BB ALD1000

ALD1000
®
ALD
100
0
Precision Programmable
CURRENT/VOLTAGE TRANSMITTER
FEATURES
APPLICATIONS
● SWITCHABLE OUTPUT ±10V OR 4-20mA
● PROGRAMMABLE CONTROLLERS
● DRIVES 1000Ω || 1µF AT 20mA
● VOLTAGE AND CURRENT SENSE
● STANDARDIZED OUTPUTS FOR
TERMINATION PANELS
● GROUND NOISE SUPPRESSION
● ERROR DETECTION FLAG
● OUTPUT DISABLE
● INDUSTRIAL PROCESS CONTROL
● PROGRAMMABLE CURRENT SOURCE
● MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEMS
● ACCURACY: 0.05% max
● WIDE SUPPLY RANGE: ±11V TO +24/–15V
● PC AND VME BASED INSTRUMENTATION
● CONDITIONER FOR STANDARD SENSOR
OUTPUTS
● TEST EQUIPMENT PIN DRIVER
DESCRIPTION
Voltage Error
Indication
Phase Compensation
This product is a monolithic programmable voltage-tocurrent or voltage-to-voltage analog line driver circuit.
It can convert a ±10V input into either an output
voltage or current with remote sensing. It provides
drive for external transistors to boost output current to
greater than ±25mA levels.
Current and voltage sensing can be performed simultaneously. Current sensing is achieved through a single
external sense resistor. Voltage sensing is performed
directly across the load. The logic inputs provide for
both output disable and switching between constant
current or constant voltage output functions. An open
collector output provides an error flag for open circuit
loads. The output disable function allows full control
of the output even during power-on and power-off
sequencing. The instrumentation amplifiers are designed to insure that load noise is not circulated within
the control loop.
Phase
V
Sense
Output
Disable
External PNP
Drive
Input
Select
100Ω
Internal Drive
External NPN
Drive
VIN2
Open-Loop
Gain Control
VIN1
IA Gain
Control
IA1
IA2
IAs Provide
Closed-Loop
Gain Control
Input Over-Voltage Protection
International Airport Industrial Park • Mailing Address: PO Box 11400, Tucson, AZ 85734 • Street Address: 6730 S. Tucson Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85706 • Tel: (520) 746-1111 • Twx: 910-952-1111
Internet: http://www.burr-brown.com/ • FAXLine: (800) 548-6133 (US/Canada Only) • Cable: BBRCORP • Telex: 066-6491 • FAX: (520) 889-1510 • Immediate Product Info: (800) 548-6132
©
1996 Burr-Brown Corporation
PDS-1292A
Printed in U.S.A. October, 1996
SPECIFICATIONS
At +VS = 24V, –VS = 15V, TAMB = 25°C, and 2N2222, 2N2907 external transistors, unless otherwise noted.
ALD1000U
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
MIN
SWOP INPUTS
Linear Range Min
Linear Range Max
Input Bias Current
Internal Drive Transistors
5mA Load
10
XTR OUTPUT
Positive Overvoltage Sense
Negative Overvoltage Sense
Positive Overcurrent Sense
Negative Overcurrent Sense
Internal Drive Transistors
TYP
MAX
UNITS
–10
50
V
V
pA
19.5
–10.5
+25
–15
V
V
mA
mA
TRANSMITTER
LOGIC INPUTS
Logic Low
Logic High
0.8
4.0
LOGIC OUTPUTS
Logic High
Logic Low
5V Logic Supply
with 10k pull-up resistor
OUTPUT—VOLTAGE MODE (Gain = 1 unless otherwise specified)
Span Error
Span Drift
Linear Range Min
0.1% of FS
Linear Range Max
0.1% of FS
Output Current Min
Internal Drive Transistors
Output Current Max
Internal Drive Transistors
Short-Circuit Current
Internal Drive Transistors
Short-Circuit Current
Internal Drive Transistors
Non-Linearity
Initial Offset Voltage—RTI
Offset Voltage vs Temperature
OUTPUT—CURRENT MODE (Gain = 5 with 50Ω shunt resistor unless otherwise specified)
Span Error
Span Drift
Gain = 1(1)
Output Current Min
Internal Drive Transistors (2)
Output Current Max
Internal Drive Transistors (2)
Compliance Min
Compliance Max
Offset Current Min
Offset Current Min
2.6
4.0
0.8
0.5
50
1
V
V
V
V
%
ppm/°C of FS
–10
10
–5
5
25
–15
0.005
2
20
0.05
5
50
–5
5
–10
15
–25
25
mA
mA
mA
mA
%
mV
µV/°C
%
ppm/°C of FS
mA
mA
V
V
µA
µA
INSTRUMENTATION AMPLIFIERS RLOAD = 10k
IA INPUTS
Linear Input Voltage Min
Linear Input Voltage Max
Common-Mode Input Voltage Min
Common-Mode Input Voltage Max
Input Bias Current
Initial Offset Voltage
CMRR
–10
20
VIN = 0
VIN = 0
20
G=1
G = 10
–1
80
100
IA OUTPUTS (with 10k Load)
Output Voltage Max
Output Voltage Min
+ Short Circuit Current
– Short Circuit Current
1
100
20
–10
5
–12
GAIN EQUATION (gain = 1+50k/RG)
Gain Error, G = 1
G=5
G = 100
Non-Linearity, G = 1
G=5
G = 100
0.3
0.6
0.8
0.004
0.008
0.02
®
ALD1000
–10
2
V
V
V
V
nA
mV
V
V
mA
mA
%±FS
%±FS
%±FS
%±FS
%±FS
%±FS
SPECIFICATIONS
(CONT)
At +VS = 24V, –VS = 15V, TAMB = 25°C, and 2N2222, 2N2907 external transistors, unless otherwise noted.
ALD1000U
PARAMETER
CONDITIONS
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
G=1
G=5
G = 100
Slew Rate
MIN
VO = ±10V, G = 10
SETTLING TIME, 0.01%
G=1
G=5
G = 100
POWER SUPPLY
Quiescent Current
Internal Drive Transistors
TEMPERATURE RANGE
Operating
Storage
–40
–65
TYP
MAX
UNITS
700
400
50
4
kHz
kHz
kHz
V/µS
20
20
30
µS
µS
µS
5
mA
+85
+150
°C
°C
NOTES: (1) Gain drift depends on tempco of 50K factor on gain equation when gain is greater than 1. (2) External Drive capacity varies with configuration. See
Application Note.
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
ELECTROSTATIC
DISCHARGE SENSITIVITY
Supply Voltage (±VS) .............................................................. +25V, –18V
IA Inputs ............................................................................................ ±40V
SWOP Inputs ....................................................................................... ±VS
Logic Inputs .................................................................... +VS, –VS + 0.5V
Junction Temperature ...................................................................... 150°C
Storage Temperature ..................................................... –65°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) ............................................... +300°C
Output Short-to-Ground at 25°C ............................................. Continuous
This integrated circuit can be damaged by ESD. Burr-Brown
recommends that all integrated circuits be handled with appropriate precautions. Failure to observe proper handling and
installation procedures can cause damage.
ESD damage can range from subtle performance degradation
to complete device failure. Precision integrated circuits may
be more susceptible to damage because very small parametric
changes could cause the device not to meet its published
specifications.
PACKAGE/ORDERING INFORMATION
PRODUCT
PACKAGE
PACKAGE DRAWING
NUMBER(1)
ALD1000U
28-Pin SOIC
217
NOTE: (1) For detailed drawing and dimension table, please see end of data
sheet, or Appendix C of Burr-Brown IC Data Book.
The information provided herein is believed to be reliable; however, BURR-BROWN assumes no responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions. BURR-BROWN assumes
no responsibility for the use of this information, and all use of such information shall be entirely at the user’s own risk. Prices and specifications are subject to change
without notice. No patent rights or licenses to any of the circuits described herein are implied or granted to any third party. BURR-BROWN does not authorize or warrant
any BURR-BROWN product for use in life support devices and/or systems.
®
3
ALD1000
PIN CONFIGURATION
Top View
28-Lead
SOIC
XTR GND
1
28
VERR
Disable
2
27
Bias
Select
3
26
C
CC2
4
25
XN
CC1
5
24
XP
P1
6
23
E
N1
7
22
P2
ACOM
8
21
N2
+VS
9
20
–VS
VOUT1
10
19
VOUT2
VINP1
11
18
VINP2
RGB1
12
17
RGB2
RGA1
13
16
RGA2
VINN1
14
15
VINN2
TA
IA
IA
PIN ASSIGNMENTS
PIN #
NAME
1
XTR GND
DESCRIPTION
2
Disable
A 5V signal puts the internal drive in a high impedance state and limits the external drive capacity.
3
Select
Selects the SWOP amp input. A 5V signal selects inputs N1 and P1.
4
CC2
CC1 and CC2 are for the external compensation capacitor.
5
CC1
CC1 and CC2 are for the external compensation capacitor.
6
P1
Non-inverting input to the XTR SWOP amp 1.
7
N1
Inverting input to the XTR SWOP amp 1.
8
ACOM
Signal ground for the instrumentation amplifiers.
9
+VS
Positive power supply voltage.
10
VOUT1
Output of the instrumentation amplifier 1.
11
VINP1
Non-inverting input to instrumentation amplifier 1.
12
RGB1
Gain set resistor for instrumentation amplifier 1.
13
RGA1
Gain set resistor for instrumentation amplifier 1.
14
VINN1
Inverting input of instrumentation amplifier 1.
15
VINN2
Inverting input of instrumentation amplifier 2.
16
RGA2
Gain set resistor for instrumentation amplifier 2.
17
RGB2
Gain set resistor for instrumentation amplifier 2.
18
VINP2
Non-inverting input to instrumentation amplifier 2.
19
VOUT2
Output of the instrumentation amplifier 2.
20
–VS
Negative power supply voltage.
21
N2
Inverting input to the XTR SWOP amp 2.
22
P2
Non-inverting input to the XTR SWOP amp 2.
23
E
Inverting input (emitter) of the output transconductance amplifier.
24
XP
Base drive for an external, PNP, driver transistor (optional).
25
XN
Base drive for an external, NPN, driver transistor (optional).
26
C
Output (collector) of the output transconductance amplifier.
27
Bias
Open collector output indicating an internal overcurrent condition.
28
VERR
Open collector output indicating an overvoltage condition.
Power ground pin.
®
ALD1000
4
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CURVES
At TA = +25°C; +VS = 24V, –VS = –15V, unless otherwise noted.
STEP RESPONSE IN VOLTAGE FEEDBACK
STEP RESPONSE IN THE CURRENT FEEDBACK MODE
5
8
4
6
3
4
Output (V)
Output (V)
2
1
0
Figure 8, RI = 400Ω, CI = 100nf
No external comp capacitor
–1
2
Figure 8, RI = 400Ω, CI = 100nf
No External Comp Capacitor
0
–2
–2
–3
–4
–4
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
0
100
200
Time (µs)
300
400
500
600
Time (µs)
STEP RESPONSE IN VOLTAGE FEEDBACK
COMPENSATION CAPACITOR vs LOAD CAPACITANCE
5
1.0E-08
4
Compensation Capacitor
3
Output (V)
2
1
0
Figure 8, RI = 400Ω, CI = 100nf
420pf Compensation Capacitor
–1
–2
1.0E-09
1.0E-10
Gain = 1
–3
–4
1.0E-11
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
1.0E-12 1.0E-11 1.0E-10 1.0E-09 1.0E-08 1.0E-07 1.0E-06
Time (µs)
Load Capacitance
STEP RESPONSE LOAD IN THE
VOLTAGE FEEDBACK MODE
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
Output (V)
Output (V)
STEP RESPONSE IN CURRENT FEEDBACK MODE
1
0
–1
1
0
–1
Figure 8, RI = 400Ω, CI = 1µf
No Comp Capacitor
–2
Figure 8, RI = 400Ω, CI = 1µf
Comp = 2.2nf
–2
–3
–3
–4
–4
0
500
1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500
0
Time (µs)
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
Time (µs)
®
5
ALD1000
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CURVES (CONT)
At TA = +25°C; +VS = +24V, –VS = –15V, unless otherwise noted.
STEP RESPONSE IN VOLTAGE FEEDBACK MODE
STEP RESPONSE IN CURRENT FEEDBACK MODE
15
20
15
10
Output (V)
Output (V)
10
5
0
5
0
–5
Figure 7, RI = 220Ω, CI = 1µf
No Compensation Capacitor
–5
Figure 7, RI = 400Ω, CI = 1µf
–10
–15
–10
0
0
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000
200
400
600
800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800
Time (µs)
Time (µs)
STEP RESPONSE IN VOLTAGE FEEDBACK MODE
25
10
20
Output (V)
Output (V)
STEP RESPONSE IN VOLTAGE FEEDBACK MODE
15
5
0
Figure 7, RI = 220Ω, CI = 1µf
2.2nf Compensation Capacitor
–5
15
10
Figure 9
5
–10
0
0
200
400
600
800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
Time (µs)
Time (µs)
STEP RESPONSE WITH 2kΩ LOAD
CURRENT FEEDBACK
STEP RESPONSE WITH 2kΩ LOAD
VOLTAGE FEEDBACK
20
15
15
10
400
450
Output (V)
Output (V)
10
5
Figure 8, CI = 15pf
No Comp Capacitor, RE = 5.5kΩ
0
5
0
Figure 8, CI = 15pf
No comp capacitor, RE = 5.5kΩ
–5
–5
–10
–10
0
20
40
60
80
0
100 120 140 160 180 200
®
ALD1000
20
40
60
80
100 120 140 160 180 200
Time (µs)
Time (µs)
6
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE CURVES (CONT)
At TA = +25°C; +VS = +24V, –VS = –15V, unless otherwise noted.
GAIN vs FREQUENCY
COMMON-MODE REJECTION vs FREQUENCY
1000
120
Commom-Mode Rejection (dB)
Gain = 100
Instrumentation Amplifiers
Gain = 100
100
100
80
Gain
Gain = 5
60
Gain = 5
Instrumentation Amplifiers
with ±10V input
10
40
1
Gain = 1
20
Gain = 1
0.1
0
1
10
100
1k
10k
100k
1M
1
10M
10
INPUT BIAS CURRENT vs INPUT VOLTAGE
1000
10000
INPUT COMMON-MODE RANGE vs OUTPUT VOLTAGE
10
25
G = 10
8
G = 10
20
4
Gain = 100
Gain = 1
2
Common-Mode Voltage
6
Bias Current (mA)
100
Frequency (kHz)
Frequency (Hz)
0
–2
Gain = 1
–4
–6
G=1
G=1
10
5
0
–5
All Gains
–10
Gain = 100
–8
15
–10
–15
–40
–30
–20
–10
0
10
20
30
40
–15
50
Input Voltage (V)
–10
–5
0
5
10
15
20
25
Output Voltage
BASIC OPERATION
SWOP amp has two pairs of inputs to provide flexibility of
application. The SELECT logic input can switch between
two input and feedback signals. Take care, however, to
insure that the loop remains stable if switching between
current and voltage feedback.
ALD1000 FUNCTIONAL BLOCKS
The typical ALD1000 control loop comprises three primary
functional blocks (see Figure 1): the current transmitter
(XTR), the load, and the instrumentation amplifier (IA). The
XTR can be further viewed as divided into the switchable
input operational amplifier (SWOP amp), and the voltage to
current, transconductance amplifier (TA). Each of these
blocks plays a role in the dynamic performance of the
control loop, particularly in terms of loop stability with
reactive loads.
The ALD1000 handles a wide range of load conditions in
either a voltage or current feedback application. The frequency characteristics of the potential load conditions vary
widely. To accommodate these varying frequency characteristics the XTR includes a compensation network. It consists
of a simple resistor divider network which forms a single
pole, high pass, RC filter when a compensation capacitor is
connected externally.
The transconductance amplifier converts the output voltage
of the SWOP amp into an output current to drive the load.
Whether used in a current feedback or a voltage feedback
loop, the ALD1000 transmitter should be viewed as a source
of current not voltage. In a voltage loop, the output current
is converted to a feedback voltage by the load. In a current
loop the output current is converted to a feedback voltage by
the shunt resistor. The external, XTR gain resistor, tied to E
(Pin 23, Figure 1), sets the voltage to current ratio.
THE CURRENT TRANSMITTER (XTR)
The XTR produces the forward gain necessary for error
amplification. It also controls the frequency response which
must be adjusted to balance the trade-off between step
response and stability when driving reactive loads.
Within the XTR the SWOP amp serves as the input stage. It
amplifies the error between the input and output signals to
produce a precise signal to the TA to drive the load. The
®
7
ALD1000
+5V
10kΩ
VERR
XTR
GND 1
10kΩ
28
27
+24V
V
Sense
9
4
Input Select
Select
Input Signal
5
Freq.
Comp.
22
24
XP
21
26
C
XTR
3
20Ω
2N2907
Local
Shunt
100Ω
100Ω
SWOP
25
6
7
TA
1kΩ
2N2222
20Ω
20
23
Loop
Gain
2
XN
Disable
14
VINN1
–15V
40kΩ
40kΩ
25kΩ
40kΩ
25kΩ
13
50kΩ
10
Monitor Current
12
VOUT1
40kΩ
8
11
VINP1
18
VINP2
IAs
ACOM
40kΩ
25kΩ
40kΩ
19
Monitor Voltage
40kΩ
17
25kΩ
16
VOUT2
Remote
Load
RGB2
RGA2
40kΩ
15
VOUT
VIN
IOUT
0-2
0-10mA
1
0
0-10
0-50mA
1
0
DISABLE
0.8-4
4-20mA
1
0
2-10
10-50mA
1
0
0-5
0-5V
0
0
0-10
0-10V
0
0
±5
±5V
0
0
±10
±10V
0
0
OFF
X
1
X
OFF
FIGURE 1.
®
ALD1000
SELECT
VINN2
8
400Ω
THE INSTRUMENTATION AMPLIFIERS (IA)
The ALD1000 includes two, general purpose, uncommitted,
3-op amp, instrumentation amplifiers (see Figure 1). The
two IAs are connected to the common power supply and
operate at full supply voltage. They share the same analog
common reference. Otherwise they are configured independently for maximum flexibility.
The instrumentation amplifier senses the feedback signal,
reduces any common-mode component, and scales it to the
level required.
A more comprehensive discussion of the instrumentation
amplifiers follows in a later section.
VOLTAGE ERROR INDICATION
The VERR error signal at pin 28 triggers when the voltage at
C (pin 26) exceeds the Positive Overvoltage Sense or the
Negative Overvoltage Sense (see SPECIFICATIONS) internal thresholds. When external transistors are used without connecting them to C, as shown in Figure 7, the load
voltage cannot be detected. The logic signal will generally
trigger to an error state (low). However, consider it indeterminate under these conditions.
ALD1000 LOGIC
SETTING THE GAIN
INSTRUMENTATION
AMPLIFIERS
The IA gain is set by connecting a single, external resistor,
Rg in Figure 3, between the gain set pins.
The logic inputs used for the SWOP amp select and the
XTR disable functions are simple, differential pair comparators as shown in Figure 2.
The logic outputs are open collector NPN transistors with
their emitters at ground (pin 1).
G = 1+
INPUT PROTECTION
The inputs of the ALD1000 instrumentation amplifiers are
individually protected against over-voltage. Internal circuitry on each input provides low series impedance under
normal signal conditions. If the input is overloaded, the
protection circuitry limits the input current to a safe value of
approximately 1ma to 5ma. Refer to the typical performance curve “Input Bias Current vs Input Voltage.” The
inputs are protected even if the power supplies are disconnected or turned off.
+VS
Internal Logic
Threshold
Logic
Input
50kΩ
RG
+
Internal
Logic
IA INPUT OVERLOAD AND
INPUT COMMON-MODE RANGE
The linear voltage range of the input circuitry of the
ALD1000 instrumentation amplifiers is from approximately
0.6V below the positive supply to 1V above the negative
supply. However, the output swing of the input amplifiers
–VS
FIGURE 2. Simplified Diagram of the Internal ALD1000
Logic Input Circuitry.
VIN–
Over-Voltage
Protection
40kΩ
40kΩ
40kΩ
A3
A1
25kΩ
RG
VIN+
25kΩ
Over-Voltage
Protection
VOUT
A2
40kΩ
FIGURE 3. Simplified Schematic of the Instrumentation Amplifiers. Resistor RG Controls the Gain.
®
9
ALD1000
limit this range when a differential input voltage causes the
output voltage to increase. Thus, the linear common-mode
range relates to the output voltage of the complete amplifier.
This behavior also depends in supply voltage—see performance curve “Input Common-Mode Range vs Output Voltage.”
insure adequate transient response and loop stability: loop
gain and phase. Together loop gain and phase set the phase
margin which defines dynamic performance.
Loop gain is the product of the forward voltage to current
ratio, the load impedance, and the IA gain. The input error
voltage is converted to an output current. The output current
is converted to a feedback voltage by the load impedance.
The feedback voltage is gained up by the feedback IA. All
three blocks affect loop stability.
The XTR gain resistor, which is connected to the E pin of the
ALD1000, adjusts the voltage to current relationship. Increasing this resistor decreases loop gain. This, in turn,
increases phase margin and slows step response. This resistor will typically be between 250Ω and 2500Ω.
In a voltage feedback loop the frequency at which the loop
gain starts to roll off decreases with increasing capacitance.
It is necessary to compensate for the loss of bandwidth
caused by load capacitance. The compensation network
provides this capability. Typical performance curve “Compensation Capacitor vs Load Capacitance” illustrates typical
compensation capacitor values for load capacitance varying
from 1pf to 1µf. Exact capacitor values will vary with the
load resistance, the XTR gain resistor value, IA gain, and
variability of the open loop gain of the ALD1000 SWOP
amp. This curve provides a starting point for empirical
selection of the compensation capacitor value.
The effect described above is much less significant with a
current feedback loop since the shunt resistor’s capacitance
can be easily controlled. The current feedback loop will be
more robust when load conditions are unknown or varying.
The combination of a significant differential signal and a
high common-mode voltage as occurs in the current feedback configuration reduces the common-mode range. Exceeding the common-mode range results in a reduced IA
output voltage. When this occurs the feedback loop can no
longer balance. The forward gain of the ALD1000 amplifies
this false error signal, the output voltage tries to increase,
and this holds the IA in an overloaded condition.
The ALD1000 applies two defenses against this problem.
First, there is a 100Ω resistor in series with the transmitter
output. This resistor, which primarily provides protection
from over-voltage damage to the output terminal, acts to
limit the output swing under high current conditions. Second, the ALD1000’s error detection circuitry signals when
the transmitter output voltage exceeds rating. This serves to
detect a potential lock condition.
Limiting the transmitter’s output swing to within the instrumentation amplifier’s input range allows the loop to recover
without reducing the input signal should a transient voltage
level exceed the common-mode input range. However, the
common-mode range of the instrumentation amplifiers varies with application specific factors. Lock-up can occur. The
application designer must provide defenses against this
condition where it is warranted.
USING THE INSTRUMENTATION AMPLIFIERS WITH
A FLOATING SIGNAL SOURCE
The input impedance of the ALD1000 instrumentation amplifiers are very high—about 106Ω. Within a feedback
loop, as shown in the examples, this characteristic acts to
minimize errors caused by loading of the feedback signal.
However, if used as an amplifier for a thermocouple, microphone, or other isolated signal source a path is needed for the
input bias current. This current is nominally about 100nA.
Without a return path the inputs will float to a potential that
exceeds the common-mode range of the amplifier. See
Figure 10.
LOOP STABILITY AND THE INSTRUMENTATION
AMPLIFIERS
The frequency characteristics and gain of the instrumentation amplifiers affect loop stability when they are used in a
feedback loop. There are two main contributions. First, the
IA gain directly multiplies loop gain. As a result high IA
gains reduce phase margin. Second, when the input exceeds
the IA range the IA output can no longer provide the
necessary feedback. This can result in a lock condition.
Both of these situations are discussed further below.
LOOP STABILITY
The ALD1000 is designed for use in a feedback loop. When
one of the instrumentation amplifiers is used as the feedback
amplifier its gain directly contributes to loop gain. The loop
can become unstable if the loop gain is too large. Conversely, it may be possible to stabilize a difficult loop by
reducing the gain of the IA.
Refer to Figure 4. In this circuit the ALD1000 is configured
in a current loop with a 50Ω shunt resistor. A 20ma full scale
current through the 50Ω shunt results in a 1V feedback
signal. The IA must remove the common-mode level from
the shunt voltage and scale the resulting differential signal
up to the input signal level.
LOOP GAIN AND THE INSTRUMENTATION
AMPLIFIERS
The stability of a closed loop system such as the intended
application of the ALD1000 requires adequate phase margin. In contrast, excessive phase margin will reduce the
circuit’s transient response to fast changing signals. It is the
intent of this section to give an insight into how the ALD1000
circuits blocks affect dynamic performance. Selection of the
loop architecture and compensation can then be done empirically.
LOOP STABILITY AND THE XTR
There are two critical parameters that must be controlled to
®
ALD1000
10
USING THE ALD1000 WITH
EXTERNAL DRIVE TRANSISTORS
+
5V FS
Signal
Power dissipated by the internal driver stage affects the
built-in instrumentation amplifiers compromising their accuracy. External transistors reduce the internal power
dissapation.
The external transistors are configured as current sources. A
PNP transistor delivers positive current. An NPN supplies
the negative drive. Either or both can be used. For example
a 4ma to 20ma current loop may only require a PNP
transistor since negative current drive is not required. See
Figure 9.
50Ω
C
XTR
E
–
Load
12.5kΩ
IA
ALD1000
Degeneration resistors are required (refer to R1 and R2 in
Figure 6). The value of the degeneration resistors will affect
stability, load sharing with the internal driver devices, and
the current limit value. These issues are covered in more
detail below.
FIGURE 4. Simplified Block Diagram of a 20ma Current
Loop. The IA is in a Gain of 5 to Match the 1V
Full Scale Shunt Signal to the 5V Full Scale
Input Signal.
EXTERNAL TRANSISTORS AND THE CURRENT
LIMIT VALUE
The ALD1000 contains circuitry to prevent damage to the
internal components due to excess current. When using the
internal driver stage by itself, current to the load is limited
to about 20ma at room temperature. When using external
drivers, the current limit depends, approximately, on the
load sharing ratio between the internal and external transistors. Figure 6 illustrates the circuit relationship between the
current limit circuitry and external drive transistors.
Here the input signal affects loop stability. A 10V full scale
input signal would require an IA gain of 10. A lower input
signal, 5V as shown in Figure 4, allows the IA gain to be
reduced to 5. This results in a lower loop gain and increased
phase margin.
Note that it is possible to reduce the IA gain to less than 1
by using a voltage divider at the IA output.
VOLTAGE FEEDBACK AND THE
INSTRUMENTATION AMPLIFIERS
The instrumentation amplifiers can be used for remote
sensing in a voltage feedback loop as illustrated in Figure 5.
Here the instrumentation amplifier tends to reject small
ground potential differences between the source and load.
The voltage loop, however, is more sensitive to reactive load
impedance than the current loop. The ALD1000 emitter
resistor and compensation capacitor need to be selected for
the specific load conditions. Voltage feedback may not be
appropriate for variable load conditions.
10V
Signal
+
THE DEGENERATION RESISTORS
The degeneration resistors, R1 and R2 in Figure 6, control the
load sharing between the internal and external transistors.
Choose the resistor values by measuring load current, current through the external transistor, and calculating the
current being supplied by the internal drive.
LOOP STABILITY AND THE DEGENERATION
RESISTORS
Loop stability depends on loop gain. Because the degeneration resistors affect the voltage to current ratio of the loop
the value of these resistors also affect loop gain and thus
stability. Smaller resistor values will increase loop gain. It
may be necessary to compensate for this by adjusting the
value of the XTR gain resistor connected to the E Pin, R4 in
Figure 6.
C
XTR
E
–
RCOMP
CCOMP
EXTERNAL TRANSISTORS AND OUTPUT
VOLTAGE SWING
The output voltage swing must be limited within the input
range of the instrumentation amplifiers. The 100Ω resistor
shown in Figure 6 limits output swing under high current
conditions. Resistor R3 performs this function with external
transistors. R3 must be sized to limit output swing, at the
expected full load, within the input range of the instrumentation amplifiers. Refer to the section on the instrumentation
amplifiers for further information.
Load
ALD1000
FIGURE 5. Simplified Block Diagram of the ALD1000 in
Voltage Feedback.
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11
ALD1000
+VS
R1
To
Positive
Current
Limit
XP
QP
24
100Ω
C
26
To Load
R3
Signal
E
23
R4
To
Negative
Current
Limit
XN
QN
25
R2
–VS
ALD1000 OUTPUT STAGE
FIGURE 6. Simplified Schematic Showing the Use of External Drive Transistors. R1 and R2 Provide Degeneration that Affects
the Current Limit and Loop Stability. R4 Controls the Transconductance Amplifier Gain Affecting Loop Stability
and Transient Response. See the Text.
®
ALD1000
12
COMP
5V = I
0V = V
20Ω
VIN
2N2907
50Ω
2N2222
20Ω
1kΩ
12.5kΩ
RI
CI
ALD1000
FIGURE 7. Using External Transistors Without Internal Drive. Note that an Overvoltage Condition Can Not Be Detected.
COMP
5V = I
0V = V
VIN
50Ω
Re
2.5kΩ
12.5kΩ
R1
C1
ALD1000
FIGURE 8.Using Internal Drive Transistors.
®
13
ALD1000
100pf
10Ω
VIN
2N2907
3.7kΩ
Disable
220Ω
1µf
ALD1000
FIGURE 9. Sharing Load Between Internal Drive Transistors and Positive External Drive Transistors to Increase Load
Capacity. A Similiar Configuration is Possible with the Negative External Drive Transistor.
COMP
5V = Off
0V = On
Load
Re
CJ
Sense
Output
10kΩ
Differential
Input Signal
ALD1000
FIGURE 10. Showing Flexibility in Application: Using Direct Voltage Feedback to Free Both IAs; Using an IA as a
Differential Input; Using a Grounded Input to Provide an Off State; Providing a Ground Path for Bias Current
With a Thermocouple.
®
ALD1000
14