±5 V, ±12 V and ±15 V supplies. 
The AD538 is available in two accuracy grades (A and B) over 
the industrial (−25°C to +85°C) temperature range and one 
grade (S) over the military (−55°C to +125°C) temperature 
range. The device is packaged in an 18-lead TO-118 hermetic 
side-brazed ceramic DIP. A-grade chips are also available. 
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106, U.S.A. 
Tel: 781.329.4700  www.analog.com 
Fax: 781.461.3113  ©2011 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved.