Low Level, True RMS-to-DC Converter AD636

FEATURES
True rms-to-dc conversion 200 mV full scale Laser-trimmed to high accuracy 0.5% maximum error (AD636K) 1.0% maximum error (AD636J) Wide response capability Computes rms of ac and dc signals 1 MHz, 3 dB bandwidth: V rms > 100 mV Signal crest factor of 6 for 0.5% error dB output with 50 dB range Low power: 800 A quiescent current Single or dual supply operation Monolithic integrated circuit Low cost

FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM

ABSOLUTE VALUE SQUARER DIVIDER dB

VIN CAV +VS

AD636

CURRENT MIRROR 10k RL IOUT

BUF IN BUF OUT

00787-001

10k

Figure 1.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The AD636 is a low power monolithic IC that performs true rms-to-dc conversion on low level signals. It offers performance that is comparable or superior to that of hybrid and modular converters costing much more. The AD636 is specified for a signal range of 0 mV to 200 mV rms. Crest factors up to 6 can be accommodated with less than 0.5% additional error, allowing accurate measurement of complex input waveforms. The low power supply current requirement of the AD636, typically 800 A, is ideal for battery-powered portable instruments. It operates from a wide range of dual and single power supplies, from 2.5 V to 16.5 V or from +5 V to +24 V. The input and output terminals are fully protected; the input signal can exceed the power supply with no damage to the device (allowing the presence of input signals in the absence of supply voltage), and the output buffer amplifier is short-circuit protected. The AD636 includes an auxiliary dB output derived from an internal circuit point that represents the logarithm of the rms output. The 0 dB reference level is set by an externally supplied current and can be selected to correspond to any input level from 0 dBm (774.6 mV) to 20 dBm (77.46 mV). Frequency response ranges from 1.2 MHz at 0 dBm to greater than 10 kHz at 50 dBm. The AD636 is easy to use. The device is factory-trimmed at the wafer level for input and output offset, positive and negative waveform symmetry (dc reversal error), and full-scale accuracy

at 200 mV rms. Therefore, no external trims are required to achieve full-rated accuracy. The AD636 is available in two accuracy grades. The total error of the J-version is typically less than 0.5 mV 1.0% of reading, while the total error of the AD636K is less than 0.2 mV to 0.5% of reading. Both versions are temperature rated for operation between 0C and 70C and available in 14-lead SBDIP and 10-lead TO-100 metal can. The AD636 computes the true root-mean-square of a complex ac (or ac plus dc) input signal and gives an equivalent dc output level. The true rms value of a waveform is a more useful quantity than the average rectified value because it is a measure of the power in the signal. The rms value of an ac-coupled signal is also its standard deviation. The 200 mV full-scale range of the AD636 is compatible with many popular display-oriented ADCs. The low power supply current requirement permits use in battery-powered hand-held instruments. An averaging capacitor is the only external component required to perform measurements to the fully specified accuracy is. Its value optimizes the trade-off between low frequency accuracy, ripple, and settling time. An optional on-chip amplifier acts as a buffer for the input or the output signals. Used in the input, it provides accurate performance from standard 10 M input attenuators. As an output buffer, it sources up to 5 mA.

Rev. D
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 2006 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved.

AD636 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Features .............................................................................................. 1 Functional Block Diagram .............................................................. 1 General Description ......................................................................... 1 Revision History ............................................................................... 2 Specifications..................................................................................... 3 Absolute Maximum Ratings............................................................ 5 ESD Caution.................................................................................. 5 Pin Configurations and Function Descriptions ........................... 6 Applying the AD636......................................................................... 7 Standard Connection ................................................................... 7 Optional Trims for High Accuracy ............................................ 7 Single-Supply Connection........................................................... 7 Choosing the Averaging Time Constant................................... 8 RMS Measurements ..................................................................... 9 AD636 Principle of Operation ................................................9 The AD636 Buffer Amplifier.......................................................9 Frequency Response .................................................................. 10 AC Measurement Accuracy and Crest Factor (CF)............... 10 A Complete AC Digital Voltmeter........................................... 11 A Low Power, High Input, Impedance dB Meter....................... 11 Circuit Description ................................................................ 11 Performance Data .................................................................. 11 Frequency Response 3 dBm ............................................... 11 Calibration .............................................................................. 11 Outline Dimensions ....................................................................... 13 Ordering Guide .......................................................................... 13

REVISION HISTORY
11/06Rev. C to Rev. D Changes to General Description .................................................... 1 Changes to Table 1............................................................................ 3 Changes to Ordering Guide .......................................................... 13 1/06Rev B to Rev. C Updated Format..................................................................Universal Changes to Figure 1 and General Description ............................. 1 Deleted Metalization Photograph .................................................. 3 Added Pin Configuration and Function Description Section.... 6 Updated Outline Dimensions ....................................................... 14 Changes to Ordering Guide .......................................................... 14 8/99Rev A to Rev. B

Rev. D | Page 2 of 16

AD636 SPECIFICATIONS
@ 25C, +VS = +3 V, and VS = 5 V, unless otherwise noted. 1 Table 1.
Model TRANSFER FUNCTION CONVERSION ACCURACY Total Error, Internal Trim 2, 3 vs. Temperature, 0C to +70C vs. Supply Voltage DC Reversal Error at 200 mV Total Error, External Trim2 ERROR VS. CREST FACTOR 4 Crest Factor 1 to 2 Crest Factor = 3 Crest Factor = 6 AVERAGING TIME CONSTANT INPUT CHARACTERISTICS Signal Range, All Supplies Continuous RMS Level Peak Transient Inputs +3 V, 5 V Supply 2.5 V Supply 5 V Supply Maximum Continuous Nondestructive Input Level (All Supply Voltages) Input Resistance Input Offset Voltage FREQUENCY RESPONSE3, 5 Bandwidth for 1% Additional Error (0.09 dB) VIN = 10 mV VIN = 100 mV VIN = 200 mV 3 dB Bandwidth VIN = 10 mV VIN = 100 mV VIN = 200 mV OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS3 Offset Voltage, VIN = COM vs. Temperature vs. Supply Voltage Swing +3 V, 5 V Supply 5 V to 16.5 V Supply Output Impedance 0.1 0.01 0.2 0.3 0.3 Min AD636J Typ Max
2

Min

AD636K Typ

Max
2

Unit

VOUT = avg (VIN )

VOUT = avg (VIN )

0.5 1.0 0.1 0.01 0.1 0.01 0.1 0.1 0.2

0.2 0.5 0.1 0.005

mV % of reading mV % of reading/C mV % of reading/V % of reading mV % of reading

Specified Accuracy 0.2 0.5 25

Specified Accuracy 0.2 0.5 25

% of reading % of reading ms/F of CAV

0 to 200 2.8 2.0 5.0

0 to 200 2.8 2.0 5.0

mV rms V p-p V p-p V p-p

5.33

6.67

12 8 0.5

5.33

6.67

12 8 0.2

V p-p k mV

14 90 130 100 900 1.5 0.5 10 0.1 0.3 0.3 8 0 to 1.0 0 to 1.0 10 0.3 0.3 8

14 90 130 100 900 1.5 0.2 10 0.1 0 to 1.0 0 to 1.0 10

kHz kHz kHz kHz kHz MHz mV V/C mV/V V V k

12

12

Rev. D | Page 3 of 16

AD636
Model dB OUTPUT Error, VIN = 7 mV to 300 mV rms Scale Factor Scale Factor Temperature Coefficient IREF for 0 dB = 0.1 V rms IREF Range IOUT TERMINAL IOUT Scale Factor IOUT Scale Factor Tolerance Output Resistance Voltage Compliance BUFFER AMPLIFIER Input and Output Voltage Range Input Offset Voltage, RS = 10 k Input Bias Current Input Resistance Output Current Short-Circuit Current Small Signal Bandwidth Slew Rate 6 POWER SUPPLY Voltage, Rated Performance Dual Supply Single Supply Quiescent Current 7 TEMPERATURE RANGE Rated Performance Storage TRANSISTOR COUNT
1

Min

AD636J Typ 0.3 3.0 0.33 0.033 4

Max 0.5

Min

AD636K Typ 0.1 3.0 0.33 0.033 4

Max 0.2

Unit dB mV/dB % of reading/C dB/C A A A/V rms % k V

2 1

8 50

2 1

8 50

20 8

100 10 10 VS to (+VS 2 V)

+20 12

20 8

100 10 10 VS to (+VS 2 V)

+20 12

VS to (+VS 2 V) 0.8 100 108 (+5 mA, 130 A) 20 1 5 +3, 5 +2, 2.5 5 0.80 0 55 62 16.5 24 1.00 +70 +150 2 300

VS to (+VS 2 V) 0.5 100 108 (+5 mA, 130 A) 20 1 5 +3, 5 +2, 2.5 5 0.80 0 55 62 16.5 24 1.00 +70 +150 1 300

V mV nA

mA MHz V/s V V V mA C C

All minimum and maximum specifications are guaranteed. Specifications shown in boldface are tested on all production units at final electrical test and are used to calculate outgoing quality levels. 2 Accuracy specified for 0 mV to 200 mV rms, dc or 1 kHz sine wave input. Accuracy is degraded at higher rms signal levels. 3 Measured at Pin 8 of PDIP (IOUT), with Pin 9 tied to common. 4 Error vs. crest factor is specified as additional error for a 200 mV rms rectangular pulse trim, pulse width = 200 s. 5 Input voltages are expressed in V rms. 6 With 10 k pull-down resistor from Pin 6 (BUF OUT) to VS. 7 With BUF IN tied to COMMON.

Rev. D | Page 4 of 16

AD636 ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS

Table 2.
Parameter Supply Voltage Dual Supply Single Supply Internal Power Dissipation 1 Maximum Input Voltage Storage Temperature Range Operating Temperature Range Lead Temperature Range (Soldering 60 sec) ESD Rating
1

Ratings 16.5 V 24 V 500 mW 12 VPEAK 55C to +150C 0C to 70C 300C 1000 V

Stresses above those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings may cause permanent damage to the device. This is a stress rating only; functional operation of the device at these or any other conditions above those indicated in the operational section of this specification is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.

ESD CAUTION

10-Lead TO: JA = 150C/W. 14-Lead PDIP: JA = 95C/W.

Rev. D | Page 5 of 16

AD636 PIN CONFIGURATIONS AND FUNCTION DESCRIPTIONS

VIN 1 NC 2 VS 3 CAV 4
14 13

+VS NC NC

IOUT
10

BUF IN
9 8

BUF OUT
7

AD636

12

dB CAV
00787-004

TOP VIEW 11 NC (Not to Scale) dB 5 10 COM

9 8

RL

1 2

AD636
3 5 4

BUF OUT 6 BUF IN 7

RL
00787-003

COM

IOUT

+VS

VS

NC = NO CONNECT

VIN

Figure 2. 14-Lead SBDIP Pin Configuration

Figure 3. 10-Pin TO-100 Pin Configuration

Table 3. Pin Function Descriptions14-Lead SBDIP

Pin No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11, 12, 13 14 Mnemonic VIN NC VS CAV dB BUF OUT BUF IN IOUT RL COM NC +VS Description Input Voltage. No Connection. Negative Supply Voltage. Averaging Capacitor. Log (dB) Value of the RMS Output Voltage. Buffer Output. Buffer Input. RMS Output Current. Load Resistor. Common. No Connection. Positive Supply Voltage.

Table 4. Pin Function Descriptions10-Pin TO-100

Pin No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mnemonic RL COM +VS VIN VS CAV dB BUF OUT BUF IN IOUT Description Load Resistor. Common. Positive Supply Voltage. Input Voltage. Negative Supply Voltage. Averaging Capacitor. Log (dB) Value of the RMS Output Voltage. Buffer Output. Buffer Input. RMS Output Current.

Rev. D | Page 6 of 16

AD636 APPLYING THE AD636

The input and output signal ranges are a function of the supply voltages as detailed in the specifications. The AD636 can also be used in an unbuffered voltage output mode by disconnecting the input to the buffer. The output then appears unbuffered across the 10 k resistor. The buffer amplifier can then be used for other purposes. Further, the AD636 can be used in a current output mode by disconnecting the 10 k resistor from the ground. The output current is available at Pin 8 (Pin 10 on the H package) with a nominal scale of 100 A per volt rms input, positive out. The trimming procedure is as follows: Ground the input signal, VIN, and adjust R4 to give 0 V output from Pin 6. Alternatively, R4 can be adjusted to give the correct output with the lowest expected value of VIN. Connect the desired full-scale input level to VIN, either dc or a calibrated ac signal (1 kHz is the optimum frequency); then trim R1 to give the correct output from Pin 6, that is, 200 mV dc input should give 200 mV dc output. Of course, a 200 mV peak-to-peak sine wave should give a 141.4 mV dc output. The remaining errors, as given in the specifications, are due to the nonlinearity.
SCALE FACTOR ADJUST erms R1 200 1.5% V CAV + VIN
1

STANDARD CONNECTION
The AD636 is simple to connect for the majority of high accuracy rms measurements, requiring only an external capacitor to set the averaging time constant. The standard connection is shown in Figure 4. In this configuration, the AD636 measures the rms of the ac and dc level present at the input but shows an error for low frequency inputs as a function of the filter capacitor, CAV, as shown in Figure 8. Therefore, if a 4 F capacitor is used, the additional average error at 10 Hz is 0.1%, and at 3 Hz it is 1%. The accuracy at higher frequencies is according to specification. If it is desired to reject the dc input, a capacitor is added in series with the input, as shown in Figure 6; the capacitor must be nonpolar. If the AD636 is driven with power supplies with a considerable amount of high frequency ripple, it is advisable to bypass both supplies to ground with 0.1 F ceramic discs as near the device as possible. CF is an optional output ripple filter.
CF (OPTIONAL) RL +V COM
2

+VS ABSOLUTE VALUE

14 13 NC 12 NC 11 NC

+V

NC 2 VS CAV
4 3

AD636
SQUARER DIVIDER

dB BUF OUT VOUT BUF IN

5 6 7

CURRENT MIRROR 10k +

10 9

COM R2 RL 154 IOUT R3 470k +VS R4 500k VS OFFSET ADJUST

BUF 10k

NC = NO CONNECT

Figure 5. Optional External Gain and Output Offset Trims

IOUT
10

SINGLE-SUPPLY CONNECTION
9 + BUF

erms

VIN

+VS
1 ABSOLUTE VALUE 14 13 NC 12 NC 11 NC CURRENT MIRROR + BUF 10k 10k 8 10 9

10k

BUF IN BUF OUT

8

V +V + C

NC 2 AD636 VS
3 4

AD636
CURRENT MIRROR SQUARER DIVIDER ABSOLUTE VALUE

CAV

SQUARER DIVIDER

10k 7 dB

VOUT

dB 5
6 7

COM RL IOUT

+V

+VS

BUF OUT BUF IN

VIN 4 CF erms +

VS

CAV
00787-005

(OPTIONAL)

NC = NO CONNECT

CAV

Figure 4. Standard RMS Connection

OPTIONAL TRIMS FOR HIGH ACCURACY

If it is desired to improve the accuracy of the AD636, the external trims shown in Figure 5 can be added. R4 is used to trim the offset. The scale factor is trimmed by using R1 as shown. The insertion of R2 allows R1 to either increase or decrease the scale factor by 1.5%.

The applications in Figure 4 and Figure 5 assume the use of dual power supplies. The AD636 can also be used with only a single positive supply down to 5 V, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 is optimized for use with a 9 V battery. The major limitation of this connection is that only ac signals can be measured because the input stage must be biased off ground for proper operation. This biasing is done at Pin 10; therefore, it is critical that no extraneous signals be coupled into this point. Biasing can be accomplished by using a resistive divider between +VS and ground. The values of the resistors can be increased in the interest of lowered power consumption, because only 1 A of current flows into Pin 10 (Pin 2 on the H package). Alternately, the COM pin of some CMOS ADCs provides a suitable artificial ground for the AD636. AC input coupling requires only Capacitor C2 as shown; a dc return is not necessary because it is provided internally. C2 is selected for the proper low frequency break point with the input resistance of 6.7 k; for a cut-off at 10 Hz, C2 should be 3.3 F. The signal ranges in this connection are slightly more restricted than in the dual supply connection. The load resistor, RL, is necessary to provide current sinking capability.

Rev. D | Page 7 of 16

00787-006

AD636
CAV + C2 3.3F VIN NONPOLARIZED NC 2 VS CAV
3 4

100

100

VIN

+VS
1

REQUIRED CAV (F)

ABSOLUTE VALUE

14 13 NC 12 NC

0.1F

10

10

AD636
SQUARER DIVIDER

20k
11 NC

dB 5 VOUT RL 1k TO 10k BUF OUT BUF IN

6 7

CURRENT MIRROR 10k +

10 9

COM RL IOUT 0.1F

0.1

BUF 10k

1
00787-007

10

100 1k INPUT FREQUENCY (Hz)

10k

NC = NO CONNECT

Figure 6. Single-Supply Connection

Figure 8. Error/Settling Time Graph for Use with the Standard RMS Connection

CHOOSING THE AVERAGING TIME CONSTANT

The AD636 computes the rms of both ac and dc signals. If the input is a slowly varying dc voltage, the output of the AD636 tracks the input exactly. At higher frequencies, the average output of the AD636 approaches the rms value of the input signal. The actual output of the AD636 differs from the ideal output by a dc (or average) error and some amount of ripple, as demonstrated in Figure 7.
EO DC ERROR = EO EO (IDEAL) IDEAL EO

The primary disadvantage in using a large CAV to remove ripple is that the settling time for a step change in input level is increased proportionately. Figure 8 shows the relationship between CAV and 1% settling time is 115 ms for each microfarad of CAV. The settling time is twice as great for decreasing signals as for increasing signals (the values in Figure 8 are for decreasing signals). Settling time also increases for low signal levels, as shown in Figure 9.

SETTLING TIME RELATIVE TO SETTLING TIME @ 200mV rms

10.0

7.5

00787-008

DOUBLE-FREQUENCY RIPPLE

AVERAGE EO = EO

TIME

5.0

Figure 7. Typical Output Waveform for Sinusoidal Input

10mV 100mV rms INPUT LEVEL

1V

The ac component of the output signal is the ripple. There are two ways to reduce the ripple. The first method involves using a large value of CAV. Because the ripple is inversely proportional to CAV, a tenfold increase in this capacitance effects a tenfold reduction in ripple. When measuring waveforms with high crest factors (such as low duty cycle pulse trains), the averaging time constant should be at least ten times the signal period. For example, a 100 Hz pulse rate requires a 100 ms time constant, which corresponds to a 4 F capacitor (time constant = 25 ms per F).

Figure 9. Settling Time vs. Input Level

A better method for reducing output ripple is the use of a postfilter. Figure 10 shows a suggested circuit. If a single-pole filter is used (C3 removed, RX shorted), and C2 is approximately 5 times the value of CAV, the ripple is reduced, as shown in Figure 11, and the settling time is increased. For example, with CAV = 1 F and C2 = 4.7 F, the ripple for a 60 Hz input is reduced from 10% of reading to approximately 0.3% of reading. The settling time, however, is increased by approximately a factor of 3. The values of CAV and C2 can therefore be reduced to permit faster settling times while still providing substantial ripple reduction.

Rev. D | Page 8 of 16

00787-010

The dc error is dependent on the input signal frequency and the value of CAV. Figure 8 can be used to determine the minimum value of CAV, which yields a given % dc error above a given frequency using the standard rms connection.

2.5 1.0 0 1mV

00787-009

39k

0.01

VALUES FOR CAV AND 1% SETTLING TIME FOR STATED % OF READING AVERAGING ERROR* ACCURACY 20% DUE TO COMPONENT TOLERANCE *% dc ERROR + % RIPPLE (PEAK)

0.1

0.01 100k

FOR 1% SETTLING TIME IN SECONDS MULTIPLY READING BY 0.115

% 01 0. O R ER 1% 0. O R ER 1% RO ER R R % 10 O R ER R R

AD636
The 2-pole post filter uses an active filter stage to provide even greater ripple reduction without substantially increasing the settling times over a circuit with a 1-pole filter. The values of CAV, C2, and C3 can then be reduced to allow extremely fast settling times for a constant amount of ripple. Caution should be exercised in choosing the value of CAV, because the dc error is dependent upon this value and is independent of the post filter. For a more detailed explanation of these topics, refer to the RMS-to-DC Conversion Application Guide, 2nd Edition.
VIN VIN NC V +VS + C dB 5 BUF OUT BUF IN
6 1 2 3 4

A2. I1 drives one input of the squarer/divider, which has the transfer function:

I4 =

I12 I3

+VS ABSOLUTE VALUE

14 13 NC 12 NC 11 NC

+V

VS CAV

AD636
SQUARER DIVIDER

The output current, I4, of the squarer/divider drives the current mirror through a low-pass filter formed by R1 and the externally connected capacitor, CAV. If the R1, CAV time constant is much greater than the longest period of the input signal, then I4 is effectively averaged. The current mirror returns a current I3, which equals Avg. [I4], back to the squarer/divider to complete the implicit rms computation. Therefore,
I22 I4 = Avg = I1 rms I4

CURRENT MIRROR + 10k

10 9

COM RL IOUT (FOR SINGLE POLE, SHORT Rx, REMOVE C3)

C2

C3

Vrms OUT

00787-011

NC = NO CONNECT

Figure 10. 2-Pole Post Filter

DC ERROR OR RIPPLE (% of Reading)

10 p-p RIPPLE (ONE POLE) CAV = 1F C2 = 4.7F

p-p RIPPLE CAV = 1F (STANDARD CONNECTION)

DC ERROR CAV = 1F (ALL FILTERS) p-p RIPPLE (TWO POLE) CAV = 1F, C2 = C3 = 4.7F
00787-012

0.1 10

100 FREQUENCY (Hz)

Figure 11. Performance Features of Various Filter Types

RMS MEASUREMENTS
AD636 Principle of Operation
The AD636 embodies an implicit solution of the rms equation that overcomes the dynamic range as well as other limitations inherent in a straightforward computation of rms. The actual computation performed by the AD636 follows the equation:

VS

Figure 12. Simplified Schematic

THE AD636 BUFFER AMPLIFIER

The buffer amplifier included in the AD636 offers the user additional application flexibility. It is important to understand some of the characteristics of this amplifier to obtain optimum performance. Figure 13 shows a simplified schematic of the buffer. Because the output of an rms-to-dc converter is always positive, it is not necessary to use a traditional complementary Class AB output stage. In the AD636 buffer, a Class A emitter follower is used instead. In addition to excellent positive output voltage

V V rms = Avg IN V rms

2

Figure 12 is a simplified schematic of the AD636; it is subdivided into four major sections: absolute value circuit (active rectifier), squarer/divider, current mirror, and buffer amplifier. The input voltage, VIN, which can be ac or dc, is converted to a unipolar current I1, by the active rectifier A1,

Rev. D | Page 9 of 16

00787-013

BUF 10k Rx 10k

The current mirror also produces the output current, IOUT, which equals 2I4. IOUT can be used directly or converted to a voltage with R2 and buffered by A4 to provide a low impedance voltage output. The transfer function of the AD636 thus results

VOUT = 2 R2 I rms = VIN rms

The dB output is derived from the emitter of Q3, because the voltage at this point is proportional to log VIN. Emitter follower, Q5, buffers and level shifts this voltage, so that the dB output voltage is zero when the externally supplied emitter current (IREF) to Q5 approximates I3.
CURRENT MIRROR
14

+VS COM

10

R1 25k I3 ABSOLUTE VALUE/ VOLTAGECURRENT CONVERTER 10A FS I4 I1 Q1 |VIN| + A1 R3 10k 8k 8k A2 ONE-QUADRANT SQUARER/ DIVIDER R4 Q2 Q4 Q5
A3 4 8

20A FS CAV IOUT R2 10k CAV

9

RL

+VS
5

1k

10k

IREF Q3 BUF IN BUFFER

7

R4 20k VIN 1

dB OUT BUF OUT

A4 10k

AD636
swing, this configuration allows the output to swing fully down to ground in single-supply applications without the problems associated with most IC operational amplifiers.
+VS

error. For example, note that a 1 V rms signal produces less than 1% of reading additional error up to 220 kHz. A 10 mV signal can be measured with 1% of reading additional error (100 V) up to 14 kHz.
1 1V rms INPUT 1% 200mV rms INPUT 100mV rms INPUT 30mV rms INPUT 10% 3dB

CURRENT MIRROR BUFFER OUTPUT RLOAD

200m 100m
VOUT (V)
10k RE 40k

5A BUFFER INPUT

5A

30m 10m

10mV rms INPUT

VS

REXTERNAL (OPTIONAL, SEE TEXT)

00787-014

1m 1mV rms INPUT

Figure 13. AD636 Buffer Amplifier Simplified Schematic

When this amplifier is used in dual-supply applications as an input buffer amplifier driving a load resistance referred to ground, steps must be taken to ensure an adequate negative voltage swing. For negative outputs, current flows from the load resistor through the 40 k emitter resistor, setting up a voltage divider between VS and ground. This reduced effective VS, limits the available negative output swing of the buffer. The addition of an external resistor in parallel with RE alters this voltage divider such that increased negative swing is possible. Figure 14 shows the value of REXTERNAL for a particular ratio of VPEAK to VS for several values of RLOAD. The addition of REXTERNAL increases the quiescent current of the buffer amplifier by an amount equal to REXT/VS. Nominal buffer quiescent current with no REXTERNAL is 30 A at VS = 5 V.
1.0

1k

10k

100k FREQUENCY (Hz)

1M

10M

Figure 15. AD636 Frequency Response

AC MEASUREMENT ACCURACY AND CREST FACTOR (CF)

Crest factor is often overlooked in determining the accuracy of an ac measurement. Crest factor is defined as the ratio of the peak signal amplitude to the rms value of the signal (CF = VP/V rms). Most common waveforms, such as sine and triangle waves, have relatively low crest factors (<2). Waveforms that resemble low duty cycle pulse trains, such as those occurring in switching power supplies and SCR circuits, have high crest factors. For example, a rectangular pulse train with a 1% duty cycle has a crest factor of 10 (CF = 1/). Figure 16 is a curve of reading error for the AD636 for a 200 mV rms input signal with crest factors from 1 to 7. A rectangular pulse train (pulse width 200 s) was used for this test because it is the worst-case waveform for rms measurement (all the energy is contained in the peaks). The duty cycle and peak amplitude were varied to produce crest factors from 1 to 7 while maintaining a constant 200 mV rms input amplitude.
0.5 T
INCREASE IN ERROR (% of Reading)

RATIO OF VPEAK /VSUPPLY

RL = 50k 0.5 RL = 16.7k

= DUTY CYCLE = CF = 1/ EIN (rms) = 200mV EO

200s T

RL = 6.7k
00787-015

0 0

VP

1k

10k REXTERNAL ()

100k

1M

200s

Figure 14. Ratio of Peak Negative Swing to VS vs. REXTERNAL for Several Load Resistances

FREQUENCY RESPONSE
The AD636 uses a logarithmic circuit to perform the implicit rms computation. As with any log circuit, bandwidth is proportional to signal level. The solid lines in Figure 15 represent the frequency response of the AD636 at input levels from 1 mV to 1 V rms. The dashed lines indicate the upper frequency limits for 1%, 10%, and 3 dB of reading additional

0.5

4 5 CREST FACTOR

Figure 16. Error vs. Crest Factor

Rev. D | Page 10 of 16

00787-017

1.0

00787-016

0.1m

AD636
A COMPLETE AC DIGITAL VOLTMETER
Figure 17 shows a design for a complete low power ac digital voltmeter circuit based on the AD636. The 10 M input attenuator allows full-scale ranges of 200 mV, 2 V, 20 V, and 200 V rms. Signals are capacitively coupled to the AD636 buffer amplifier, which is connected in an ac bootstrapped configuration to minimize loading. The buffer then drives the 6.7 k input impedance of the AD636. The COM terminal of the ADC provides the false ground required by the AD636 for singlesupply operation. An AD589 1.2 V reference diode is used to provide a stable 100 mV reference for the ADC in the linear rms mode; in the dB mode, a 1N4148 diode is inserted in series to provide correction for the temperature coefficient of the dB scale factor. Calibration of the meter is done by first adjusting offset trimmer R17 for a proper zero reading, and then adjusting the R13 for an accurate readout at full scale. Calibration of the dB range is accomplished by adjusting R9 for the desired 0 dB reference point, and then adjusting R14 for the desired dB scale factor (a scale of 10 counts per dB is convenient). Total power supply current for this circuit is typically 2.8 mA using a 7106-type ADC. 1.2 V AD589 band gap reference, and finally back to the negative side of the battery via R10. This sets ground at 1.2 V + 3.18 V (250 A 12.7 k) = 4.4 V below the positive battery terminal and 5.0 V (250 A 20 k) above the negative battery terminal. Bypass capacitors, C3 and C5, keep both sides of the battery at a low ac impedance to ground. The AD589 band gap reference establishes the 1.2 V regulated reference voltage, which together with R3 and trimming Potentiometer R4, sets the 0 dB reference current, IREF.

Performance Data
0 dB Reference Range = 0 dBm (770 mV) to 20 dBm (77 mV) rms

0 dBm = 1 mW in 600 Input Range (at IREF = 770 mV) = 50 dBm Input Impedance = approximately 1010 VSUPPLY Operating Range = +5 V dc to +20 V dc IQUIESCENT = 1. 8 mA typical Accuracy with 1 kHz sine wave and 9 V dc supply: 0 dB to 40 dBm 0.1 dBm 0 dBm to 50 dBm 0.15 dBm +10 dBm to 50 dBm 0.5 dBm

Frequency Response 3 dBm

Input 0 dBm = 5 Hz to 380 kHz 10 dBm = 5 Hz to 370 kHz 20 dBm = 5 Hz to 240 kHz 30 dBm = 5 Hz to 100 kHz 40 dBm = 5 Hz to 45 kHz 50 dBm = 5 Hz to 17 kHz

A LOW POWER, HIGH INPUT, IMPEDANCE dB METER

The portable dB meter circuit combines the functions of the AD636 rms converter, the AD589 voltage reference, and a A776 low power operational amplifier (see Figure 18). This meter offers excellent bandwidth and superior high and low level accuracy while consuming minimal power from a standard 9 V transistor radio battery. In this circuit, the built-in buffer amplifier of the AD636 is used as a bootstrapped input stage increasing the normal 6.7 k input Z to an input impedance of approximately 1010 .

Calibration
First, calibrate the 0 dB reference level by applying a 1 kHz sine wave from an audio oscillator at the desired 0 dB amplitude. This can be anywhere from 0 dBm (770 mV rms 2.2 V p-p) to 20 dBm (77 mV rms 220 mV p-p). Adjust the IREF calibration trimmer for a zero indication on the analog meter. Then, calibrate the meter scale factor or gain. Apply an input signal 40 dB below the set 0 dB reference and adjust the scale factor calibration trimmer for a 40 A reading on the analog meter. The temperature compensation resistors for this circuit can be purchased from Micro-Ohm Corporation, 1088 Hamilton Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, Part #Type 401F, 2 k ,1% + 3500 ppm/C.

Circuit Description
The input voltage, VIN, is ac-coupled by C4 while R8, together with D1 and D2, provide high input voltage protection. The buffers output, Pin 6, is ac-coupled to the rms converters input (Pin 1) by capacitor C2. Resistor R9 is connected between the buffers output, a Class A output stage, and the negative output swing. Resistor R1 is the amplifiers bootstrapping resistor. With this circuit, single-supply operation is made possible by setting ground at a point between the positive and negative sides of the battery. This is accomplished by sending 250 A from the positive battery terminal through R2, then through the

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AD636
D1 1N4148 R5 47k 1W 10% C4 2.2F + VIN
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

VIN R1 9M

200mV

R6 1M

C3 0.02F 2V

ABSOLUTE VALUE

14

+VS R8 2.49k R9 100k 0dB SET R10 20k D3 1.2V AD589 R11 10k R12 1k R13 500 LIN SCALE R15 1M D2 1N4148

+VS

+VDD

+VDD + ON

OFF

NC VS CAV dB BUF OUT

AD636
SQUARER DIVIDER

13 NC 12 NC 11 NC

R2 900k 20V R3 90k 200V R4 10k COM

LIN dB R14 10k dB SCALE

1F 3-1/2 DIGIT 7106 TYPE A/D CONVERTER VSS REF HI REF LO COM

9V BATTERY

6.8F +

CURRENT MIRROR 10k

10 9

COM RL IOUT +

BUF IN R7 20k D4 1N4148

BUF 10k

NC = NO CONNECT

VS

VSS

LXD 7543

Figure 17. Portable, High-Z Input, RMS DPM and dB Meter Circuit
D1 1N6263 C1 3.3F R1 1M + VIN ON/OFF + 9V +1.2V R3 5k AD589J *R7 2k R6 100 C5 10F R10 20k R4 500k IREF ADJUST 100A SCALE FACTOR ADJUST R5 10k +
7

ABSOLUTE VALUE

14

+VS R2 12.7k + C3 10F

+4.4V

C2 6.8F + SIGNAL INPUT C4 0.1F R8 47k 1W R9 10k

NC 2 VS CAV dB BUF OUT BUF IN

3 4 5 6 7

AD636
SQUARER DIVIDER

13 NC 12 NC 11 NC

CURRENT MIRROR + BUF 10k 10k

10 9 8

COM RL

250A

050A
6

C6 0.1F

IOUT

A776 8 3 +
4

D2 1N6263

R11 820k 5%

NC = NO CONNECT ALL RESISTORS 1/4W 1% METAL FILM UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED EXCEPT *WHICH IS 2k +3500ppm 1% TC RESISTOR.
00787-019

+4.7V

Figure 18. Low Power, High Input Impedance dB Meter

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00787-018

LIN dB LIN dB

HI C6 0.01F ANALOG IN LO

3-1/2 DIGIT LCD DISPLAY

C7 6.8F

AD636 OUTLINE DIMENSIONS

0.005 (0.13) MIN
14 1

0.080 (2.03) MAX

8 7

0.310 (7.87) 0.220 (5.59)

PIN 1

0.100 (2.54) BSC 0.765 (19.43) MAX 0.060 (1.52) 0.015 (0.38) 0.150 (3.81) MIN SEATING PLANE

0.200 (5.08) MAX

0.320 (8.13) 0.290 (7.37)

0.200 (5.08) 0.125 (3.18) 0.023 (0.58) 0.014 (0.36)

0.070 (1.78) 0.030 (0.76)

0.015 (0.38) 0.008 (0.20)

CONTROLLING DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES; MILLIMETER DIMENSIONS (IN PARENTHESES) ARE ROUNDED-OFF INCH EQUIVALENTS FOR REFERENCE ONLY AND ARE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR USE IN DESIGN.

Figure 19. 14-Lead Side-Brazed Ceramic Dual In-Line Package [SBDIP] (D-14) Dimensions shown in inches and (millimeters)

REFERENCE PLANE 0.500 (12.70) MIN

0.185 (4.70) 0.165 (4.19)

0.160 (4.06) 0.110 (2.79) 6 7 8 9 3 2 1

36 BSC

0.370 (9.40) 0.335 (8.51)

0.335 (8.51) 0.305 (7.75)

5 0.021 (0.53) 0.016 (0.40) 0.115 (2.92) BSC 4

0.045 (1.14) 0.025 (0.65) 0.034 (0.86) 0.025 (0.64)

10

0.040 (1.02) MAX 0.050 (1.27) MAX

BASE & SEATING PLANE

0.230 (5.84) BSC

DIMENSIONS PER JEDEC STANDARDS MO-006-AF CONTROLLING DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES; MILLIMETER DIMENSIONS (IN PARENTHESES) ARE ROUNDED-OFF INCH EQUIVALENTS FOR REFERENCE ONLY AND ARE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR USE IN DESIGN.

Figure 20. 10-Pin Metal Header Package [TO-100] (H-10) Dimensions shown in inches and (millimeters)

ORDERING GUIDE
Model AD636JD AD636JDZ 1 AD636KD AD636KDZ1 AD636JH AD636JHZ1 AD636KH AD636KHZ1
1

Temperature Range 0C to +70C 0C to +70C 0C to +70C 0C to +70C 0C to +70C 0C to +70C 0C to +70C 0C to +70C

Package Description 14-Lead SBDIP 14-Lead SBDIP 14-Lead SBDIP 14-Lead SBDIP 10-Pin TO-100 10-Pin TO-100 10-Pin TO-100 10-Pin TO-100

Package Option D-14 D-14 D-14 D-14 H-10 H-10 H-10 H-10

Z = Pb-free part.

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022306-A

AD636 NOTES

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AD636 NOTES

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AD636 NOTES

2006 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. C00787-0-11/06(D)

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