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for the THS4031 operational amplifier integrated circuit that is
used in the THS4031 evaluation module.
(literature number SLOS224) This is the data sheet
FCC Warning
This equipment is intended for use in a laboratory test environment only. It
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and has not been
tested for compliance with the limits of computing devices pursuant to subpart
J of part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection
against radio frequency interference. Operation of this equipment in other
environments may cause interference with radio communications, in which
case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures
may be required to correct this interference.
Preface
Trademarks
TI is a trademark of Texas Instruments Incorporated.
This chapter details the Texas Instruments (TI) THS4031 high-speed
operational amplifier evaluation module (EVM), SLOP203. It includes a list of
EVM features, a brief description of the module illustrated with a pictorial and
a schematic diagram, EVM specifications, details on connecting and using the
EVM, and a discussion on high-speed amplifier design considerations.
THS4031 High-Speed Operational Amplifier EVM features include:
J
J
J
J
J
J
J
High Bandwidth — 100 MHz, –3 dB at ±15 VCC and Gain = 2
±5-V to ±15-V Operation
Inverting and Noninverting Single-Ended Inputs
Module Gain Set to +2 (Noninverting) and –1 (Inverting) — Adjustable
Through Component Change.
Nominal 50-Ω Impedance Inputs and Outputs
Standard SMA Miniature RF Connectors
Good Example of High-Speed Amplifier Design and Layout
1-2
General
Page 9
1.2Description
The TI THS4031 high-speed operational amplifier evaluation module (EVM)
is a complete high-speed amplifier circuit. It consists of the TI THS4031
high-speed, low-power operational amplifier IC, along with a small number of
passive parts, mounted on a small circuit board measuring approximately
1.7 inch by 1.4 inch (Figure 1–1). The EVM uses standard SMA miniature RF
connectors for inputs and outputs and is completely assembled, fully tested,
and ready to use — just connect it to power, a signal source, and a load
(if desired).
Figure 1–1.THS4031 Evaluation Module
J1
–VCC
J2
–IN
GND
INVERTING
NONINVERTING
C1
R1
R2
GND
+
+VCC
C2
+
INSTRUMENTS
R4
C3
Description
TEXAS
J4
+IN
GND
J3
R3
U1
C4
R5
GND
OUT
SLOP203
THS4031 EVM Board
The THS4031 EVM is equipped with both noninverting and inverting inputs.
The noninverting input is set for a gain of +2 and the inverting input is set for
a gain of –1. Each input is terminated with a 50-Ω resistor to provide correct
line impedance matching (Figure 1–2). The amplifier IC output is routed
through a 50-Ω resistor, both to provide correct line impedance matching and
to help isolate capacitive loading on the output of the amplifier. Capacitive
loading directly on the output of the IC decreases the amplifier’s phase margin
and can result in peaking or oscillations.
General
1-3
Page 10
Description
Figure 1–2.THS4031 EVM Schematic
J1
–V
GND
V
CC
CC
1
–V
2
3
CC
V
CC
Noninverting
–IN
Inverting
+IN
J2
49.9 Ω
J3
49.9 Ω
R1
R3
R2
301 ΩR4301 Ω
2
3
V
CC
7
–
U1
THS4031
+
4
–V
CC
6.8 µF
+
C3
0.1 µF
C4
0.1 µF
C1
6.8 µF
+
C2
R5
49.9 Ω
6
J4
Out
The gain of the EVM inputs can easily be changed to support a particular
application by simply changing the ratio of resistors R1, R4, and R5 as
described in the following equations:
–R
F
Inverting Gain
Noninverting Gain
+
R
+1)
–R4
+
R2
G
R
F
R
G
+1)
R4
R2)R1
In addition, some applications, such as those for video, may require the use
of 75-Ω cable and 75-Ω EVM input termination and output isolation resistors.
Any resistor on the EVM board can be replaced with a resistor of a different
value; however, care must be taken because the surface-mount solder pads
on the board are somewhat fragile and will not survive many desoldering/
soldering operations.
Note that external factors can significantly affect the effective gain of the EVM.
For example, connecting test equipment with 50-Ω input impedance to the
EVM output will divide the output signal level by a factor of 2 (assuming the
output isolation resistor on the EVM board remains 50 Ω). Similar effects can
occur at the input, depending upon how the input signal sources are
configured. The gain equations given above assume no signal loss in either
the input or the output.
The EVM circuit board is an excellent example of proper board layout for
high-speed amplifier designs and can be used as a guide for user application
board layouts.
1-4
General
Page 11
1.3THS4031 EVM Specifications
THS4031 EVM Specifications
Supply voltage range, ±V
Supply current, I
Input voltage, V
Output drive, I
For complete THS4031 amplifier IC specifications and parameter measurement information, and additional application information, see the THS4031
data sheet, TI Literature Number SLOS224.
1.4Using The THS4031 EVM
The THS4031 EVM operates from power-supply voltages ranging from ±5 V
to ±15 V. As shipped, the inverting input gain of the module is set to –1, the
noninverting input gain is set to 2, and signal inputs on the module are
terminated for 50-Ω nominal impedance cables. An oscilloscope is typically
used to view and analyze the EVM output signal.
1) Ensure that all power supplies are set to
connections to the THS4031 EVM.
2) Select the operating voltage for the EVM and connect appropriate split
power supplies to the pads on the module marked
3) Connect the power supply ground to the module pad marked
4) Connect an oscilloscope to the module SMA output connector
GND.
(J4)
through a 50-Ω nominal impedance cable (an oscilloscope having a 50-Ω
input termination is preferred for examining very high frequency signals)
5) Set the power supply to
6) Connect the signal input to either the noninvertinginput
2, or to the inverting input
ON.
(J2)
for a gain of –1
(J3)
for a gain of
.
Note that each input connector is terminated with a 50-Ω resistor to ground.
With a 50-Ω source impedance, the voltage seen by the THS4031 amplifier
IC on the module will be ½ the source signal voltage applied to the EVM.
7) Verify the output signal on the oscilloscope
Note that the signal shown on an oscilloscope with a 50-Ω input impedance
will be ½ the actual THS4031 amplifier IC output voltage. This is due to the
voltage division between the output resistor (R5) and the oscilloscope input
impedance.
.
General
1-5
Page 12
THS4031 EVM Performance
1.5THS4031 EVM Performance
Figure 1–3 shows the typical frequency response of the THS4031 EVM using
the noninverting input. Typical –0.1 dB bandwidth is 50 MHz at V
and ±5 V. The –3-dB bandwidth is 108 MHz with V
with V
Figure 1–3.THS4031 EVM Noninverting Input Frequency Response
7
CC
= ±5 V.
= ±15 V
CC
= ±15 V and 100 MHz
CC
6
5
4
3
2
1
Output Amplitude – dB
0
VO = 0.4 Vp–p
–1
RL = 150 Ω
–2
100k1M10M100M
VCC = ±5 V
f – Frequency – Hz
VCC = ±15 V
Figure 1–4 shows the typical phase response of the THS4031 EVM using the
noninverting input with a ±5-V power supply and with a ±15 V power supply.
The THS4031 EVM layout has been designed and optimized for use with
high-speed signals and can be used as an example when designing THS4031
applications. Careful attention has been given to component selection,
grounding, power supply bypassing, and signal path layout. Disregard of these
basic design considerations could result in less than optimum performance of
the THS4031 high-speed, low-power operational amplifier.
Surface-mount components were selected because of the extremely low lead
inductance associated with this technology. Also, because surface-mount
components are physically small, the layout can be very compact. This helps
minimize both stray inductance and capacitance.
T antalum power supply bypass capacitors (C1 and C2) at the power input pads
help supply currents for rapid, large signal changes at the amplifier output. The
0.1 µF power supply bypass capacitors (C3 and C4) were placed as close as
possible to the IC power input pins in order to keep the PCB trace inductance
to a minimum. This improves high-frequency bypassing and reduces
harmonic distortion.
A proper ground plane on both sides of the PCB should always be used with
high-speed circuit design. This provides low-inductive ground connections for
return current paths. In the area of the amplifier IC input pins, however, the
ground plane was removed to minimize stray capacitance and reduce ground
plane noise coupling into these pins. This is especially important for the
inverting pin while the amplifier is operating in the noninverting mode. Because
the voltage at this pin swings directly with the noninverting input voltage, any
stray capacitance would allow currents to flow into the ground plane, causing
possible gain error and/or oscillation. Capacitance variations at the amplifier
IC input pin of less than 1 pF can significantly affect the response of the
amplifier.
1-8
In general, it is always best to keep signal lines as short and as straight as
possible. Stripline techniques should also be incorporated when signal lines
are greater than 1 inch in length. These traces should be designed with a
characteristic impedance of either 50 Ω or 75 Ω , as required by the application.
Such signal lines should also be properly terminated with an appropriate
resistor.
Finally , proper termination of all inputs and outputs should be incorporated into
the layout. Unterminated lines, such as coaxial cable, can appear to be a
reactive load to the amplifier IC. By terminating a transmission line with its
characteristic impedance, the amplifier’s load then appears to be purely
resistive and reflections are absorbed at each end of the line. Another
advantage of using an output termination resistor is that capacitive loads are
isolated from the amplifier output. This isolation helps minimize the reduction
in amplifier phase-margin and improves the amplifier stability for improved
performance such as reduced peaking and settling times.
General
Page 15
Chapter 2
Reference
This chapter includes a parts list and PCB layout illustrations for the THS4031
EVM.
T opicPage
2.1THS4031 High-Speed Operational Amplifier EVM Parts List2–2
2.2THS4031 EVM Board Layouts2–2
Reference
2-1
Page 16
THS4031 High-Speed Operational Amplifier EVM Parts List
2.1THS4031 High-Speed Operational Amplifier EVM Parts List