ADA4941-1 Data Sheet
Rev. D | Page 20 of 23
APPLICATIONS INFORMATION
OVERVIEW
The ADA4941-1 is an adjustable-gain, single-ended-to-differential
voltage amplifier, optimized for driving high resolution ADCs.
Single-ended-to-differential gain is controlled by one feedback
network, comprised of two external resistors: RF and RG.
USING THE REF PIN
The REF pin sets the output base line in the inverting path and
is used as a reference for the input signal. In most applications,
the REF pin is set to the input signal midswing level, which in
many cases is also midsupply. For bipolar signals and dual power
supplies, REF is generally set to ground. In single-supply
applications, setting REF to the input signal midswing level
provides optimal output dynamic range performance with
minimum differential offset. Note that the REF input only
affects the inverting signal path or VON.
Most applications require a differential output signal with the
same dc common-mode level on each output. It is possible for
the signal measured across VOP and VON to have a common-
mode voltage that is of the desired level but not common to
both outputs. This type of signal is generally avoided because
it does not allow for optimal use of the output dynamic range of
the amplifier.
Defining VIN as the voltage applied to the input pin, the
equations that govern the two signal paths are given in
Equation 21 and Equation 22.
VOP = VIN (21)
VON = −VIN + 2 (REF) (22)
When the REF voltage is set to the midswing level of the input
signal, the two output signals fall directly on top of each other
with minimal offset. Setting the REF voltage elsewhere results
in an offset between the two outputs.
The best use of the REF pin can be further illustrated by
considering a single-supply case with a 10 V power supply and
an input signal that varies between 2 V and 7 V. This is a case
where the midswing level of the input signal is not at midsupply
but is at 4.5 V. Setting the REF input at 4.5 V and neglecting
offsets, Equation 21 and Equation 22 are used to calculate the
results. When the input signal is at its midpoint of 4.5 V, O U T +
is at 4.5 V, as is VON. This can be considered as a base line state
where the differential output voltage is 0. When the input increases
to 7 V, VOP tracks the input to 7 V, and VON decreases to 2 V.
This can be viewed as a positive peak signal where the differential
output voltage equals 5 V. When the input signal decreases to
2 V, VOP again tracks to 2 V, a n d VON increases to 7 V. This
can be viewed as a negative peak signal where the differential
output voltage equals −5 V. The resulting differential output
voltage is 10 V p-p.
The previous discussion reveals how the single-ended-to-
differential gain of 2 is achieved.
INTERNAL FEEDBACK NETWORK POWER
DISSIPATION
While traditional op amps do not have on-chip feedback
elements, the ADA4941-1 contains two on-chip, 1 kΩ resistors
that comprise an internal feedback loop. The power dissipated
in these resistors must be included in the overall power dissipation
calculations for the device. Under certain circumstances, the
power dissipated in these resistors could be comparable to the
quiescent dissipation of the device. For example, on ±5 V supplies
with the REF pin tied to ground and OUT− at +4 VDC, each
1 kΩ resistor carries 4 mA and dissipates 16 mW for a total of
32 mW. This is comparable to the quiescent power and must
therefore be included in the overall device power dissipation
calculations. For ac signals, rms analysis is required.
DISABLE FEATURE
The ADA4941-1 includes a disable feature that can be asserted
to minimize power consumption in a device that is not needed
at a particular time. When asserted, the disable feature does not
place the device output in a high impedance or tristate condition.
The disable feature is active high. See the Specifications tables
for the high and low level voltage specifications.