THAT Corporation Introduces Low-Noise Differential Audio Preamplifier IC

June 9 2015, 04:00
THAT Corporation announced the availability of the THAT1580 – a high performance current-feedback amplifier using THAT’s “deconstructed” approach that yields lower noise and distortion with higher slew rate while reducing cost. The 1580 is an optimal solution for analog and digitally controlled microphone preamplifiers, differential summing amplifiers, and even line-level input stages. It has application to audio, sonar, and instrumentation.

The IC comes in a small 4 x 4 mm QFN package, which saves PCB space over discrete and other integrated solutions. Unlike traditional mic preamps (e.g., THAT 1510 and 1512), the 1580’s gain is determined by three external resistors instead of only one. This makes it possible to optimize noise and bandwidth over a wide range of gains, as well as optimize the taper of gain vs. rotation in variable-gain, pot-controlled applications.

The 1580’s differential output simplifies connection to differential input devices such as A/D converters. The part operates from as little as ±5 V up through ±18 V supplies. Running on ±18V supplies, at unity gain, the part accepts >+28.3 dBu input signals and will deliver up to +29.8 dBu (differential) output signals.

The 1580 is designed to mate perfectly with THAT’s series of Digital Preamplifier Controller ICs. Designed from the ground up in a high-voltage BiCMOS process, the 1580 improves on existing
integrated microphone preamps by offering more versatile gain configuration, lower noise at low gains, higher slew rate, and lower distortion.

“The 1580 is our latest high-performance preamp. As the new performance leader, it will supersede the 1570 as the best digitally controllable preamplifier available,” said Ken Nevard, IC Marketing Manager, THAT Corporation. “It really offers the best of both worlds: world class performance for traditional, analog-controlled pre-amp applications, but perfect pairing with our family of digital preamp controllers, such as the THAT 5171 and 5173.”

Key features of the 1580 include:
Very Low Noise: 134.8 dBu (1.0 nV/√Hz) EIN at 60 dB gain
Ultra Low THD+N
0.0003% 3-30 dB gain
0..0005% @ 40 dB gain
Low Current: 7.9 mA typ
Wide Bandwidth:2.7 MHz @40 dB gain
Very High Slew Rate: 53 V/μs
Wide Output Signal Swing:  +29.8 dBu (±18 V supplies)
Maximum Differential Input Level: +26 dBu (±15 V supplies)
Gain adjustable by external resistors from 0 to >60 dB
Differential output
Small 4 x 4mm QFN16 package

For digital control applications, the 1580 mates perfectly with THAT’s 5XXX series of Digital Preamplifier-Controller ICs to produce an optimized, digitally controlled preamplifier. The 1580’s differential output simplifies connections to differential input devices such as A/D converters. When required, designers are free to optimize the output differential amplifier to suit the specific application.

The 1580 is available immediately. Pricing starts at $2.53 at 1k pieces.
www.thatcorp.com
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