Elantec Semiconductor introduced two new dual, low-noise op-amps. The EL2227C and the EL2228C are ideal choices for amplifying weak signals such as those found in communications and medical imaging applications.

The EL2227C has a voltage noise specification of 1.9 nV/rt-Hz and a current noise specification of only 1.2 pA/rt-Hz. It features a bandwidth of 115 MHz and has a minimum gain of 2. The EL2228C is specified with a voltage noise of 4.9 NV/sqrt-Hz, a current noise of 1.2 pa/sqrt-Hz and 80 MHz bandwidth and is suitable for applications with a minimum gain of 1. Both amplifiers operate on supplies from +/-2.5 V to +/-12 V with low power consumption. These amplifiers are ideal choices for applications in medical imaging, such as ultrasound, where they can be used to amplify weak signals received from the image sensor. They also find many uses in communications applications, such as DSL and optical networking, where they can be used to amplify very low voltage signals.

Michael Jennings, Director of Strategic Marketing for Video and Amplifier Products at Elantec, said, "These new op amps continue Elantec's commitment to the general-purpose amplifier market. They are defined for a segment of that market where we previously have had no offerings. We have developed products in this category because there is synergy between this market segment and our ASSP target markets. We believe these op amps will find many applications, not only for communications and imaging applications, but in a whole range of sensor, and weak signal amplification designs."

Elantec Semiconductor, Inc., 675 Trade Zone Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035. Tel: 408-945-1323, or 888-ELANTEC (352-6832); Fax: 408-945-9305

Elantec Semiconductor's op-amps, the EL2227C and EL2228C are dual amplifiers targeted for the ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and the HDSL-2 (High Bit Rate DSL) marketplace. The HDSL-2 is a symmetric technology, which provides the same transmission rate in both directions of 44 Mbps for T1 and 2.408 Mbps for E1, while the better known ADSL provides transmission rates of 1 Mbps upstream/ 8 Mbps downstream.

The EL2227C is best suited for line receiving applications in ADSL and HDSLII designs. The noise specifications make this a good fit for detection of very low amplitude signals. It uses a classical voltage-feedback topology that allows it to be used in a variety of applications where current-feedback amplifiers are not appropriate because of restrictions placed upon the feedback element used with the amplifier. The conventional topology of the EL2227C allows, for example, a capacitor to be placed in the feedback path, making it an excellent choice for applications such as active filters, sample-and-holds, or integrators. The EL2227C features a -3 dB bandwidth of 115 MHz and is gain-of-2 stable. The power dissipation has a supply current of just 4.8 mA per amplifier. The amplifier can be powered from supplies ranging from ý2.5 V to ý12 V. The EL2227C is available in a space-saving 8-pin MSOP package as well as the industry-standard 8-pin SO. It can operate over the -40°C to +85°C temperature range.

The EL2228C is best used for filtering applications - also for ADSL and HDSLII designs. The noise levels of this op amp make it ideal for processing low voltage waveforms. It has a -3 dB bandwidth of 80 MHz and is gain-of-1 stable. It also affords minimal power dissipation with a supply current of just 4.5 mA per amplifier. The amplifier can be powered from supplies ranging from ý5 V to ý12 V. The EL2228C is available in a space saving 8-Pin MSOP package as well as the industry standard 8-Pin SO. It can operate over the -40°C to +85°C temperature range.

EL2227C data sheet (linked above):
205.219.71.42/pages/pdf/EL2227C.pdf

EL2228C data sheet:
205.219.71.42/pages/pdf/EL2228C.pdf

Sampling now, the EL2227C and EL2228C are priced at just $2.13 in 1,000-piece quantities. Both are available in the 8-pin SOIC and the 8-pin MSOP packages.