September 2000

11

MIC916

MIC916

Micrel

Applications Information

The MIC916 is a high-speed, voltage-feedback operational

amplifier featuring very low supply current and excellent

stability. This device is unity gain stable and capable of

driving high capacitance loads.

Driving High Capacitance

The MIC916 is stable when driving any capacitance (see

“Typical Characteristics: Gain Bandwidth and Phase Margin

vs. Load Capacitance”) making it ideal for driving long coaxial

cables or other high-capacitance loads.

Phase margin remains constant as load capacitance is

increased. Most high-speed op amps are only able to drive

limited capacitance.

Note: increasing load capacitance does reduce the

speed of the device (see “Typical Characteris-

tics: Gain Bandwidth and Phase Margin vs.

Load”). In applications where the load capaci-

tance reduces the speed of the op amp to an

unacceptable level, the effect of the load capaci-

tance can be reduced by adding a small resistor

(<100

Ω) in series with the output.

Feedback Resistor Selection

Conventional op amp gain configurations and resistor selec-

tion apply, the MIC916 is NOT a current feedback device.

Resistor values in the range of 1k to 10k are recommended.

Layout Considerations

All high speed devices require careful PCB layout. The high

stability and high PSRR of the MIC916 make this op amp

easier to use than most, but the following guidelines should

be observed: Capacitance, particularly on the two inputs pins

will degrade performance; avoid large copper traces to the

inputs. Keep the output signal away from the inputs and use

a ground plane.

It is important to ensure adequate supply bypassing capaci-

tors are located close to the device.

Power Supply Bypassing

Regular supply bypassing techniques are recommended. A

10

µF capacitor in parallel with a 0.1µF capacitor on both the

positive and negative supplies are ideal. For best perfor-

mance all bypassing capacitors should be located as close to

the op amp as possible and all capacitors should be low ESL

(equivalent series inductance), ESR (equivalent series resis-

tance). Surface-mount ceramic capacitors are ideal. All V–

pins must be externally shorted together.

Thermal Considerations

It is important to ensure the IC does not exceed the maximum

operating junction (die) temperature of 85

°C. The part can be

operated up to the absolute maximum temperature rating of

125

°C, but between 85°C and 125°C performance will de-

grade, in particular CMRR will reduce.

A MIC916 with no load, dissipates power equal to the quies-

cent supply current * supply voltage

PV

V

I

DV

V

S

()

+−

When a load is added, the additional power is dissipated in

the output stage of the op amp. The power dissipated in the

device is a function of supply voltage, output voltage and

output current.

PV

V

I

DV

OUT

OUT

()

+

Total Power Dissipation

P

P

DD

t

=+

(no load)

(outpu stage)

Ensure the total power dissipated in the device is no greater

than the thermal capacity of the package. The QSOP-16

package has a thermal resistance of 260

°C/W.

Max Allowable Power Dissipation

TT

W

JA

.

=

−

(max)

(max)

TBD