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THS3491: Noise modelling of THS3491 doesn't seem accurate

Part Number: THS3491
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: THS3001, THS6012

Hi Team TI, I'm noticing the noise simulation modelling for the THS3491 don't seem very accurate either. When I run the THS3491 on the bench with a gain of 2V/V R in = 1k and Rfb = 2k in a 150MHz bandwidth I get around 520uV. Doing the calculations the old fashioned way I get around 500uV which agrees pretty well with the bench measurements. (ie stray capacitance makes minimal effect). However when I run the simulation it erroneously tells me noise is only 425uV which is way off. Reducing Rf to 768 and Rin to 384 the simulated values are much closer. So it seems like the current noise coefficients could be off ? Any ideas, is it possible to hack the model so I can get correct results ? Also when do you plan to release the new and improved latest and greatest version? Thanks Steve

  • I had extracted the model noise terms back in 2020

    Here is that, 

    The data sheet shows this, presumeably from bench measurements, 

    Seems pretty close, maybe the model was changed later? I actually cannot find a model now on the web folder. 

  • Hi Steve,

    can you post your simulation file?

    Kai

  • I did find the sim models this morning, here is the RGT model in Tina, 2018 last updated, 

    And the .lib version that opens in LTSpice (for me) looks to be the same, 

    Assuming there is no model update you are working with, here is one of the setups for noise extraction,THS3491 noise test.TSC 

    And then here is the resulting AudioXpress article in a series I was doing back in August 2020 - this was #11

    Extracting Input Referred Op Amp Noise Models Part 11 Aug4 2020.docx

  • And then a much easier way to get the current noise terms in TINA is to just insert a current meter at the input pins, here is the inverting current noise in the model, 

  • Hi Michael, yes the .lib version you've posted is the one I'm using. As I'm currently using the part in a non-inverting configuration I've found that adding a simple 735 Ohm resistor between non-inverting and ground works pretty well to make modeled noise represent reality. But I do see the need to use this in a differential amplifier configuration to in which case all bets are off so if you can possibly clue me in how to edit the current noise parameter in the model this I can make my own models that match measured results and tailored to the feedback resistors that I need to use. Thanks Steve

  • Wrong button, didn't solve my issue because rest of the model is in LTSpice so easier hack model file to make simulation results correct

  • I am kind of thinking you might not be including the resistor noise in your thinking, the op amp terms I think are correct, and as Kai says - a schematic would be useful. I can work with .asc files, 

  • Hi Michael,

    The model is simple 2k feedback resistor and 1.050k input resistor. In 150MHz. Measured value (AC coupled, 150MHz after offset calibration in each case) is 526uV but simulation shows only 438uV. By contrast when using 3491 as a symmetrical  differential amplifier with Rf=768 Ohms, Rin- = 384 Ohms input,and  Rin+=786 to ground and 384 Ohms input where both inputs are then tied to ground measured vale (150MHz) = 408uV and simulated value is 425.8uV. The gain of each stage is almost identical main difference is resistor values are higher. As you are  familiar with the inner workings of the THS3491 and the model do you have any thoughts about the discrepancy ? I can't send the whole schematic because it is proprietary however I've given you enough to model each stage in Tina and hopefully figure it out.

  • To Clarify, 1.05K/2k is an inverting stage with non inverting input grounded. Diff amp is Rfb/Rin on inverting input, and Rin/Rfb to ground on non-inverting input. In both cases inputs are grounded at side not connected to THS3491.

  • Hello Steve,

    Thank you for sharing the information you were able to share with clarity.  I will also take a look at what you have sent over early next week, as I am on holiday soon.

    Best,

    Alec

  • Hi Alec do you have any updates on this issue ? Best Steve

  • So I took a moment to test the online reference design RGT model, easy to do the current noise terms as shown here, 

    Data sheet reports these terms, very good match on the current noise terms, 

    And then putting a meter across the inputs, the voltage noise, little high here, but pretty close, Model looks pretty good to me, 

  • Hi Michael,

    Maybe the biggest issue then is that the TI THS3001 evaluation board is noisier than the simulations and datasheet predicts? With the TI THS3001 evaluation board for this part , non inverting input = zero Ohms, inverting input =50 Ohms. Rf = Rin = 1k Ohm I see 207uV RMS noise on the scope in 150MHZ bandwidth. The scope alone is 111uV RMS so backing this out gives 174uV amplifier noise. When I simulate using the THS3001 model it gives 130uV. So 30% higher than simulation model predicts. But where the model really goes off the rails is with 500 ohms in and 2.5k Rfb. Here the simulation predicts 172.3uV but the calculated value is much higher as is the measured noise is 334uV so backing scope noise out yields 321uV. RMS. So it appears model gets less accurate with higher levels. If you have a THS3001 feel free to verify my measurements but something is off.

  • Well, had a few minutes to look at the THS3001 model noise, only a Pspice model online, but TINA V11 has a library model, yes, the input current noise is way off in that model, 

    And the voltage noise is also way off, 

    If I open the .lib file online now, it has the same date, so probably the same issues, So yes, I would say the noise in this 1999 model is not being modelled correctly. 

  • Thanks Michael, so to recap you agree the THS3001 is lower noise than the 3491 but the 3001 current noise model is incorrect. Am I to infer from this that the current noise is the only issue ? For example does the model correctly cover voltage noise and frequency response for different values of Rfb ? Also in the interests of saving time and being sure that the issue really is solved would you be so kind as to post a link to the thread showing a correct application of external noise to the THS3001 so that I can correctly model the part? Thanks, Steve

  • The Th3001 is broken on all 3 noise terms as I noted above.

    I cannot right now find that e2e where Art Kay posted his noise generators. Those will be TINA files which you might want anyway. Someone in TI needs to provide those I would think. 

  • I knew I had that link as a reference inside one of the audio express articles, found that 

    here is the article on fixing the THS6012 noise externally, 

    Improving the Input Noise Model for a High Output Current Dual Headphone Driver Jan29_2021.docx

    And here is the e2e link to the noise generators 

    https://e2e.ti.com/support/amplifiers/f/14/p/974711/3600669#3600669

  • Thanks Michael, unfortunately the second link appears to be broken. Also is this link to what Art Kay posted or do I still need to hear from one of those mythical TI apps support guys as well ? Best Steve

  • Hello Steve,

    I do apologize for appearing less often than other mythical creatures.  A mix of end-of-year work requirements and outside-of-work events have rendered me near-nonexistent on the forum. 

    As it stands, I am attaching the TINA file I found when I visited the link (which did populate a result).  This TINA schematic contains noise generators, which I believe Art originated & Michael reposted on E2E.

    I will take care to be more timely in my interactions; I do prefer the team's mythos to be a positive one.  Happy Holidays as well!

    Best,

    Alec

  • Dear Alec, thanks for your reply, for a while I was beginning to think Micheal was the del facto Ti support team :) Unfortunately I couldn't see any attachment not sure that it me or if you forgot to attach ? Thanks, Steve

  • That 2nd link opened for me, but in any case - this is a TINA V9 File including the noise macro's that Art did quite some time ok, top level looks like this, 

    If you don't like TINA, here is the listing for each inside the macro, 

    And here is this file including the macros (when I use them I just cut and paste into whatever file I am working)

    3755.TINA Noise Sources revC (1).TSC

    The TI guys have many (ad nauseum) obligations internally, so there is sometimes a gap in seeing these things. Kai is the other very good resource on this site plugging the dikes as best we can. 

  • Hello Steve,

    Wow, I cannot believe I did the classic "I will attach X" and forgot to do so.  I believe Michael has reiterated it in his response, but I will append the TSC file here also:

    7178.TINA Noise Sources revC (1).TSC

    Best,

    Alec