Articles Analogue Design

Many precision test-and-measurement and high-speed analog applications require an exact targeted voltage to be delivered to the device under test or intended load to accurately analyze the device. Design and test engineers are well-aware that this ...

When you include a power op amp, such as PA05 from Apex Microtechnology, in your design, it is desirable to minimize the supply-to-output differential to a minimum to reduce power dissipation and to fully exploit the amplifier's output range. ...

This article describes a technique to compensate the DC voltage drift in the output of a directly-coupled AB-Class audio power amplifier. The main benefit of a directly-coupled output is improved bass response. Since the design eliminates the ...

While choosing an op-amp buffer for a new high-resolution single-supply DAC, a source of negative supply was considered because the buffer op-amp had to provide true zero voltage on its output. For instance, a typical rail-to-rail output op-amp ...

There are two basic filter topologies that everyone recommends when they start to design their signal chain: multiple-feedback (MFB) or Sallen-Key topologies. But what are the differences and why would you choose one over the other? MFB filtering ...

Sometimes, the need arises for a low-distortion buffer amplifier capable of handling bipolar signals. You can use an op amp or integrated buffer for these applications, but for more flexibility, a discrete design may prove useful. Applications ...

A Zobel network is useful in making a reactive load appear as a pure resistance to a driving source prone to stability problems ( Reference 1 ). A typical situation is an audio power amplifier driving a loudspeaker, modeled at first approximation ...

A bi-directional current source for a grounded load will always have some complication in its construction. The improved Howland Current Pump as shown in Figure 1 is the most frequent choice for this function. The Howland requires carefully matched ...

The analog priority amplifier shown in Figure 1 was originally conceived as part of a multiple output power supply where the voltage regulation was based on the level of the highest channel. Another application was an engine control system with an ...

Most designers consider slowness in diodes to be an imperfection or a limitation. Why not take a more positive view of the situation? After all, a zener or an avalanche diode is no more than a diode with a limited breakdown voltage, and you can ...