Fairchild Semiconductor International introduced the first 1.2V (ý0.6V) rail-to-rail output (RRO) operational amplifier in an SC70 package. The new FAN4113 voltage feedback amplifier, designed for low-cost, battery-powered commercial applications, can be operated from a supply voltage range of ý0.6V to ý2.75V. At unity gain and 1.2V supply voltage, the FAN4113 has bandwidth of 36MHz-several times that of larger, less-efficient, SOIC-packaged, competitive units. With 1.2V supply voltage, the device offers a slew rate of 8V/microsecond, input offset voltage of 0.5mV and input noise of 12nV/ (sq. rt.)Hz while consuming 0.768mW.

Applications for the FAN4113 include single cell (NiCd/NiMH) powered systems, DSP interface, telephone systems, keyless entry systems, PDAs, smart-card readers, infrared receivers in remote controls, portable instrumentation, audio systems and others. According to Gary Ross, Signal Conditioning Business Unit Director, "The FAN4113 represents a significant step forward in the design of operational amplifiers to meet the demands of the market. As supply voltages on semiconductor building blocks become lower and lower, Fairchild is well positioned to offer signal conditioning products to meet this demand."

Fairchild Semiconductor International Analog & Mixed Signal Products Group, 3001 Orchard Parkway o San Jose, CA 95134. Tel: 888-522-5372, or 408-822-2314; Fax 972-910-8036

This voltage feedback amplifier only consumes an impressively small 640uA (+1.2V version) or 750uA (+5V version) of supply current. Fairchild says it's for use in personal electronics equipment such as cellular handsets, pagers, PDAs, and other battery powered applications.

The common mode voltage range extends below the negative rail and the output provides rail-to-rail performance. Now that's not to say that you would want to push the amps that hard because if an amplifier is pushed to the rails, the offset voltage of the amplifier will dramatically change and eventually the circuit will stop being an amplifier. For more information on this somewhat confusing spec, take a moment and read the article "What Does "Rail-to-Rail" Output Really Mean?." However, what is impressive is that at unity gain with the 1.2V supply voltage, the FAN4113 has bandwidth of 36MHz, which the company claims is several times that of larger, less-efficient, SOIC-packaged units. The FAN4113 is designed on a complementary bipolar process and also provides 8V/microsecond of slew rate at a low supply voltage of 1.2V.

Data sheet is available at http://www.fairchildsemi.com/