Low Distortion
Differential ADC Driver
AD8138-EP
Rev. 0
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.
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 ©2010 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved.
FEATURES
Adjustable output common-mode voltage
Low harmonic distortion
−94 dBc SFDR @ 5 MHz
−85 dBc SFDR @ 20 MHz
−3 dB bandwidth of 320 MHz, G = +1
Fast settling to 0.01% of 16 ns
Fast overdrive recovery of 4 ns
Low input voltage noise of 5 nV/√Hz
Low power 90 mW on 5 V
ENHANCED PRODUCT FEATURES
Supports defense and aerospace applications (AQEC)
Extended temperature range −55ºC to +105°C
Controlled manufacturing baseline
One assembly/test site
One fabrication site
Enhanced product change notification
Qualification data available on request
APPLICATIONS
ADC drivers
Single-ended-to-differential converters
IF and baseband gain blocks
Differential buffers
Line drivers
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The AD8138-EP is a major advancement over op amps for
differential signal processing. The AD8138-EP can be used
as a single-ended-to-differential amplifier or as a differential-to-
differential amplifier. The AD8138-EP is as easy to use as an op
amp and greatly simplifies differential signal amplification and
driving. Manufactured on Analog Devices, Inc., proprietary XFCB
bipolar process, the AD8138-EP has a −3 dB bandwidth of 320 MHz
and delivers a differential signal with the lowest harmonic distortion
available in a differential amplifier. The AD8138-EP has a unique
internal feedback feature that provides balanced output gain and
phase matching, suppressing even order harmonics. The internal
feedback circuit also minimizes any gain error that would be
associated with the mismatches in the external gain setting resistors.
PIN CONFIGURATION
–IN
1
V
OCM
2
V+
3
+OUT
4
+IN
8
NC
7
V–
6
–OUT
5
NC = NO CONNECT
D8138-EP
08997-001
Figure 1.
TYPICAL APPLICATION CIRCUIT
AIN
AIN
AVSS
499Ω
499Ω
499Ω
499Ω
5V
5
AD8138-EP
+
–
DIGITAL
OUTPUTS
V
OCM
IN
ADC
V
REF
AVDD DVDD
08997-002
Figure 2.
The AD8138-EP’s differential output helps balance the input to
the differential ADCs, maximizing the performance of the ADC.
The AD8138-EP eliminates the need for a transformer with
high performance ADCs, preserving the low frequency and dc
information. The common-mode level of the differential output
is adjustable by a voltage on the V
OCM
pin, easily level-shifting
the input signals for driving single-supply ADCs. Fast overload
recovery preserves sampling accuracy.
The AD8138-EP distortion performance makes it an ideal ADC
driver for communication systems, with distortion performance
good enough to drive state-of-the-art 10-bit to 16-bit converters
at high frequencies. The AD8138-EP’s high bandwidth and IP3 also
make it appropriate for use as a gain block in IF and baseband
signal chains. The AD8138-EP offset and dynamic performance
make it well suited for a wide variety of signal processing and
data acquisition applications. The AD8138-EP is available in the
MSOP package for operation over −55°C to +105°C temperatures.
Full details about this enhanced product are available in the
AD8138 data sheet, which should be consulted in conjunction
with this data sheet.