LINEAR TECHNOLOGY LT1763 Technical data

Application Note 101
Minimizing Switching Regulator Residue in Linear Regulator Outputs
Banishing Those Accursed Spikes
Jim Williams
July 2005
Linear regulators are commonly employed to post-regulate switching regulator outputs. Benefi ts include improved stability, accuracy, transient response and lowered output impedance. Ideally, these performance gains would be accompanied by markedly reduced switching regulator generated ripple and spikes. In practice, all linear regulators encounter some diffi culty with ripple and spikes, particu­larly as frequency rises. This effect is magnifi ed at small regulator V
to V
IN
differential voltages; unfortunate,
OUT
because such small differentials are desirable to maintain effi ciency. Figure 1 shows a conceptual linear regulator and associated components driven from a switching regulator output.
The input fi lter capacitor is intended to smooth the ripple and spikes before they reach the regulator. The output capaci­tor maintains low output impedance at higher frequencies, improves load transient response and supplies frequency compensation for some regulators. Ancillary purposes
include noise reduction and minimization of residual input­derived artifacts appearing at the regulators output. It is this last category–residual input-derived artifacts–that is of concern. These high frequency components, even though small amplitude, can cause problems in noise-sensitive video, communication and other types of circuitry. Large numbers of capacitors and aspirin have been expended in attempts to eliminate these undesired signals and their re­sultant effects. Although they are stubborn and sometimes seemingly immune to any treatment, understanding their origin and nature is the key to containing them.
Switching Regulator AC Output Content
Figure 2 details switching regulator dynamic (AC) output content. It consists of relatively low frequency ripple at the switching regulator’s clock frequency, typically 100kHz to 3MHz, and very high frequency content “spikes” associ­ated with power switch transition times. The switching regulator’s pulsed energy delivery creates the ripple. Filter capacitors smooth the output, but not completely. The
, LTC and LT are registered trademarks of Linear Technology Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
INPUT DC + RIPPLE
AND SPIKES FROM
SWITCHING REGULATOR
FILTER
CAPACITOR
Figure 1. Conceptual Linear Regulator and Its Filter Capacitors Theoretically Reject Switching Regulator Ripple and Spikes
LINEAR
IN OUT
REGULATOR
GND
PURE DC OUTPUT
FILTER CAPACITOR
AN101 F01
RIPPLE: TYPICALLY 100kHz to 3MHz
Figure 2. Switching Regulator Output Contains Relitively Low Frequency Ripple and High Frequency “Spikes” Derived From Regulators Pulsed Energy Delivery and Fast Transition Times
SWITCHING SPIKES: HARMONIC CONTENT
APPROACHING 100MHz
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Application Note 101
spikes, which often have harmonic content approaching 100MHz, result from high energy, rapidly switching power elements within the switching regulator. The fi lter capacitor is intended to reduce these spikes but in practice cannot entirely eliminate them. Slowing the regulator’s repeti­tion rate and transition times can greatly reduce ripple and spike amplitude, but magnetics size increases and
1
effi ciency falls
. The same rapid clocking and fast switch­ing that allows small magnetics size and high effi ciency results in high frequency ripple and spikes presented to the linear regulator.
Ripple and Spike Rejection
The regulator is better at rejecting the ripple than the very wideband spikes. Figure 3 shows rejection performance for an LT1763 low dropout linear regulator. There is 40db attenuation at 100KHz, rolling off to about 25db at 1MHz. The much more wideband spikes pass directly through the regulator. The output fi lter capacitor, intended to absorb the spikes, also has high frequency performance limitations. The regulator and fi lter capacitors imperfect response, due to high frequency parasitics, reveals Figure 1 to be overly simplistic. Figure 4 restates Figure 1 and includes the parasitic terms as well as some new components.
The fi gure considers the regulation path with emphasis on high frequency parasitics. It is important to identify these parasitic terms because they allow ripple and spikes to propagate into the nominally regulated output. Additionally, understanding the parasitic elements permits a measure­ment strategy, facilitating reduction of high frequency out­put content. The regulator includes high frequency parasitic paths, primarily capacitive, across its pass transistor and into its reference and regulation amplifi er. These terms combine with fi nite regulator gain-bandwidth to limit high frequency rejection. The input and output fi lter capacitors include parasitic inductance and resistance, degrading their effectiveness as frequency rises. Stray layout capacitance provides additional unwanted feedthrough paths. Ground potential differences, promoted by ground path resistance and inductance, add additional error and also complicate measurement. Some new components, not normally as­sociated with linear regulators, also appear. These additions include ferrite beads or inductors in the regulator input and output lines. These components have their own high frequency parasitic paths but can considerably improve overall regulator high frequency rejection and will be ad­dressed in following text.
Note 1: Circuitry employing this approach has achieved signifi cant harmonic content reduction at some sacrifi ce in magnetics size and effi ciency. See Reference 1.
80
70
60
50
40
30
IL = 500mA
RIPPLE REJECTION (dB)
20
= V
V
IN
OUT(NOMINAL)
1V + 50mV
10
= 10µF
C
OUT
= 0.01µF
C
BYP
0
100 100k
10 1k 10k 1M
Figure 3. Ripple Rejection Characteristics for an LT1763 Low Dropout Linear Regulator Show 40dB Attenuation at 100kHz, Rolling Off Towards 1MHz. Switching Spike Harmonic Content Approaches 100MHz; Passes Directly From Input to Output
+
RIPPLE
RMS
FREQUENCY (Hz)
AN101 F03
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AN101-2
OUTPUT
LOAD
FILTER
*
CAPACITOR
AN101 F04
PARASITIC
L AND R
MONITORING
OSCILLOSCOPE
Application Note 101
PARASITIC C
PARASITIC
LAYOUT PARASITIC C
FERRITE BEAD
OR INDUCTOR
PARASITIC
FILTER
CAPACITOR
REF
PARASITIC
AND PSRR VS FREQUENCY)
REGULATOR (FINITE GAIN-BANDWIDTH
***
* = GROUND POTENTIAL DIFFERENCES PROMOTE OUTPUT HIGH FREQUENCY CONTENT AND CORRUPT MEASUREMENT.
PARASITIC C
AND SPIKES FROM
INPUT DC + RIPPLE
FERRITE BEAD
OR INDUCTOR
SWITCHING REGULATOR
L AND R
PARASITIC
Figure 4. Conceptual Linear Regulator Showing High Frequency Rejection Parasitics. Finite GBW and PSRR vs Frequency
Limit Regulator's High Frequency Rejection. Passive Components Attenuate Ripple and Spikes, But Parasitics Degrade
Effectiveness. Layout Capacitance and Ground Potential Differences Add Errors, Complicate Measurement
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AN101-3
Application Note 101
SPIKE PATH
5V
74AHCO4
SPIKE GATING/BUFFER
30
LOAD
AN101 F05
++
FBFB
REGULATOR
UNDER TEST
100
Q1
SPIKE
AMPLITUDE
2N3866
100
1k
5V
750
5V
22µF
+
1
L1
15V
A1
+
OUT
LT1763-3
IN
LT1210
OUT
C
0.01µF
SD GND BYP
IN
C
750
750
–15V
RIPPLE FREQUENCY AND
AMPLITUDE CONTROL
1.2V
OR EQUIVILENT
HP-3310A FUNCTION GENERATOR
5V
SPIKE GENERATOR
SYNC. DIFFERENTIATOR/
20pF
–1.2V
SYNC.
OUTPUT
LOW
OUTPUT
AMPLITUDE
SPIKE WIDTH
C1, 1/2
LT1712
1k
50
DC/RIPPLE PATH
LT1712
+
–5V
–5V
100k*
0.01µF
+
0.1µF 5V
100k*
1k
C2, 1/2
A2
LT1006
+
2k*2k*
+
10µF
50
RAMPS
P-P
TO 0.1V
P-P
TYP 0.01V
BIAS INPUT
REGULATOR DC
TYP 3.3V to 3.5V
= SEE TEXT
= SEE TEXT
IN
* = 1% METAL FILM RESISTOR
L1 = 4 TURNS #26, 1/4" DIAMETER
OUT
FB = FERRITE BEAD. FAIR-RITE 2743002122. INDUCTORS OPTIONAL. SEE TEXT
= IN4148
C
C
Figure 5. Circuit Simulates Switching Regulator Output. DC, Ripple Amplitude, Frequency and Spike Duration/Height are
Independantly Settable. Split Path Scheme Sums Wideband Spikes with DC and Ripple, Presenting Linear Regulator with Simulated
Switching Regulator Output. Function Generator Sources Waveforms to Both Paths
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2.5V
LT1460
5V
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Application Note 101
Ripple/Spike Simulator
Gaining understanding of the problem requires observing regulator response to ripple and spikes under a variety of conditions. It is desirable to be able to independently vary ripple and spike parameters, including frequency, harmonic content, amplitude, duration and DC level. This is a very versatile capability, permitting real time optimization and sensitivity analysis to various circuit variations. Although there is no substitute for observing linear regulator per­formance under actual switching regulator driven condi­tions, a hardware simulator makes surprises less likely. Figure 5 provides this capability. It simulates a switching regulator’s output with independantly settable DC, ripple and spike parameters.
A commercially available function generator combines with two parallel signal paths to form the circuit. DC and ripple are transmitted on a relatively slow path while wideband spike information is processed via a fast path. The two
paths are combined at the linear regulator input. The func­tion generator’s settable ramp output (trace A, Figure 6) feeds the DC/ripple path made up of power amplifi er A1 and associated components. A1 receives the ramp input and DC bias information and drives the regulator under test. L1 and the 1Ω resistor allow A1 to drive the regula­tor at ripple frequencies without instability. The wideband spike path is sourced from the function generator’s pulsed “sync” output (trace B). This output’s edges are differentiated (trace C) and fed to bipolar comparator C1­C2. The comparator outputs (traces D and E) are spikes synchronized to the ramps infl ection points. Spike width is controlled by complementary DC threshold potentials applied to C1 and C2 with the 1k potentiometer and A2. Diode gating and the paralleled logic inverters present trace F to the spike amplitude control. Follower Q1 sums the spikes with A1’s DC/ripple path, forming the linear regulator’s input (trace G).
A = 0.01V/DIV
B = 5V/DIV
C = 2V/DIV
D = 10V/DIV
E = 10V/DIV
F = 10V/DIV
G = 0.02V/DIV AC COUPLED-
ON 3.3V
DC
Figure 6. Switching Regulator Output Simulator Waveforms. Function Generator Supplies Ripple (Trace A) and Spike (Trace B) Path Information. Differentiated Spike Information's Bipolar Excursion (Trace C) is Compared by C1-C2, Resulting in Trace D and E Synchronized Spikes. Diode Gating/Inverters Present Trace F to Spike Amplitude Control. Q1 Sums Spikes with DC-Ripple Path From Power Amplifi er A1, Forming Linear Regulator Input (Trace G). Spike Width Set Abnormally Wide for Photographic Clarity
500ns/DIV
AC COUPLED ON 3.3V
A = 0.2V/DIV
DC
B = 0.01V/DIV
AC COUPLED ON 3V
Figure 7. Linear Regulator Input (Trace A) and Output (Trace B) Ripple and Switching Spike Content for CIN = 1μF, C 10μF. Output Spikes, Driving 10μF, Have Lower Amplitude, But Risetime Remains Fast
DC
500ns/DIV
=
OUT
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Application Note 101
Linear Regulator High Frequency Rejection Evalua­tion/Optimization
The circuit described above facilitates evaluation and optimization of linear regulator high frequency rejection. The following photographs show results for one typical set of conditions, but DC bias, ripple and spike charac­teristics may be varied to suit desired test parameters. Figure 7 shows Figure 5’s LT1763 3V regulator response to a 3.3V DC input with trace A’s ripple/spike contents,
= 1μF and C
C
IN
shows ripple attenuated by a factor of
= 10μF. Regulator output (trace B)
OUT
20. Output spikes
see somewhat less reduction and their harmonic content remains high. The regulator offers no rejection at the spike rise time. The capacitors must do the job. Unfortunately, the capacitors are limited by inherent high frequency loss terms from completely fi ltering the wideband spikes; trace B’s remaining spike shows no risetime reduction. Increas­ing capacitor value has no benefi t at these rise times. Figure 8 (same trace assignments as Figure 7) taken with
= 33μF, shows 5× ripple reduction but little spike
C
OUT
amplitude attenuation.
Figure 9’s time and amplitude expansion of Figure 8’s trace B permits high resolution study of spike character­istics, allowing the following evaluation and optimization. Figure 10 shows dramatic results when a ferrite bead
2
immediately precedes C
. Spike amplitude drops about
IN
5×. The bead presents loss at high frequency, severely
3
limiting spike passage
. DC and low frequency pass unat­tenuated to the regulator. Placing a second ferrite bead at the regulator output before C
produces Figure 11’s
OUT
trace. The bead’s high frequency loss characteristic further reduces spike amplitude below 1mV without introducing
4
DC resistance into the regulator’s output path
.
Figure 12, a higher gain version of the previous fi gure, measures 900µV spike amplitude – almost 20× lower than without the ferrite beads. The measurement is completed by verifying that indicated results are not corrupted by common mode components or ground loops. This is done by grounding the oscilloscope input near the measurement point. Ideally, no signal should appear. Figure 13 shows this to be nearly so, indicating that Figure 12’s display is
5
realistic
.
AC COUPLED ON 3.3V
Figure 8. Same Trace Assignments as Figure 7 with C Increased to 33μF. Output Ripple Decreases By 5×, But Spikes Remain. Spike Risetime Appears Unchanged
A = 0.2V/DIV
B = 0.01V/DIV
AC COUPLED ON 3V
DC
DC
500ns/DIV
OUT
AC COUPLED ON 3V
Figure 9. Time and Amplitude Expansion of Figure 8’s Output Trace Permits Higher Resolution Study of Spike Characteristics. Trace Center-Screen Area Intensifi ed for Photographic Clarity in This and Succeeding Figures
Note 2: “Dramatic” is perhaps a theatrical descriptive, but certain types fi nd drama in these things. Note 3: See Appendix A for information on ferrite beads Note 4: Inductors can sometimes be used in place of beads but their limitations should be
understood. See Appendix B. Note 5: Faithful wideband measurement at sub-millivolt levels requires special considerations.
See Appendix C.
0.005V/DIV
DC
200ns/DIV
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AN101-6
Application Note 101
0.005V/DIV
AC COUPLED ON 3V
DC
200ns/DIV
Figure 10. Adding Ferrite Bead to Regulator Input Increases High Frequency Losses, Dramaticlly Attenuating Spikes
AC COUPLED ON 3V
200μV/DIV
DC
0.005V/DIV
AC COUPLED ON 3V
DC
200ns/DIV
Figure 11. Ferrite Bead in Regulator Output Further Reduces Spike Amplitude
A = 200μV/DIV
200ns/DIV
Figure 12. Higher Gain Version of Previous Figure Measures 900μV Spike Amplitude–Almost 20× Lower Than Without Ferrite Beads. Instrumentation Noise Floor Causes Trace Baseline Thickening
200ns/DIV
Figure 13. Grounding Oscilloscope Input Near Measurement Point Verifi es Figure 12’s Results Are Nearly Free of Common Mode Corruption
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Application Note 101
REFERENCES
1. Williams, Jim, “A Monolithic Switching Regulator with 100µV Output Noise,” Linear Technology Corporation, Ap­plication Note 70, October 1997 (See Appendices B,C,D,H,I and J)
2. Williams, Jim, “Low Noise Varactor Biasing with Switch­ing Regulators,” Linear Technology Corporation, Applica­tion Note 85, August 2000 (See pp 4-6 and Appendix C)
3. Williams, Jim, “Component and Measurement Advances Ensure 16-Bit Settling Time,” Linear Technology Corpora­tion, Application Note 74, July 1998 (See Appendix G)
4. LT1763 Low Dropout Regulator Datasheet, Linear Technology Corporation
5. Hurlock, Les, “ABCs of Probes,” Tektronix Inc., 1990
6. McAbel, W.E., “Probe Measurements,” Tektronix Inc., Concept Series, 1971
7. Morrison, Ralph, “Noise and Other Interfering Signals,” John Wiley and Sons, 1992
8. Morrison, Ralph, “Grounding and Shielding Techniques in Instrumentation,” Wiley-Interscience, 1986
9. Fair-Rite Corporation, “ Fair-Rite Soft Ferrites,” Fair-Rite Corporation, 1998
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APPENDIX A
Application Note 101
About Ferrite Beads
A ferrite bead enclosed conductor provides the highly desir­able property of increasing impedance as frequency rises. This effect is ideally suited to high frequency noise fi lter­ing of DC and low frequency signal carrying conductors. The bead is essentially lossless within a linear regulator’s passband. At higher frequencies the bead’s ferrite material interacts with the conductors magnetic fi eld, creating the loss characteristic. Various ferrite materials and geometries result in different loss factors versus frequency and power level. Figure A1’s plot shows this. Impedance rises from
0.01Ω at DC to 50Ω at 100MHz. As DC current, and hence constant magnetic fi eld bias, rises, the ferrite becomes less effective in offering loss. Note that beads can be “stacked” in series along a conductor, proportionally increasing their loss contribution. A wide variety of bead materials and physical confi gurations are available to suit requirements in standard and custom products.
60
0A
0.1A
0.2A
0.5A
AN101 FA1
IMPEDENCE ()
DC = 0.01
50
40
30
20
10
0
1
10 100 1000
FREQUENCY (MHz)
Figure A1. Impedance vs. Frequency at Various DC Bias Currents for a Surface Mounted Ferrite Bead (Fair-Rite 2518065007Y6). Impedance is Essentially Zero at DC and Low Frequency, Rising Above 50Ω Depending on Frequency and DC Current. Source: Fair-Rite 2518065007Y6 Datasheet.
APPENDIX B
Inductors as High Frequency Filters
Inductors can sometimes be used for high frequency fi lter­ing instead of beads. Typically, values of 2µH to10µH are appropriate. Advantages include wide availability and better effectiveness at lower frequencies, e.g., ≤100kHz. Figure B1 shows disadvantages are increased DC resistance in the regulator path due to copper losses, parasitic shunt capacitance and potential susceptibility to stray switch­ing regulator radiation. The copper loss appears at DC, reducing effi ciency; parasitic shunt capacitance allows
STRAY
MAGNETIC
PARASITIC
CAPACITANCE
USER
TERMINAL
PARASITIC
RESISTANCE
Figure B1. Some Parasitic Terms of an Inductor. Parasitic Resistance Drops Voltage, Degrading Effi ciency. Unwanted Capacitance Permits High Frequency Feedthrough. Stray Magnetic Field Induces Erroneous Inductor Current
FIELD
PARASITIC
RESISTANCE
USER TERMINAL
AN101 FB1
unwanted high frequency feedthrough. The inductors circuit board position may allow stray magnetic fi elds to impinge its winding, effectively turning it into a transformer secondary. The resulting observed spike and ripple related artifacts masquerade as conducted components, degrad­ing performance.
Figure B2 shows a form of inductance based fi lter con­structed from PC board trace. Such extended length traces, formed in spiral or serpentine patterns, look inductive at high frequency. They can be surprisingly effective in some circumstances, although introducing much less loss per unit area than ferrite beads.
TERMINAL ACCESSABLE WITH PC VIA.
AN101 FB2
Figure B2. Spiral and Serpentine PC Patterns are Sometimes Used as High Frequency Filters, Although Less Effective Than Ferrite Beads
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Application Note 101
APPENDIX C
Probing Technique for Sub-Millivolt, Wideband Signal Integrity
Obtaining reliable, wideband, sub-millivolt measurements requires attention to critical issues before measuring anything. A circuit board layout designed for low noise is essential. Consider current fl ow and interactions in power distribution, ground lines and planes. Examine the effects of component choice and placement. Plan radiation management and disposition of load return currents. If the circuit is sound, the board layout proper and appropriate components used, then, and only then, may meaningful measurement proceed.
The most carefully prepared breadboard cannot fulfi ll its mission if signal connections introduce distortion. Con­nections to the circuit are crucial for accurate information extraction. Low level, wideband measurements demand care in routing signals to test instrumentation. Issues to consider include ground loops between pieces of test equipment (including the power supply) connected to the breadboard and noise pickup due to excessive test lead or trace length. Minimize the number of connections to the circuit board and keep leads short. Wideband signals to or from the breadboard must be routed in a coaxial environment with attention to where the coaxial shields tie into the ground system. A strictly maintained coaxial environment is particularly critical for reliable measure-
1
ments and is treated here
.
Figure C1 shows a believable presentation of a typical
switching regulator spike measured within a continuous coaxial signal path. The spike’s main body is reasonably well defi ned and disturbances after it are contained. Fig­ure C2 depicts the same event with a 3 inch ground lead connecting the coaxial shield to the circuit board ground plane. Pronounced signal distortion and ringing occur. The photographs were taken at 0.01V/division sensitiv­ity. More sensitive measurement requires proportionately more care.
Figure C3 details use of a wideband 40dB gain pre-amplifi er permitting text Figure 12’s 200µV/division measurement. Note the purely coaxial path, including the AC coupling capacitor, from the regulator, through the pre-amplifi er and to the oscilloscope. The coaxial coupling capacitor’s shield is directly connected to the regulator board’s ground plane with the capacitor center conductor going to the regulator output. There are no non-coaxial measurement connections. Figure C4, repeating text Figure 12, shows a cleanly detailed rendition of the 900µV output spikes. In Figure C5 two inches of ground lead has been deliberately introduced at the measurement site, violating the coaxial regime. The result is complete corruption of the waveform presentation. As a fi nal test to verify measurement integrity, it is useful to repeat Figure C4’s measurement with the signal path input (e.g., the coaxial coupling capacitor’s center conductor) grounded near the measurement point as in text Figure 13. Ideally, no signal should appear. Practically, some small residue, primarily due to common mode effects, is permissible.
AC COUPLED ON 3V
Figure C1. Spike Measured Within Continuous Coaxial Signal Path Displays Moderate Disturbance and Ringing After Main Event
0.01V/DIV
DC
200ns/DIV
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AC COUPLED ON 3V
Figure C2. Introducing 3" Non-Coaxial Ground Connection Causes Pronounced Signal Distortion and Post-Event Ringing
Note 1: More extensive treatment of these and related issues appears in the appended sections of
References 1 and 2. Board layout considerations for low level, wideband signal integrity appear in Appendix G of Reference 3.
0.01V/DIV DC
200ns/DIV
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Application Note 101
OSCILLOSCOPE
0.01V/DIV VERTICAL SENSITIVITY
100µV/DIV REFERRED TO AMPLIFIER INPUT
BNC CABLE
AND
CONNECTORS
REGULATOR
V
IN
UNDER TEST
V
OUT
LOAD (AS DESIRED)
COUPLING
CAPACITOR
HP-10240B
HP461A
AMPLIFIER
× 40dB
Z
IN
= 50
BNC CABLE
50 TERMINATOR HP-11048C OR EQUIVALENT
AN101 FC3
Figure C3. Wideband, Low Noise Pre-Amplifi er Permits Sub-Millivolt Spike Observation. Coaxial Connections Must be Maintained to Preserve Measurement Integrity
AC COUPLED ON 3V
200μV/DIV
DC
200ns/DIV
Figure C4. Low Noise Pre-Amplifi er and Strictly Enforced Coaxial Signal Path Yield Text Figure 12's 900mV
Presentation. Trace
P-P
Baseline Thickening Represents Pre-Amplifi er Noise Floor
Information furnished by Linear Technology Corporation is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed for its use. Linear Technology Corporation makes no represen­tation that the interconnection of its circuits as described herein will not infringe on existing patent rights.
AC COUPLED ON 3V
200μV/DIV
DC
200ns/DIV
Figure C5. 2 Inch Non-Coaxial Ground Connection at Measurement Site Completely Corrupts Waveform Presentation
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AN101-11
Application Note 101
AN101-12
Linear Technology Corporation
1630 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035-7417
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www.linear.com
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LT/TP 0705 500 • PRINTED IN USA
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