Low Level, True RMS-to-DC Converter Data Sheet AD636 FEATURES FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM True rms-to-dc conversion ABSOLUTE V IN 200 mV full scale VALUE Laser-trimmed to high accuracy 0.5% maximum error (AD636K) dB SQUARER 1.0% maximum error (AD636J) COM DIVIDER Wide response capability C AV +V S +V S Computes rms of ac and dc signals 1 MHz, 3 dB bandwidth: V rms > 100 mV CURRENT Signal crest factor of 6 for 0.5% error MIRROR dB output with 50 dB range 10k R L Low power: 800 A quiescent current +V S Single or dual supply operation I OUT BUFFER IN Monolithic integrated circuit BUF Low cost 10k BUFFER OUT 40k AD636 GENERAL DESCRIPTION V S The AD636 is a low power monolithic IC that performs true V S rms-to-dc conversion on low level signals. It offers performance Figure 1. that is comparable or superior to that of hybrid and modular converters costing much more. The AD636 is specified for a The AD636 is available in two accuracy grades. The total error of the signal range of 0 mV to 200 mV rms. Crest factors up to 6 can J-version is typically less than 0.5 mV 1.0% of reading, while be accommodated with less than 0.5% additional error, allowing the total error of the AD636K is less than 0.2 mV to 0.5% of accurate measurement of complex input waveforms. reading. Both versions are temperature rated for operation between 0C and 70C and available in 14-lead SBDIP and 10-lead The low power supply current requirement of the AD636, TO-100 metal can. typically 800 A, is ideal for battery-powered portable instruments. It operates from a wide range of dual and single The AD636 computes the true root-mean-square of a complex ac power supplies, from 2.5 V to 16.5 V or from +5 V to +24 V. (or ac plus dc) input signal and gives an equivalent dc output level. The input and output terminals are fully protected the input The true rms value of a waveform is a more useful quantity than the average rectified value because it is a measure of the power signal can exceed the power supply with no damage to the device (allowing the presence of input signals in the absence of supply in the signal. The rms value of an ac-coupled signal is also its voltage), and the output buffer amplifier is short-circuit protected. standard deviation. The AD636 includes an auxiliary dB output derived from an The 200 mV full-scale range of the AD636 is compatible with internal circuit point that represents the logarithm of the rms many popular display-oriented ADCs. The low power supply output. The 0 dB reference level is set by an externally supplied current requirement permits use in battery-powered hand-held current and can be selected to correspond to any input level from instruments. An averaging capacitor is the only external 0 dBm (774.6 mV) to 20 dBm (77.46 mV). Frequency response component required to perform measurements to the fully ranges from 1.2 MHz at 0 dBm to greater than 10 kHz at 50 dBm. specified accuracy is. Its value optimizes the trade-off between low frequency accuracy, ripple, and settling time. The AD636 is easy to use. The device is factory-trimmed at the wafer level for input and output offset, positive and negative An optional on-chip amplifier acts as a buffer for the input or the waveform symmetry (dc reversal error), and full-scale accuracy output signals. Used in the input, it provides accurate at 200 mV rms. Therefore, no external trims are required to performance from standard 10 M input attenuators. As an achieve full-rated accuracy. output buffer, it sources up to 5 mA. Rev. E Document Feedback Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its use, nor for any infringements of patents or other One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106, U.S.A. rights of third parties that may result from its use. Specifications subject to change without notice. No Tel: 781.329.4700 2013 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices. Technical Support www.analog.com Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 00787-001AD636 Data Sheet TABLE OF CONTENTS Features .............................................................................................. 1 Applications ..................................................................................... 10 Functional Block Diagram .............................................................. 1 Standard Connection ................................................................. 10 General Description ......................................................................... 1 Optional Trims for High Accuracy .......................................... 10 Revision History ............................................................................... 2 Single-Supply Connection ........................................................ 10 Specifications ..................................................................................... 3 Choosing the Averaging Time Constant ................................. 11 Absolute Maximum Ratings ............................................................ 5 A Complete AC Digital Voltmeter ........................................... 12 ESD Caution .................................................................................. 5 A Low Power, High Input, Impedance dB Meter ....................... 12 Pin Configurations and Function Descriptions ........................... 6 Circuit Description ................................................................ 12 Typical Performance Characteristics ............................................. 7 Performance Data .................................................................. 12 Theory of Operation ........................................................................ 8 Frequency Response 3 dBm ............................................... 13 RMS Measurements ..................................................................... 8 Calibration .............................................................................. 13 The AD636 Buffer Amplifier ...................................................... 8 Outline Dimensions ....................................................................... 14 Frequency Response ..................................................................... 9 Ordering Guide .......................................................................... 14 AC Measurement Accuracy and Crest Factor (CF) ................. 9 REVISION HISTORY 5/13Rev. D to Rev. E 11/06Rev. C to Rev. D Reorganized Layout ............................................................ Universal Changes to General Description ..................................................... 1 Changes to Figure 1 ........................................................................... 1 Changes to Table 1 ............................................................................. 3 Change to Table 1 .............................................................................. 4 Changes to Ordering Guide .......................................................... 13 Added Typical Performance Characteristics Section ................... 7 1/06Rev B to Rev. C Added Theory of Operation Section Changes to Figure 7 and Updated Format .................................................................. Universal Figure 8 ............................................................................................... 8 Changes to Figure 1 and General Description .............................. 1 Changed Applying the AD636 Section to Applications Section Deleted Metallization Photograph .................................................. 3 Changes to Figure 9, Figure 10, and Single-Supply Connection Added Pin Configuration and Function Description Section .... 6 Section ............................................................................................... 10 Updated Outline Dimensions ....................................................... 14 Changes to Figure 11 ....................................................................... 11 Changes to Ordering Guide .......................................................... 14 Changes to Figure 13 and A Complete AC Digital Voltmeter Section ............................................................................................... 12 8/99Rev A to Rev. B Changes to Figure 17 and Figure 18 .............................................. 13 Changes to Ordering Guide ........................................................... 14 Rev. E Page 2 of 16