Video op amps exceed HD needs

The most recent incarnation of power-semiconductor supplier Fairchild Semiconductor brands itself the “power franchise.� Now, discrete supplier Fairchild is re-entering the highperformance- op-amp arena with the FHP3x50 voltagefeedback- amplifier family for use in HD (high-definition) video products, such as settop boxes. These amplifiers for video-signal chains address a market in which the company provides components such as video-filter drivers. Fairchild bases these parts on the new lowcapacitance, complementarybipolar- silicon-on-insulator BCP6T process. Company officials claim that the process enables the amplifiers to deliver higher bandwidth, more output current, and better dc performance than competing products.

The FHP3x50’s fullpower bandwidth is 210MHz at -3dB, and the chips have a 1100V/μsec slew rate and 0.07%/0.03° differential gain and phase error. Gain flatness of 0.1 dB extends to 50MHz, and Fairchild officials say that pulse response is good with fast slewing edges and minimal preshoot, undershoot, or overshoot. Input-bias current is 0.05mA, and the devices use 3.6mA. Output-drive capability is ±55mA. The chips are available in triple and quad packages.For standard-definition systems, the fast rail-to-rail amplifiers of the FHP3x30 family come as singles, duals, and quads and offer unity-gain bandwidth of 170MHz, driving ±100mA outputs.

Fairchild also claims competitive advantages in gain/phase error, gain flatness, and pulse response over other devices of the same class. These devices suit use in video-signal chains and also work as general-purpose amplifiers. Prices range from 49 to 86 cents (1000).

-Graham Prophet EDN Europe Fairchild Semiconductor, www.fairchildsemi.com