Out in Front: March 28, 1996

Two op amps from Maxim have differential gain and phase errors that are just one-fifth those of similar amplifiers. These ICs are well-suited to precision applications in broadcast and high-definition TV, pulse and RF amplifiers, input amplifiers for A/D converters, and output amplifiers for D/A converters.

The MAX4102 is internally compensated for closed-loop stability at gain of 1 or greater and has differential gain and phase errors of 0.002% and 0.002°, respectively; its 3-dB bandwidth is 250 MHz, with 0.1-dB gain flatness at speeds as high as 130 MHz. The MAX4103, compensated for gains of 2 or greater, has gain and phase errors of 0.008% and 0.003°, respectively, with 3-dB bandwidth of 180 MHz and 0.1-dB gain flatness for speeds as high as 80 MHz. Slew rate for both devices is 350V/msec, and distortion is less than -78 dBc (spurious-free dynamic range) at 5 MHz. The devices operate from ±5V supplies, and quiescent current is 5 mA. The op amps provide 80-mA output current and ±3.4V output swing into a 100 Ohms load. Available in eight-lead SOIC packages, the MAX4102 and MAX4103 sell for $1.95 (1000).
—by Bill Schweber

Maxim Integrated Products, Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 737-7600, ext 6317.