Date: 19/04/2010

Free op amp selection tool for filter design from Intersil

Intersil has announced the availability of free amplifier selection tool called iSim- Active Filter Designer for operational amplifier-based active filters. The key feature of this new tool is selection of best op amps for improved filter accuracy. The accuracy is improved through second order effects such as bandwidth vs. gain and loading, input-output impedance, and I/O clipping. This tool helps designers to find physical limitations before committing to production.

"This tool packs more than 25 years of op amp design expertise into web-based platform that uses the industry's most powerful algorithms," said Michael Steffes, iSim filter tool design team leader. "The iSim Active Filter tool gives designers the ability to view the interstage and final output, AC response, noise, and step response, making it easy to see what is going on inside a multi-stage filter design and/or assess the impact of choosing alternate devices."

There are four steps involved in using this tool. First, the user matches the right product from Intersil's operational amplifier ICs to their design needs. Next, a user can perform multiple simulations of a design online or locally using a personal computer. By comparing simulation results, a designer can quickly compare "what-if" scenarios to determine the best product for their application. In step three, they can summarize, document, and share designs with co-workers or customers. And finally a designer can download results to Intersil's unique iSim PE (Personal Edition) tool for further analysis using a more general Spice simulator platform.

The iSim Active Filter Designer supports from Intersil's micropower ISL28194 op amp (1.65mW), to the highest-speed current feedback op amp, the EL5167 (>600 MHz using <100mW power). The specification covered by this tool includes frequencies in the range of 5Hz to 50MHz for products requiring 1.8V through 40V operating voltages. Filter designs that provide passband gains from 1 to 125V/V can also be developed using this tool.

The tool currently offers low pass filter designs from second through sixth order, and is being expanded to include high-pass and band-pass options.

For more details visit
http://www.intersil.com/iSim/ActiveFilterDesignToolOverview.pdf