The novel logarithmic amplifier in Figure 1 relies on the exponential charging characteristics of a simple RC circuit. The expression for the time, T, required for a capacitor, C, to reach a voltage (V_IN–V_K) from 0V, when charged through a resistor, R, with an applied voltage of V_IN, is V_IN–V_K=V_IN (1–e^–T/RC), where V_K is a fixed voltage. The expression for T reduces to T=RCln(V_IN/V_K), clearly showing an inherent logarithmic characteristic. The circuit in Figure 1 demonstrates this characteristic, using a 556 timer. With the values shown, the first stage of the 556 timer is a standard astable circuit operating at a frequency of approximately 1 kHz. The output of this stage acts as the trigger for the second stage. The second stage operates as a modified monostable circuit. In this modified configuration, the RC combination, R₁ and C₁, charges from an external voltage, V_IN, instead of V_CC. The control-voltage pin, CV2, has the value V_IN minus one diode drop, V_K.

The monostable pulse width, T, then depends on the time required for capacitor C₁ to charge to V_IN–V_K through R₁ with the applied voltage V_IN. The output of the second stage, filtered through R₂ and C₂, depends on the first stage's astable frequency; the supply voltage, V_CC; and the monostable pulse width, T. Because V_CC and the astable frequency are constant, V_OUT is proportional to T. Table 1 tabulates the experimental results, and Figure 2 shows graphical results. The circuit operation is limited to an input range of 2.5 to 13V to satisfy the internal biasing requirements of the second stage of the 556. The diode drop, V_K, is not strictly constant, because it varies with current. In spite of these limitations, Table 1 and Figure 2 clearly show a distinct logarithmic characteristic.

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