LTC6404-1 maximum output swing

Hi Maxime.

Thank you for your questions. Please see our explanation below:

MPuech657 said:

What is the maximum output swing I can get without clipping with a 3.3V / GND asymetrical supply ? I found the datasheet confusing on this point.

Since the datasheet only specifies parameters for VS = 3V and 5V, where VS = V+ - V-, and the difference of your supply voltages is 3.3V, you may refer to the specifications for VS = 3V to approximate the maximum output voltage swing.

MPuech657 said:

I read on datasheet page 4 that minimum V_OUTCMR is 1.1V. Does it mean that I will get clipping if (V_OUT+ + V_OUT-) / 2 < 1.1V ?

V_OUTCMR is the output DC or bias voltage, and will depend on your input to the VOCM pin and on VS. Again, the V_OUTCMR range given in the datasheet is for VS = 3V and 5V only.

MPuech657 said:

You also specify on page 4 "Output Voltage Low, Either Output Pin" (see figure below). Its value is 140mV at 3V 5mA for instance. What does this mean ? Does it mean that I won't get clipping if OUT+ and OUT- single ended voltage are above 140mV ? Is this this characterisitc I should look to evaluate the maximum voltage swing of the op amp ?

The "Output Voltage Low, Either Output Pin" parameter is the output low level headroom voltage. See note 10 in the succeeding pages of the datasheet. You will notice that this headroom voltage increases as the current load increases. For VS = 3V and IL = 5mA, for instance, the minimum possible VOH would be V+ - 600mV and for VS = 3V and IL = -5mA, the maximum possible VOL will be V- + 260mV. The resulting values will define the minimum possible output voltage swing. Using the typical values will result in a higher VOH and lower VOL, hence larger output voltage swing.

MPuech657 said:

To give you some context, I want to use the LTC6404 to drive a 1.8V differential ADC with an input span of 2Vpp, and a common-mode voltage of 0.95V. Currently, the LTC6404 use a 3.3V / -1.8V supply to be sure there is no clipping around ground. Each output of the opamp is swinging between 0.45V and 1.45V, which makes me think there is no clipping, because 0.45V is above 140mV. But, I think that the -1.8V rail is not necessary in the end and that I won't get clipping if I use ground instead. I just need you to clarify the datasheet to make sure of it.

Please give us the part number of the ADC you are using so we can recommend a better setup for you. Better yet, send us your schematic so we can evaluate further. We also want to know your VIN specs so we can confirm if clipping occurs in your setup.

Regards,
Shine

Maxime,

We'd like to recommend that you use LTC6406 instead. It has a VOCM range of 0.5V to 2V for VS of 3V to 0V so you need not find an additional negative supply for your circuit.