The AD8336 is a low noise, single-ended, linear-in-dB, general-purpose variable gain amplifier, usable over a large range of supply voltages. It features an uncommitted preamplifier (preamp) with a usable gain range of 6 dB to 26 dB established by external resistors in the classical manner. The VGA gain range is 0 dB to 60 dB, and its absolute gain limits are −26 dB to +34 dB. When the preamplifier gain is adjusted for 12 dB, the combined 3 dB bandwidth of the preamp and VGA is 100 MHz, and the amplifier is fully usable to 80 MHz. With ±5 V supplies, the maximum output swing is 7 V p-p.

Thanks to its X-Amp® architecture, excellent bandwidth uniformity is maintained across the entire gain range of the VGA. Intended for a broad spectrum of applications, the differential gain control interface provides precise linear-in-dB gain scaling of 50 dB/V over the temperature span of −55°C to +125 °C. The differential gain control is easy to interface with a variety of external circuits within the common-mode voltage limits of the AD8336.

The large supply voltage range makes the AD8336 particularly suited for industrial medical applications and for video circuits. Dual-supply operation enables bipolar input signals, such as those generated by photodiodes or photomultiplier tubes.

The fully independent voltage feedback preamp allows both inverting and noninverting gain topologies, making it a fully bipolar VGA. The AD8336 can be used within the specified gain range of −14 dB to +60 dB by selecting a preamp gain between 6 dB and 26 dB and choosing appropriate feedback resistors. For the nominal preamp gain of 4×, the overall gain range is −14 dB to +46 dB.

The operating temperature range is −55°C to +125°C. The AD8336 is available in a 16-lead LFCSP (4 mm × 4 mm).

Applications

Data Sheet, Rev A, 09/2008