Instrument Amps Boost Accuracy And Bandwidth

\\[July 31, 2006\\] Claiming to achieve unmatched accuracy and bandwidth, the AD8250 and AD8251 programmable-gain instrument amplifiers target test, control, and data-acquisition applications. The amps achieve a bandwidth up to 12 MHz and consume just 3.5 mA operating current from ±5V to ±12V supplies. Both specify a 1 µV/°C offset drift and 10 ppm/°C gain drift, said to be the lowest of any similar programmable-gain amp. Otherwise identical, the AD8250 provides gain settings of 1, 2, 5, and 10 and the AD8251 offers 1, 2, 4, and 8. Their user interface allows users to set the 2-bit gain-control word in one of three ways: latched using the clock input, set within 1 µs in transparent mode, or the bits can be strapped to a high or low voltage to permanently set the gain. Sampling now with production slated for October, price for either device is $4.95 each/1,000. ANALOG DEVICES INC., Wilmington, MA. (800) 262-5643.