Analog Devices' Instrumentation Amplifiers Offer Unmatched Accuracy and Bandwidth for Test, Control, and High-Speed Data Acquisition Systems

The versatile AD8250 and AD8251 in-amps achieve bandwidth of up to 12 MHz--twice the throughput of the nearest competing device--while delivering 75 percent lower drift than comparable in-amp solutions. Leveraging technological advancements enabled by Analog Devices' sub-micron iCMOS(TM) (industrial CMOS) process technology, the AD8250 and AD8251 digitally programmable in-amps draw just 3.5 mA--75 percent less than competing devices--and are available in space saving 10-lead MSOP (mini small-outline plastic) packages, which are 90 percent smaller than the nearest in-amps in their class.

"Data acquisition systems, automatic test equipment and biomedical instruments demand both high bandwidth and dc accuracy. Manufacturers have tried to achieve this with a variety of in-amps or a combination of discrete devices," said Steve Sockolov, product line director, Precision Signal Processing, Analog Devices. "By offering industry-leading bandwidth and precision, combined with low power consumption and a space-saving package, Analog Devices' new programmable in-amps allow our customers to increase performance and channel density while maintaining ease of use in their end equipment."

Large Voltage Ranges, Fast Settling Time, Low Drift

Designed specifically for industrial and instrumentation equipment with large voltage ranges, the AD8250 and AD8251 operate with +/-5 V to +/-12 V power supplies, providing 12 MHz bandwidth and 0.5 microsecond settling time to 0.01 percent. The 1 microvolt per degree C offset drift and 10 ppm per degree C gain drift are the lowest of any programmable gain in-amp.

Programmable Gain Setting

Additional flexibility is enabled through the new in-amp family's digitally programmable gain setting, which lets designers adjust gain even after the devices are designed into the system. The in-amps are identical but for their gain settings, with the AD8250 offering gain settings of 1, 2, 5 and 10, and the AD8251 gain settings of 1, 2, 4 and 8. The user interface allows designers to set the 2-bit gain-control word in one of three ways: it can be latched using the clock input; it can be set within 1 microsecond in transparent mode; or the bits can be strapped to a high- or low-voltage potential, permanently setting the gain.

Compatible with High Performance ADCs

The AD8250 and AD8251 in-amps are tailored to operate with high-performance ADCs, such as the AD7621, AD7671/74/77/78/79, AD7685 and AD7946 PulSAR(R) ADCs from Analog Devices, and with ADI's ADR431 and ADR435 voltage references.

Pricing and Availability

The AD8250 and AD8251 digitally programmable in-amps are sampling now, with production quantities available in October 2006. Housed in 10-lead MSOP packages, they are priced at $4.95 in 1,000-unit quantities. For more information, visit www.analog.com/pr/AD8250