
MAT12 Data Sheet
Rev. A | Page 8 of 12
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
FAST LOGARITHMIC AMPLIFIER
The circuit of Figure 16 is a modification of a standard logarith-
mic amplifier configuration. Running the MAT12 at 2.5 mA per
side (full scale) allows for a fast response with a wide dynamic
range. The circuit has a seven decade current range and a five
decade voltage range, and it is capable of 2.5 µs settling time to
1% with a 1 V to 10 V step. The output follows the equation:
IN
REF
2
23
O
V
V
q
kT
R
RR
V ln
+
=
To compensate for the temperature dependence of the kT/q term, a
resistor with a positive 0.35%/°C temperature coefficient is selected
for R
2
. The output is inverted with respect to the input and is
nominally −1 V/decade using the component values indicated.
1
4
3
2
8
7
5
6
–15V
330pF
R
3
7.5kΩ
R
2
500Ω
R
2
= 0.35%/°C
330pF
V
O
+15V
R
S
4kΩ
R
1
4kΩ
4kΩ
V
IN
(0V TO 10V)
V
REF
10V
AD8512
MAT12
1/2
AD8512
09044-015
Figure 16. Fast Logarithmic Amplifier