• State TI Thinks Resolved
  • Locked Locked
  • Replies 7 replies
  • Answers 1 answer
  • Subscribers 50 subscribers
  • Views 297 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Support feedback
Options
Options
Similar topics

This thread has been locked.

If you have a related question, please click the "Ask a related question" button in the top right corner. The newly created question will be automatically linked to this question.

THS4531: Requirement of transformer at the input of amplifier

Shifali N
Expert 2085 points
Part Number: THS4531

Hi,

I am using THS4531IDGKR in my design. In the evaluation kit of the part I see a transformer at the input. what is the use of transformer. As the datasheet states that transformer are used to convert differential signals to single ended. My input signal will be differential. Even in this scenario is the transformer necessary. Or is it only needed if the input is single ended and to convert it into differential.

  • 0
    Guru 140200 points

    Hi Shifali,

    the EVM does not contain an input transformer:

    Kai

  • 0 in reply to kai klaas69
    Expert 2085 points

    Hi,

    I checked for the evaluation schematics and transformers are provided at both input and output section.(T1 at the input side) Not sure if its mounted on the board.

    Is transformer only used to convert single ended input to differential? Or is there any other use case. Also why is the transformer present at the output.

  • 0 in reply to Shifali N
    Guru 140200 points

    Hi Shifali,

    the advantage of the transformer is that input and output windings are galvanically isolated against each other and that they can freely float to each other. By this you can very easily overcome DC bias voltage differencies and suppress common mode noise.

    Kai

  • 0 in reply to kai klaas69
    Expert 2085 points

    Hi Kai,

    Hence its not required for single ended to differential conversion  or vice versa as mentioned in datasheet. Is my understanding correct

  • 0 in reply to Shifali N
    Guru 48395 points

    That is a pretty comprehensive schematic to test lots of different things - the Baluns make it easy to due network analyzer measurements but are not generally required when you are doing simple single to diff design - If you need AC coupling, blocking caps work as well. The basic idea is to check all your DC operating points first on the I/O nodes - make sure they are ok, then your AC response. 

  • 0 in reply to Shifali N
    TI__Mastermind 24225 points

    Hello Shifali,

       The input transformer is not populated on the board, there are instead two 0 ohm resistors. We install transformers on the input of our EVMs for our differential amplifiers for testing. Most test equipment is single-ended so to check the high-frequency performance (transformers don’t work at DC and low frequencies) of our device in the lab with differential inputs we install a transformer. Similarly on the output of the FDA we install transformers because people generally have access to single-ended test equipment such as Oscilloscopes, Spectrum Analyzers and Network Analyzers. To ease testing of our amplifier at high-frequencies we install the output transformer. In the final application where the ADC has differential inputs no transformer is needed.

    Thank you,
    Sima

  • 0 in reply to SimaJalaleddine
    Expert 2085 points

    Thanks for your reply.