DC-coupled, single-to-differential design solutions using fully differential amplifiers (Part 1 of 2)
Since the emergence of the wideband, fully differential amplifier (FDA) topology with the introduction of the AD8138 in 1999, a popular application of this type of device has been to convert a single-ended input to a differential signal around some common-mode voltage. This is a typical requirement to drive all modern, high-speed ADCs.
At higher speeds, where a doubly terminated transmission line-type environment is desirable, a common application would be to present a defined, single-ended input impedance to match some source impedance. Then, the FDA converts that single-ended input into a differential signal with some gain centered on the common-mode voltage Vcm of the ADC.
Thus far, a closed-form solution for the resistor values in this application of the FDA has proven remarkably elusive, with iterative techniques the current norm. While effective, these hunt-and-peck solutions miss some of the more useful insights a closed-form solution can provide. Building on previous work, an exact solution for the required resistors will be presented here along with a design example using the 4-GHz ISL55210 FDA and the low-power, 10-bit, 500-MSPS ISLA110P50 ADC.
This lengthy, detailed article, which also includes extensive references, is presented in two parts. To read Part 1, click here; Part 2 will be posted shortly.
About the author
Michael Steffes is Senior Applications Manager, Intersil Corp. with more than 25 years of experience in high-speed amplifier design, applications, and marketing. Previously, he was the Market Development Manager for High-Speed Signal Conditioning, and a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff, at Texas Instruments Inc. He currently provides product definition and customer design-in support.
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