MAX4475–MAX4478/MAX4488/MAX4489
SOT23, Low-Noise, Low-Distortion,
Wide-Band, Rail-to-Rail Op Amps
10
Maxim Integrated
Low Noise
The amplifier’s input-referred noise-voltage density is
dominated by flicker noise at lower frequencies, and by
thermal noise at higher frequencies. Because the ther-
mal noise contribution is affected by the parallel combi-
nation of the feedback resistive network (RF || RG,
Figure 1), these resistors should be reduced in cases
where the system bandwidth is large and thermal noise
is dominant. This noise contribution factor decreases,
however, with increasing gain settings.
For example, the input noise-voltage density of the cir-
cuit with RF = 100k, RG = 11k (AV = +5V/V) is
en = 14nV/√Hz, en can be reduced to 6nV/√Hz by
choosing RF = 10k, RG = 1.1k (AV = +5V/V), at the
expense of greater current consumption and potentially
higher distortion. For a gain of 100V/V with RF = 100k,
RG = 1.1k, the en is still a low 6nV/√Hz.
Using a Feed-Forward Compensation
Capacitor, CZ
The amplifier’s input capacitance is 10pF. If the resis-
tance seen by the inverting input is large (feedback
network), this can introduce a pole within the amplifier’s
bandwidth resulting in reduced phase margin.
Compensate the reduced phase margin by introducing
a feed-forward capacitor (CZ) between the inverting
input and the output (Figure 1). This effectively cancels
the pole from the inverting input of the amplifier.
Choose the value of CZ as follows:
CZ = 10 x (RF / RG) [pF]
In the unity-gain stable MAX4475–MAX4478, the use of
a proper CZ is most important for AV = +2V/V, and
AV = -1V/V. In the decompensated MAX4488/
MAX4489, CZ is most important for AV = +10V/V.
Figures 2a and 2b show transient response both with
and without CZ.
Using a slightly smaller CZ than suggested by the for-
mula above achieves a higher bandwidth at the
expense of reduced phase and gain margin. As a gen-
eral guideline, consider using CZ for cases where RG ||
RF is greater than 20k (MAX4475–MAX4478) or
greater than 5k
(MAX4488/MAX4489).
Applications Information
The MAX4475–MAX4478/MAX4488/MAX4489 combine
good driving capability with ground-sensing input and
rail-to-rail output operation. With their low distortion and
low noise, they are ideal for use in ADC buffers, med-
ical instrumentation systems and other noise-sensitive
applications.
Ground-Sensing and Rail-to-Rail Outputs
The common-mode input range of these devices
extends below ground, and offers excellent common-
mode rejection. These devices are guaranteed not to
undergo phase reversal when the input is overdriven
(Figure 3).
Figure 4 showcases the true rail-to-rail output operation
of the amplifier, configured with AV = 5V/V. The output
swings to within 8mV of the supplies with a 10k
load,
making the devices ideal in low-supply voltage applica-
tions.
Power Supplies and Layout
The MAX4475–MAX4478/MAX4488/MAX4489 operate
from a single +2.7V to +5.5V power supply or from dual
supplies of ±1.35V to ±2.75V. For single-supply opera-
tion, bypass the power supply with a 0.1F ceramic
VOUT
2V/div
VIN
2V/div
0V
AV = +1
VDD = +5V
RL = 10k
40
s/div
VOUT
1V/div
5V
0V
20
s/div
Figure 3. Overdriven Input Showing No Phase Reversal
Figure 4. Rail-to-Rail Output Operation