Operational Amplifier Precision Design: PCB Layout Techniques
Abstract
This module covers the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) effects encountered in high (DC) precision op amp circuits. It provides techniques for improving performance, giving more flexibility in solving a given design problem. It demonstrates one important factor necessary to convert a good schematic into a working precision design.
This material is for engineers who design slow precision circuits, including those with op amps. It is aimed at those engineers with little experience in this kind of design, but can also help experienced engineers that are looking for alternative solutions to a design problem.
The information in this application note can be applied to all precision (DC) analog designs, with some thought and diligence. The focus is on common op amp circuits so that the reader can quickly convert this material into improvements in their own op amp designs.
Additional material at the end includes references to the literature and the schematic of a PCB used in the design example.
Key Words and Phrases
- Op amp
- Temperature
- Thermal Gradient
- Thermocouple Junction
- Thermoelectric Voltage
- IC Sockets
- Contact Potential
- PCB Surface Contamination
