TI packs precision and high input linearity into a single high-performance device
Continuing to set the standard for precision amplifiers, Texas Instruments (TI) introduced the first operational amplifier (op amp) to offer both zero-drift and zero-crossover technology. The OPA388 op amp maintains high precision across the entire input range for a variety of industrial applications, including test and measurement, medical and safety equipment, and high-resolution data-acquisition systems.
The unique architecture of the OPA388 produces an industry-leading combination of ultra-high input linearity and precision. TI's zero-drift technology eliminates temperature drift and flicker noise to attain the highest DC precision and dynamic error correction, while its zero-crossover topology eliminates offset errors caused by common-mode limitations to achieve linear output and true rail-to-rail input operation.
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| Offset Voltage vs Common-Mode Voltage. |
Key features and benefits of the OPA388 op amp
- Delivers true precision with ultra-high input linearity:
The device's zero-crossover topology eliminates the input offset transition region of traditional complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) op amps, assuring maximum linearity and minimal distortion across the entire common-mode input range.
- Provides high DC precision:
TI's zero-drift technology delivers a low maximum offset voltage of 5 µV, a typical offset voltage drift of 0.005 μV/°C and a maximum input bias current of 700 pA over the extended industrial temperature range of -40 °C to 125 °C. This eliminates the need for costly over-temperature calibration and increases DC precision.
- Supports wide-bandwidth operation:
With a 10-MHz gain bandwidth product (GBW), the OPA388 enables high gain configurations and makes it possible to acquire a wide range of signal types and frequencies to support equipment from precision weigh scales to heart-rate monitors.
- Maintains low distortion for high performance:
The ultra-low total harmonic distortion of –132 dBc and voltage noise of 7 nV/√Hz help produce a high-resolution signal chain for specialized applications such as programmable logic controllers, precision field transmitters and motion-control equipment.
- Reduces complexity and cost:
Merging zero-drift and zero-crossover technology reduces signal-chain complexity and external component count, allowing designers to minimize board space and bill of materials (BOM) cost.
Tools and support to jump-start design
TI offers a range of support tools for designers using the OPA388, including a reference design that demonstrates how to use the precision op amp to eliminate crossover nonlinearity in digital-to-analog converters. The reference design uses the DAC8830 precision data converter and REF5050 voltage reference, which combine to create an accurate DC calibration system for high-precision applications for wireless infrastructure and test and measurement.
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| TIDA-01402 High-Precision Reference Design for Buffering a DAC Signal. |
Package, availability and pricing
The OPA388 is available now through the TI store and authorized distributors. It is priced at US$0.98 in 1,000-unit quantities and comes in a 4.9-mm-by-3.9-mm small-outline integrated circuit (SOIC) package.
