Understanding and Using

'Norton' Op-Amp ICs Part I

By Ray Marston

Ray Marston looks at Norton Current-Differencing Amplifier (CDA) op-amp principles and
circuits in this two-part mini-series.

M
ost popular op-amp (operational amplifier) ICs, such as the
741 , CA3140 , and LF351 , etc., give an output voltage that is
proportional to the difference between the IC's two input pin
voltages , as shown in Figure 1(a), and are thus known as volt-
age-differencing amplifiers or 'VDAs .' There are, however, two other basic
V
v b-
-µ
3

(a)
Out
= A<Ya - Vb)

types of op-amps that are in common use. One of these is the type that gives
an output voltage that is proportional to the difference between the currents Figure I. A convent ional op-amp (a) is a volt age-differencing amplifier;
applied to its two input terminals , and is thus known as a current-differenci ng but a Norton op-amp (b) is a current-differencing amplifier
amplifier or 'CDA .'
Figure 1(b) shows the standard symbol and basic operating formula of
a CDA, which is also known as a Norton op-amp and is t he subject of this
two-part mini-series. (Norton is the name of a man who produced a general
theorem concerning the current flow in a circuit.) The third type of op-amp
is known as an operational transconductance amplifier or 'OTA' and will be
the subject of a future two-part mini-series. Figure 2. Basic connections
The two best-known versions of the Norton op-amp are the LM3900 and of t he 14-pi n LM3900 quad
the LM359. The LM3900 is a low-cost medium performance IC that houses N orton op-amp.
four identical Norton op-amps in a 14-pin DIL package (see Figure 2 ) and
can operate from a single-ended 4V to 36V power supply. Each of its four
OTAs has a non-inverting (+)input, an inverting(-) input, and an output con-
nection , and has a basic 2.5MHz unity-gain bandwidth and a 70dB open-loop
gain, and gives a large output voltage swing . The fo ur OTAs share a common
positive supply connection and a common ground (or negative line) con-
nection. This IC is very useful in DC and low-frequency applications where V+
several op-amp stages are needed in single-ended supply c ircuits.
The LM359, on the other hand, is a very fast dual Norton amplifier in 200µAi

p
which each OTA has a 30MHz unity-gain bandwidth and a 72dB open-loop C1
gain, and in which most of the op-amp parameters are externally program-
mable. This IC is particularly useful in video and high-frequency amplifier/ fil- Figure 3.
Input(-) Basic Norton
ter applications. (= 1-) Q1 Out
op-amp circuit.
The LM3900 and LM359 operate in a different way to conventional op-
Input (+) 1 1+
amps , and require the use of special biasing techniques. This min i-series (= I+)
explains how the devices work, and shows how to use them in a variety of Q7 Q8
practical applications.

LM3900 BASIC PRINCIPLES

The LM3900 incorporates four identical current-differencing op-amps, current capacity under overdrive conditions. Q5 and Q6 are used as the cir-
each having the greatly simplified basic circuit shown in Figure 3 . Here, Ql cuit's 200µA and l .3mA constant-current generators (which are biased via a
is configured as a common emitter amplifier with a high-impedance (con- common network that is bu ilt into the LM3900 and is used by all four of the
stant current) collector load, and has its output buffered via emitter follower IC's op-amps) .
Q2, which provides a large output voltage swing that can typically source up Note that, since both input terminals of each LM3900 op-amp are wired
to 1OmA (via Q2) , but can sink only 1.3mA (via Q2's constant-current emit- to transistor base-emitter junctions, both inputs act (in voltage terms) as vir-
ter load) . Note that the basic Ql-Q2 circuit gives an inverting input-to-output tual-ground points . Consequently, these CDA circuits can be made to act like
amplifier action , and has its upper frequency response roll ed off by C 1, to conventional voltage-differencing op-amps by wiring high-value resistors in
enhance circuit stability. series with their input terminals , so that the input currents are directly pro-
The most important point to note about the Figure 3 circuit is that its dif- portional to the input voltage/ resistor va lues; when this technique is used,
ferential amplifier action is obtained with the aid of matched and integrated there is no upper limit to the available input common-mode voltage range of
transistors Q7-Q8 , which act together as a non-inverting current mirror in the LM3900 op-amp.
which the output current (flowing into Q8 collector) is almost identical (with-
in a few percent) to the input current flowing into Q7-Q8, irrespective of the LM3900 BASIC USAGE NOTES
input current magnitude. Note that, since the collector of Q8 is conn ected
directly to the base of common emitter amplifier Ql , the actual Ql base cur- The first practical point to note about the Norton op-amp is its recom-
rent is equal to (1-)-(1+), and is thus equal to the difference between the two mended circuit symbol (see Figure 1b), which distinguishes it from conven-
input currents; the complete Norton op-amp thus gives a current-differencing tional op-amps. This symbol contains a circled arrow between its two inputs,
amplifier action. and indicates that the inverting input is current-operated and that much of
Figure 4 shows the ba sic Figure 3 circuit expanded into a more practi- this input c urrent flows from the inverting to the non-inverting input. The
cal and comprehensive form. Here, PNP transistor Q3 is compounded with arrow on the input of the non-inverting input indicates that this input is cur-
Q2 to increase its overall current gain, and Q4 help increase the circuit's sink rent-operated .The LM3900 can use any single-ended DC supply in the range

N uts & Volts Magaz ine/ JULY 2002 51

 Understanding and Using 'Norton' Op-Amp ICs - Part I

Figure 4. Circuit common to each

of the four ident ical op-amps avail -
able in the LM 3900.
02

Input(-)
p C1

01
- - - - - < ! > - -.... Out
m
"O
c
'iii
Cll
+60 -+---+----+-----+---+-___,,____,
Figure 5.
Comparative open-
loop performances
(= 1-) - - - - - 9 - - - - i
i1.3mA
Q)
Cll +40 -+---+---+---+--'l.--""--1---11----1 of t he 74 1 and
ll+ """'
:§;
+20
LM3900 op-amps.

10 100 1k 1 Ok 1OOk 1M 1OM

V+ Figure 6. Frequency, Hz
R4 Methods of
R1
47k
1MO biasing LM3900
op-amps for
lin ear
operation.
Out
=vref Figure 7. Inverting AC
amplifier with su pply- line
biasing.

C1

(a) Voltage-reference biasing

V+
R1
R1 1MO
2M2 R2
1MO
Figure 8. Inverting AC
amplifier with N x Vbe
biasing.

2
(b) Supply-line biasing (c) N x Vbe biasing
automatically adjusts to such a value that the two input currents equalize and
4V to 32V (or a split supply in the range ±2V to ±16V), and typically con- hence reduce the internal Ql base current to near-zero (about 30nA) and , in
sumes a total unloaded quiescent current of 6.2mA. The IC houses four op- the case of Figure 6(a), this situation occurs when V out equals V,ef· In prac-
amps , which each have a typical low-frequency open-loop voltage gain of tice, the single reference voltage source can be used to apply biasing to sev-
70dB and has a basic 2.5MHz unity-gain bandwidth . The output of each eral op-amp stages . A variation of this biasing system is shown in Figure
amplifier can swing to within 1V of the supply-line voltage. Figure 5 shows 6(b). In this case , the non-inverting terminal is biased from the positive sup-
the comparative open-loop gain/frequency performances of the standard ply rail via R 1, which has a value approximately double that of R2, causing
741 op-amp and the LM3900 Norton op-amp . In applications where individ- the output to bias at a quiescent value of half-supply volts. A minor defect of
ual LM3900 op-amps are not used in the IC, they can be disabled by simply this biasing technique is that it allows supply line ripple to break through to
wiring their two input termina ls directly to ground (pin 7). the output, with a gain of x0.5.
The basic 'don 't do' rules of the LM3900 are pretty simple, as follows. Finally, Figure 6(c) shows an alternative biasing technique that can be
Never connect the power supply in reverse polarity. Do not allow short cir- used when the op-amp is to be operated only as an inverting amplifier. In this
cuits to occur between the output and either supply rail for any significant case, the non-inverting terminal is disabled, and feedback potential divider
time. When driving the input from a low impedance source, use an external Rl-R2 is applied between the output and the inverting terminal.
resistor to limit the drive current to ± 1OOµA (note that the inputs are protect- Consequently, since the inverting terminal acts as a transistor base-emitter
ed by an internal clamp that prevents the input voltage from swinging more junction (with a Vbe value of about 0.55V at lOµA bias) , the output automat-
than roughly 0.3V below ground). ically takes up a quiescent value of Vbe x (1 + Rl / R2), or about 6V with the
component values shown.
L.M3900 BIASING TECHNIQUES
LINEAR AMPLIFIER CIRCUITS
The basic amplifier stages of the LM3900 have high current gains, and
the output of the amplifier starts to swing down through the half-supply point Figures 7 to 12 show six ways of using LM3900 op-amps as linear ampli-
when the input bias current of Ql starts to rise above 30nA or so. This input fiers. In the Figure 7 circuit, R2 and R3 bias the output to a quiescent half-
current is normally equal to the difference between the two input terminal supply value, using the technique shown in Figure 6(b). The input signal is
currents, which should normally be restricted to the range 0 .5µA to 500µA applied to the inverting terminal via R 1, and the voltage gain is determined
(ideally about lOµA). by the R1-R2 ratio, so this design acts as a x10 inverting amplifier. Figure 8
In linear applications, an op-amp is normally biased so that its output shows an alternative version of the xlO inverting amplifier, in which N x Vbe
takes up a quiescent value of half-supply volts, to accommodate maximum biasing is used and the gain is determined by the R 1-R2 ratio.
undistorted signal swings. Figure 6(a) shows how the LM3900 can be biased Figure 9 shows the connections for making a non-inverting amplifier
to meet this condition. Rl-R2-Cl generate a decoupled half-supply reference with a gain of approximately xlO. Supply-rail biasing is again used, but the
voltage, which applies a reference current to the non-inverting terminal via input signal is applied to the non-inverting pin via R 1.
R3, and a negative feedback current is applied from the op-amp output to the The LM3900 op-amps are fairly slow devices; they have slew rates of only
inverting terminal via R4 . The basic action is such that the op-amp output 0.5V / µS, and thus have very limited useful bandwidths. Figure 10 shows how

52 JuL'I' 2002/N uts & Volts Magazine

 Understanding and Using 'Norton' Op-Amp ICs - Part I
V+ V+

R3 R6 R2
R2 1MO
2M2 1MO 10k
R7 Figure 10.
1MO Wideband (200kH z) Figure 9.
--v'VV' - - -
high-gain (x I 00) ampli- N on-inverti ng ampl ifier.
1 C1
_LC2 fi er.
T22p
Out
C1 In R2
R4

In
2k7
Q1
2N3904
l rlnov
R1
1
R5
2k7
+15V +150V
ov R3 R4
R2
R2
2M2 10M ...._
7.SµA 100k Figure 11.
H igh-voltage amplifier

7.51
µA - - - - - - - ,
with x I 00 gain.

C2
Figure 12. , - 22p Out
(75V nom.)
DC voltage-following buffer. C1
Out
In Q1

rlnov
1 In
(high-voltage
power type)

V+ ov

v,er
Figure 14. Out Out
N on-inverting
power com parator. V;n

(a) (b)

Figure 13. Inverti ng (a) and no n-inverting (b) voltage comparators.

V+

TH1
(ntc) R1
4k7 10k
(nom .)
Figure 16.
O ver-t emperature
R4 Out
1MO switch .
10M 10M
(a) (b)

Figure 15. Inverting (a) and non-inverting (b) Schmitt triggers.

in which the output switches high when V; 0 falls below V,ef• and the Figure
the useful bandwidth can be increased by connecting an external common I 3(b) circuit gives non-inverting voltage comparator action , in which the out-
emitter transistor to the output and transposing the input connections of the put switches high when V; 0 rises above Vref·
standard amp lifier to make a x I 00 compound amplifier with a 200kHz band- The Figure 73 comparator circuits can supply output currents of only a
width . Because of its very high overall gain , this circuit may be unstable if few milliamps. The available output current can be boosted to tens or hun-
care is not taken in layout. R7 and C2 can be used to slightly reduce the dreds of milliamps by wiring a common emitter transistor stage to the out-
bandwidth and enhance circuit stability, if required. put, as in the non-inverting power comparator circuit in Figure 14.
Figure 11 shows how the above circuit can be modified to give a peak- Hysteresis can be added to the LM3900 voltage comparator circuits , so
to-peak output voltage swing of I 50V (or whatever voltage is used to power that they act as Schmitt triggers, by simply connecting a high-value resistor
QI) . Note that the output voltage of this circuit has a quiescent value of 75V, between the output and the non-inverting terminal , as shown in Figure I 5 .
causing 7.5µA to be fed to the non-inverting terminal of the op-amp via R2, The Figure I 5(a) circuit gives an inverting Schmitt action , and Figure I 5(b)
so, to give correct biasing , R3 (powered from the 15V supply rail of the op- gives a non-inverting Schmitt action. The R2-R3 ratio determines the hys-
amp) must apply 7.5µA to the inverting pin of the op-amp , as shown. teresis magnitude.
Finally, Figure 12 shows how to connect an LM3900 op-amp as a unity-
gain non-inverting amplifier or voltage following buffer. The input is connect- COMPARATOR APPLICATIONS
ed to the non-inverting terminal via RI , thus giving the non-inverting action ,
and RI and R2 have equal values , thus giving unity gain (this circuit would Figures 76 to 2 0 show some useful applications of voltage comparators.
give a gain of x2 if Rl were half the value of R2) . The Figure 16 design is that of an over-temperature switch, the output of
which goes high when the temperature of NTC (negative temperature coeffi-
COMPARATORS AND SCH.MITT CIRCUITS cient) thermistor TH 1 exceeds a value pre-set via RVl. Potential divider R 1-
R2 feeds a fixed half-supply reference voltage to R3, which then feeds a ref-
The LM3900 op-amp can be made to act as a voltage comparator by erence current to the inverting terminal, and TH1-RV1 form a potential divider
simply wiring equal va lue current limiting resistors in series with each input, that feeds a variable current to the non-inverting input via R4. The potential
and then using one resistor as the input point of the voltage reference and on the TH 1-RVl junction rises with temperature, and the op-amp output
the other as the samp le input point, as shown in the circuits in Figures 13 switches high when this voltage exceeds half-supply value; the trip tempera-
and 14. The Figure 13(a) circuit gives inverting voltage comparator action , ture can be pre-set via RVl.

Nuts & Volts Magaz ine/ JULY 2002 53

 Understanding and Using 'Norton' Op-Amp ICs - Part I
V+ V+

R1
2M2 R1
10k

Figure 18.
Out Out
Supply under-voltage
detector.
TH1
(ntc) Figure 17. + v, .
ZD1 = ..:..!.':!!?
4k7 Under-t emperature switch. 2
(nom.)
ov ov
V+ V+

R4 R4
1MO 1MO
Figure 19. Three-input OR
gate (can be converted to a A Figure 20 . Th ree-input AND
Out NOR gate by t ransposing the Out gate (can be converted to a
op-amp inputs) . NANO gate by transposing
B
the op-amp inputs).

c
2M7

RV1 500k
V+ ZD1
V+
ZD1
+30V

Figure 21.
Simple variable-voltage R1 R1
R1 reference. 560R 560R
10k

ov OV
ov (a) (b)

Figure 22. Fixed-voltage reference with (a) basic and (b) boosted
V+ (30V) R3 1MO output current capacity

V+
V+ (30V) R3 1MO
Figure 23.
Variable voltage R1 +30V
regulator. 2k7 Figure 24 .
ZD1
15V Variable voltage
regulator with
RV1
ZD1 boosted output
ov 15V 10k
Note that the operation of the above circuit can be reversed , so that it
operates as an under-temperature switch, by transposing the THl-RVl posi- ov
tions. Also note that, since RV1-TH1-Rl-R2 are wired in a Wheatstone bridge
configuration, the trip point is independent of supply rail variations. using LM3900 op-amps to make simple voltage regulators and references.
Figure 17 shows a useful variation of the above circuit, wired as an The Figure 21 circuit is a simple but useful variable voltage reference. The
under-temperature switch. In this case, the reference (inverting) current is non-inverting term ina l of the op-amp is disabled, and the circuit uses the Vbe
derived from the supply rail via R 1, and the variable (non-inverting) current potential of the inverting terminal as a reference, and has a voltage gain
is again derived from the RVl -THl junction. Since the Rl value is roughly determined by the RVl-Rl ratio.
double that of R2 and generates a current proportional to the supply rail volt- When RVl is set to zero, the circuit gives unity gain and gives a nominal
age, the trip point of this circuit is also independent of variations in supply output of 0.55V; when RVl is set to maximum value, the circuit has a gain of
rail voltage . A variant of the above circuit is shown in Figure 18, and gives a x50 and gives an output of 25V. The circuit has good regulation and can sup-
high output when the supply voltage falls below a value determined by ZD 1. ply output currents of several milliamps. Note, however, that the output volt-
If ZD 1 has a value of 5V6 , the op-amp output switches high when the supply age is not temperature-compensated.
rail volta ge falls below roughly 11 V; the precise trip point can be varied by Figure 22(a) shows a fixed voltage reference circuit that generates a well-
replacing R3 with a series-connected 820k resistor and a 4 70k pot. regulated output that is slightly greater that the ZD 1 voltage. R 1 sets the
Finally, Figures 19 and 20 show how the comparator can be made to act zener current at about lmA. The circuit can safely supply output currents of
as a three-input logic gate. In Figure 19, a reference current is fed to the only a few milliamps, but this can easily be boosted to tens or hundreds of
inverting pin via R4, and a greater current can be fed to the non-inverting pin milliamps by wiring a current booster transistor into the output feedback loop
via any of the R 1 to R3 resistors, thus causing the output to switch high if any of the circuit, as shown in Figure 22(b).
of the input terminals go high; this circuit thus acts as a three-input OR gate. Figure 23 shows an alternative type of voltage regulator, which gives a
This circuit can be converted into a three-input NOR gate by simply trans- well-regulated variable voltage output. In this case , the op-amp is wired as a
posing the input connections of the op-amp. x2 non-inverting DC amplifier (with gain determined by the R3-R2 ratio), and
The Figure 2 0 circuit is that of a three-input AND gate, which gives a the input voltage is variable from zero to 15V via RVl ; the output voltage is
high output on ly when all three inputs are taken high, making the non-invert- thus variable over the approximate range 0.5V to 30V via RVl . Finally, Figure
ing input termina l current exceed that of R4. This circuit can be converted 24 shows how the available output current of this circuit can be boosted to
into a three-input NAND gate by transposing the op-amp's input connections. tens or hundreds of milliamps with the aid of an external transistor.
Next month, we will show how to use the LM3900 in various current-reg-
VOLTAGE REGULATOR CIRCUITS ulator and waveform generator circuits, and will then describe the operating
theory and practical applications of the high-performance LM359 dual
To conclude this month 's article, Figures 21 to 24 show various ways of Norton op-amp IC. NV

54 JuLY 2002/N uts & Volts Magazine

 Understanding and
Using 'Norton' Op-
Amp ICs Part 2
By Ray Marston

Ray Marston concludes his look at Norton Current-Differencing Amplifier op-amp

principles and circuits in this final part of this mini-series.

L
ast month 's opening episode of this two-part mini- +15V (regulated) +12V to 30V
series explained the basic operating principles of the
Norton current-differencing amplifier (CDA) op-amp
and presented a variety of practical applications of
the popular LM3900 quad Norton op-amp IC. This month 's
T R1 + ZD1
1V 1k0 2V7
concluding episode presents a few more practical LM3900 _L Q1
applications, and then explains the operating theory and Q1
2N3906
2N3906
practical applications of the LM359 high-performance dual
Norton op-amp.
R2
14k i!1mA :11mA
LM 3 900 CURRENT-REGULATOR I I
CIRCUITS ov ov
Figure I . Fixed-current source (I mA) . Figure 2. Alternative cu rrent source
Figures 1 to 4 show various ways of using individual op-
(lmA).
amps from the LM3900 quad Norton op-amp JC to make
simple current-regulator circuits; note when using the
V+
LM3900 JCs that unwanted op-amps can be disabled by +12V to 30V
wiring their two input terminals to the IC's GND or low-volt- '
age line. : l1mA R3
1MO
The Figure 1 circuit acts as a fixed ( 1 mA) current I

source, which feeds a fixed current into a load connected Q1

between Q 1 collector and ground almost irrespective of the 2N3904
Q1
load impedance (in the range zero to 14k). The circuit is 2N3904
powered from a regulated 15V supply. Potential divider R 1-
R2 applies a 14V reference (15V-1VO) to R3, so the op-amp
output automatically adusts to give an identical voltage at
the R4-R5 junction. This produces 1VO across R5 , resulting ov
in an R5 current of 1 mA. Since this current is derived from Figure 3. Simple I mA current sink.
ov
QI emitter, and the emitter and collector currents of a tran-
sistor are almost identical, the circuit's collector acts as a Figure 4. Improved current sink ( 1mA).
fixed current source. The source current can be doubled (to D1
2mA), if desired, by halving the R5 value, etc.
R1
Figure 2 shows a simple variation of the above circuit, 33k
in which the source current is independent of variations in
supply rail voltage. In this case, the input is set at 2V7 below
the supply rail value via Zener diode ZDl , so 2V7 is auto-
C1
matically set across R4, which has a value of 2k7 and thus 1onT C1 >-- - out
22nT n n v+
produces a fixed 1 mA source current from the collector of rrhov rrhov _J LJ Lov
transistor Q 1. R3 R4
Figure 3 shows a simple 1 mA current sink, in which a 10M 10M R3 R4
10M 10M
fixed current flows in any load connected between the posi-
tive supply rail and Q 1 collector, almost irrespective of the Figure 6. Variable mark/space ratio
load impedance. Here, the non-inverting terminal of the op- generator. Figure 5. I kHz squarewave generator.
amp is disabled , and 100% negative feedback is used
between the output of the circuit (Ql emitter) and the inverting input I minal and, since this is roughly 0.55V, a fixed current of about 1 mA
terminal. The voltage across R 1 thus equals the Vbe of the inverting ter- flows through Q 1 emitter and R 1, and thus into Q 1 collector from any

Nuts & Volts Magaz ine/ 14uousT 2002 49

 Understanding and Using 'Norton' Op-Amp ICs - Part l
------ --- ---
R1 R1
Charg e 47k 01
+----- 33k 14
lset (out) Vout B
2 13
Vout A Comp. B
3
Figure 10.
Comp . A Outline and pin
Out C1 Out
notations of the
GNDA
ov LM359 dual
R3 R4 NC high-speed
R3 R4
10M 10M 10M 10M programmable
Gate
V+ -In A Norton amplifier.
input
7 8
+In A ....___ ___,,__ lset (in)
Figure 7. Pulse generator. Figure 8. Gated I kHz
astable. Top view

+15V
R5
33k I figure 11. V+
Basic
T H1
(nt c)
4k7
R1
1 Ok
circuit of
each
LM359 as
--=>--\
(nom.) C1 Programming
Out input from
22nT op-amp.
rr'n ov lset (in)

Out
R7 RB Programming
10M 10M input from
Inputs C1 lset (out)
RV1
10k
= PB-2720 or similar
l
,/" c:::::::J Tx 12pF

--=>-'
general-purpose acoustic
piezo-electric transdu cer 01
ov ov
- . ____..__..___...___,,..__ __.,____,,...__. GNDOV)
Figure 9. Audible-output over-temperature alarm.
Cu rrent Cascod e Darlington
I - - - - - - - - -
mirror amplifier output stage

R2
V+ = 5 to 22V
V+
To To +1set (in) R2
amp A ampB Av= R1

r
R3
R1 R3 = 2 x R2
Figure 12.
lset (out) LM359 internal
programming R (in) = ( V+ - O.BV ) -SOOR
lset (in) set lset (in)
(biasing) circuit. In
8
Out
SOOR 5
Rset (out)= ( V+ - o. V ) - 5DOR
+1set (out)
To To lset (out)
amp A amp B
OV
....___ __.,_ _ _ _ _ _ _.... GND B Figure 13. Inverting AC amplifier with supply-line bias-
GNDA ing and individual IN and OUT programming resistors .

load that is connected. Note that the sink current of this circuit is not point occurs when the C 1 voltage falls to about one-third of +V. At this
temperature compensated. point the circuit again switches regeneratively, and the output goes high
Finally, Figure 4 shows an alternative type of current sink. In this again. The action then repeats ad infini tum.
case, the op-amp is fully enabled, and has a fixed reference of 2V7 The Figure 5 circuit is useful for generating squarewaves with fre-
applied to its non-inverting terminal via R2. Consequently, the circuit quencies up to a maximum of only a few kHz ; because of the poor slew
automatically adjusts to generate 2V7 across R4 which , since it has a rate performances of the LM3900 (0.5V / µS) , the output waveform has
value of 2k7 , generates a current of lmA in the emitter and collector of fairly poor rise and fall times. The circuit generates a symmetrical
Ql. This current can be varied, if required , either by varying the value squarewave output. Figure 6 shows how the circuit can be modified to
of R4 or by varying the input voltage fed to R2. give a variable mark-space (M/ S) ratio output. In this case, Cl alter-
nately charges via Rl -Dl and the upper half of RVl , and discharges via
LM3900 WAVEFO RM-GENERATOR CIRCUITS Rl-D2 and the lower half of RVl. The M/ S ratio can be varied over the
approximate range 1:10 to 10:1 via RVl.
To conclude this look at the LM3900 quad Norton op-amp IC , Figure 7 shows a simple modification of the above circuit, which
Figures 5 to 9 show some useful ways of using its op-amps to make causes it to a ct as a free-running pulse generator. In this case, C 1 alter-
simple waveform-generator circuits. Figure 5 shows a lkHz squarewave nately charges via Rl -Dl and discharges via R2, producing an M/ S ratio
generator, in which Cl alternately charges and disc harges via Rl. When of about 1:60. Figure 8 shows how the basic Figure 5 circuit can be
the output is high , R3-R4 are effectively connected in parallel , and Cl modified to act as a gated lkHz astable or squarewave generator by tak-
charges until the current flow into R2 equals that flowing into the non- ing R3 to ground via R5 , rather than directly to the positive supply rail.
inverting terminal of the op-amp; this point occurs when the voltage The circuit becomes active only when the gate terminal is pulled high
across Cl rises to roughly two-thirds of +V. At this point, the circuit (to the positive supply rail) .
switches regeneratively, the output switches low, and Cl starts to dis- Finally, to complete this look at LM3900 applications, Figure 9
charge via R1. Under this condition, R4 is effectively disabled and the shows how this month 's Figure 8 and last month 's Figure 16 circuits
input current to the non-inverting terminal is determined only by R3 , so can be combined to make an audible-output over-temperature alarm,
Cl discharges until the R2 current falls slightly below that of R3 . This which generates a 1 kHz tone in a general-purpose acoustic piezo-elec-

50 AuousT 2002/N uts & Volts M agazine

 Understanding and Using 'Norton' Op-Amp ICs - Part l
R3 R2
V+ = 5 to 22V
V+ V+
V+ =5 to 22V
V+
A = R2
A = R3 v R1

r
v R1
Vout = O.SSV x R2 + R3
R2 =2 x R3 R3

( V+ ) -1k0 Rset= (V+-1.2V) -1k0

In Iset
Out Out
In

ov ov

L_
Figure I 5. Non-inverting AC amplifier with supply-line Figure 14. Inverting AC amplifier with N xVbe biasing and
biasing and single resistor IN/OUT programming. single resistor IN/OUT programming.
_J
tric transducer when the TH 1 tempera-
100
ture exceeds a value pre-set via RVI. 1000

THE LM3S9 DUAL v ,,..

NORTON OP-AMP IC
/
/
/

tl
N
:r:
v,r /

The LM359 is not as well known as

the LM3900, but is an outstandingly
useful Norton type of IC. The LM359 is,
/
/
:::J
-0
e
o._
_c 100
/
,.,,v
in fact, a high-performance IC that -U
/
houses two identical Norton op-amps,
plus a common biasing network, in a / Gain= x10
-
l:J
c
cu
-'? /
/
Gain= x100
f0 =10MHz - -
14-pin DIL package (see Figure JO)
and can operate from a single-ended
/
/ .6Vout =2V
-
c
"iii
(.'.) /
R;n =SOR

5Y to 22V power supply. Each of its op-

amps offers a 30MHz unity-gain band- I I /
10
width, a 60V/µS slew rate, and a 72dB 0 .01 0 .02 0 .04 0 .1 0 .2 0 .4 1.0 0 .01 0 .02 0 .04 0 .1 0.2 0 .4 1 .0
open-loop gain, and has many of its
lset (r n)' mA lset (in)· mA
parameters fully programmable via
one or two external resistors.
Figure 17. LM359 slew rate. Figure 16. LM359 gain-bandwidth product.
The LM359's op-amps differ con-
siderably from those used in the
LM3900. Figure 11 shows the basic LM359 op-amp circuit in slightly
simplified form. This consists, in essence, of a mirror-driven (via Ql -Q2) 10
/
wide-band cascade amplifier (Q3 and Q4), which does not suffer from
output-to-input Miller or parasitic feedback effects and thus gives an <{
/
/
excellent high-speed performance, plus a Darlington emitter follower ::J.

output stage (Q5 and Q6) . /

Note that a l 2pF capacitor is internally wired between Q4 collector
Q)
t:: /
(accessible at the COMP terminal) and ground, and that the Q3-Q4
:::J
u
If)
/
v
operating current can be programmed via the lset(in) current of the !C's cu /
.0 1.0
internal biasing network, thus enabling the circuit's input bias current, Figure 18. /
slew rate, bandwidth, and supply current to be pre-set. Similarly, the LM359
inverting
:;
o._
/v
operating currents of the Darlington output stage can be programmed V+ =12V
--
v
Ol
input bias c
via the Iset(out) currents of the internal biasing network, enabling the current. tQ)
+Input at GND

output sink current and supply current to be pre-set. >

c
Figure 12 shows the basic circuit of the !C's internal biasing net-
work, which controls both op-amps. Thus, the Iset(in) current can be set
via suitable resistors wired between pin 8 and the positive supply rail, 0 .1
0. 01 0 .02 0 .04 0 .1 0 .2 0 .4 1.0
and the lset(out) current can be set via a suitable resistor wired between
pin 1 and ground B. Alternatively, if lset(in) and Iset(out) are to have equal lset li nl• mA
values, the current can be set via a single resistor wired between pins 1
and 8. and between pin 8 and supply positive, as mentioned above. Figures 13
to 15 show three typical circuits that can result from the above options,
USING THE LM3S9 together with their relevant design formulas. Thus, the Figure 13 circuit
gives inverting AC amplifier action and uses supply-line biasing, and
The LM359 is usually used in linear amplifier applications and , in uses individual Rset(in) and Rset(out) programming resistors. The Figure 14
such cases, the design procedure involves two simple stages: the first circuit also acts as an inverting AC amplifier, but uses N x Ybe biasing
being the design of the input biasing network, and the second the selec- and uses a single resistor for in and out programming. Finally, the Figure
tion of the programming resistor value(s). 15 circuit acts as a non-inverting AC amplifier and uses supply-line bias-
The LM359 is biased in exactly the same way as the LM3900, using ing and a single programming resistor.
either voltage-reference biasing, supply-line biasing, or N x Ybe biasing,
as shown in last month's Figure 6 and fully described last month. lset PROGRAM.MING
Programming involves the wiring of either a single resistor between pins
1 and 8 of the IC, or of individual resistors between pin 1 and ground The major operating parameters of the two LM359 op-amps can be

Nuts & Volts Magazine/P.uousT 2002 51

I

Understanding and Using 'Norton' Op-Amp ICs - Part l

show the effects of this current on the
10 100
individual parameters.
/v The gain-bandwidth product graph
of Figure 16 is based on a xlOO invert-
<(
/"" ing amplifier fed with a lOMHz input
/
E <(
E 10 ./
/ signal, but is valid for all types of ampli-
fier. Thus, with a 1 OMHz input, it gives
/ c :/
Q)
t: a gain of x60 and a gain-bandwidth
::::J
0 /

v
1.0 / ::::J value of 600MHz at an lset(in) current of
.::£.
.S
0
>,
/ 1 mA, and a gain of x 1.1 and a gain-
ff) /
Ci
::;
Q.
Gain= x10 Q.
1.0
/ V+ = 12V - -
ba ndwidth product of 1 lMHz at
::; V+ = 12V
::::J ./
- - O.OlmA. The gain-bandwidth of the cir-
/
(f)
0 voul = 1v / +Input at GND
-- cuit is thus directly proportional to the
lset(in) value.

0.1
/ 0.1
uct
Note that the gain-bandwidth prod-
of the IC is also inversely propor-
0 .01 0 .02 0.04 0.1 0.2 0.4 1.0 0 .01 0 .02 0.04 0.1 0.2 0.4 10 I tional to the op-amp's Ccomp value (see

Set current, mA Figure 71), which is a fixed 12pF, but

lset (out)· mA
1
which can be increased by wiring an
Figure 20. LM359 total su pply current (l set(in) = external capacitor between the 'comp'
Figure 19. LM359 output sink current. lset(out))· terminal and ground. Thus, the gain-
-- --- bandwidth values can be halved by
doubling the effective Ccomr value via an external l 2pF capacitor wired
between these two points.
The s lew rate (see Figure 17) of the op-amp is also directly propor-
R4 7k5 tional to lset(in)• but inversely proportional to Ccomp and can thus be
varied via either of these quantities. The inverting in put bias current
Figure 21. values (Figure 18), on the other hand , are independent of Ccomp and
W ideband depend solely on the lset(in) values. The output sink current (Figure 19)
R5
20k (>20MHz) is variable via the pin 1 lset(out) current and is roughly 10 times that
C2 x I0 inve rt ing
10n
amplifier. va lue.
R +
In 1 Note that, as already mentioned, the lset va lues can either be set via
75R Out individual resistors or, if both lset values are equal, can be set by a sin-
gle resistor wired between pins 1 and 8. If individual resistors are used ,
each value is determined by:
ov

C3 1pF
where V = V+ - 0.6V. In this case, the total current consu mption of the IC
Figure 22. (of the two op-amps) is roughly equal to:
Wideband R4 7k5
(>20MHz) x I0 +12V +12V
non-inverting
amplifier.
R5
If on ly a single programming resistor is used, its va lu e is dete rmined by:
20k Rset = (V /!set) - 1 kO

where V = V+ - 1.2V. In this case, the tota l current consumption of the IC

Out ro ughly equa ls 37 x lset· Figure 20 shows the typica l cons umption graph
In
when using a l 2V supply.

ov WIDEBAND AMPLIFIERS

The most important application of the LM359 is as a video or wide-

R3 3k3
C3
R6 3k3 band amplifier, and Figures 21 to 23 show three practical circuits of this
+12V
100µF type. The basic design principle of these circuits is as follows:
The Figure 21 circuit is designed to be powered from a 12V supply,
and to act as an xlO (= 20dB) inverting amplifier that gives a bandwidth
C4 of at least 20MHz when driven via a terminated 75-ohm (75R) line. This
10n last requirement sets the R 1 value at 75R. The input is then AC-coupled
In via Cl , which is shunted by C2 to minimize its high-freq uency imped-
ance. R2-R4 set the circuit's voltage ga in. R2 must be small, but must
not significantly shunt the Rl value; this gives R2 a sensible compro-
mise value of 750R. To give a voltage gain of xlO, R4 must be 10 ti mes
av
greater than R2, and this sets the R4 value at 7.5k.
Figure 23. High-gain (x I000) gene ral-purpose wi deband (SM Hz) To give maximum output voltage swing the op-amp output must be
ampl ifie r. DC biased to a quiescent value slightly be low ha lf-supply volts, and this
is achieved by making R3 a bit more than twice the R4 va lu e . A good
programmed via the pin 1 and pin 8 lset currents of the IC. The gain- compromise is 20k, which sets the output at 5.1 V.
bandwidth products, the s lew rate, and the inverting input bias current To give the required gain and bandwidth, the op-amp needs a mini-
can be programmed via the pin 8 lset(in) current, and Figures 16 to 18 mum gain-bandwidth product of 200MHz. An !bias value of 0.5mA gives

52 "ucusT 2002/Nuts & Volts Magazine

 Understanding and Using 'Norton' Op-Amp ICs - Part 2
a gain-bandwidth of 400MHz, which gives a good margin of safety, and ing value by the R3-R4 ratio. The 3dB bandwidth of the circuit extends
this can be programmed by giving R5 a value of 20k. from 2.5Hz to 30MHz, and is almost flat to 20MHz.
To ensure a good high-frequency performance, the pin 12 supply Finally, to complete this look at Norton amplifier !Cs, Figure 23
pin is RF-decoupled to ground via C4. To give maximum bandwidth , C3 shows how both op-amps of an LM359 IC can be cascaded to make a
(two twists of insulated wire) is adjusted on test. In practice, this circuit general-purpose wideband amplifier with a nominal gain of xlOOO and
gives a 3dB bandwidth that extends from 2.5Hz to about 30MHz, and is a 3dB bandwidth that extends from 1 OHz to 8MHz. In this case, the op-
absolutely flat up to 20MHz . amps are each wired in the inverting mode , with a x33 gain set by the
Fig ure 22 shows a non-inverting version of the wideband amplifier. R3/ R1 or R6/ R4 ratio, and use N x V be biasing, with the N ratio set by
In this case, the gain is determined by the R2-R4 ratio , and the DC bias- R3/ R2 or R6/ R5 . NV

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Nuts & Volts Magaz ine/ P.uousT 2002 53