Date: 02/12/2009

High dynamic range transimpedance amplifier for optical distance-measurement apps

Maxim has introduced the MAX3806, a new high-sensitivity TIA (transimpedance amplifier) for distance-measurement applications using a laser beam such as automotive active cruise control, industrial safety curtains, and consumer/construction range finders.

The MAX3806 TIA device operates from a single +5.0V supply and converts current from an AC-coupled photodiode into a single-ended voltage signal. The input accepts single pulses or bursts of pulses with widths down to 30ns. The MAX3806 TIA device can receive an input signal in the range of 42nA (peak to peak) to 40µA (peak to peak) and amplify it to the range required by differential ADCs, while handling overload signals of up to 2mA(peak to peak). The output stage is designed to drive a high-impedance load to deliver the output-voltage swing at the low possible power dissipation.

The key features of the MAX3806 TIA device are,

50mW of power dissipation at +5.0V
14nA(RMS) input-referred noise at 60kOhm gain
An on-chip attenuator can quickly reduce the gain by 14dB to suppress unwanted signals

A pin-selectable gain setting of 30kOhm or 60kOhm allows the MAX3806 to provide bandwidths of 98MHz and 49MHz (typ), respectively, for a variety of applications using the same device.

Operating temperature range: -40°C to +105°C

Package: 12-pin TQFN package
Price: Starts at $2.35 for 1k pieces
Availability: Now

For more details visit www.maxim-ic.com