Micrel, Inc.
MIC911
September 2007
12
M9999-091307
Application Information
The
MIC911
is
a
high-speed,
voltage-feedback
operational amplifier featuring very low supply current
and excellent stability. This device is unity gain stable
and capable of driving high capacitance loads.
Driving High Capacitance
The MIC911 is stable when driving any capacitance (see
“Typical Characteristics: Gain Bandwidth and Phase
Margin vs. Load Capacitance”) making it ideal for driving
long coaxial cables or other high-capacitance loads.
Phase margin remains constant as load capacitance is
increased. Most high-speed op amps are only able to
drive limited capacitance.
Note: increasing load capacitance does reduce
the
speed
of
the
device
(see
“Typical
Characteristics: Gain Bandwidth and Phase
Margin vs. Load”). In applications where the load
capacitance reduces the speed of the op amp to
an unacceptable level, the effect of the load
capacitance can be reduced by adding a small
resistor (<100) in series with the output.
Feedback Resistor Selection
Conventional op amp gain configurations and resistor
selection apply; the MIC911 is NOT a current feedback
device. Resistor values in the range of 1k to 10k are
recommended.
Layout Considerations
All high speed devices require careful PCB layout. The
high stability and high PSRR of the MIC911 make this op
amp easier to use than most, but the following guidelines
should be observed: Capacitance, particularly on the two
inputs pins will degrade performance; avoid large copper
traces to the inputs. Keep the output signal away from
the inputs and use a ground plane.
It is important to ensure adequate supply bypassing
capacitors are located close to the device.
Power Supply Bypassing
Regular supply bypassing techniques are recom-
mended. A 10F capacitor in parallel with a 0.1F
capacitor on both the positive and negative supplies is
ideal. For best performance all bypassing capacitors
should be located as close to the op amp as possible
and all capacitors should be low ESL (equivalent series
inductance),
ESR
(equivalent
series
resistance).
Surface-mount ceramic capacitors are ideal.
Thermal Considerations
The SOT23-5 package, like all small packages, has a
high thermal resistance. It is important to ensure the IC
does not exceed the maximum operating junction (die)
temperature of 85°C. The part can be operated up to the
absolute maximum temperature rating of 125°C, but
between 85°C and 125°C performance will degrade, in
particular CMRR will reduce.
A MIC911 with no load, dissipates power equal to the
quiescent supply current * supply voltage.
PD(no load) = (VV+ – VV–)IS
When a load is added, the additional power is dissipated
in the output stage of the op amp. The power dissipated
in the device is a function of supply voltage, output
voltage and output current.
PD(output stage) = (VV+ – VV–)IOUT
Total Power Dissipation = PD(no load) + PD(output stage)
Ensure the total power dissipated in the device is no
greater than the thermal capacity of the package. The
SOT23-5 package has a thermal resistance of 260°C/W.
260W
T
n
Dissipatio
Power
Allowable
Max.
A(max)
J(max)
=