Engineers at the Applied Physics Laboratory at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore were working on a satellite communications system and needed a small, efficient, affordable op amp able to operate at 5 to 10 MHz. The LM6172-qml dual op amp from National Semiconductor Corp. in Santa Clara, Calif., met their needs.
"We couldn`t find anything else that small for the price that operates at those frequencies and comes with two in the package," says Dan Minarik, senior engineer at the Applied Physics Laboratory.
The LM6172 voltage-feedback dual op amp slews at 3000V per microsecond - two times faster than other dual-current or voltage-feedback devices.
For applications requiring large voltage swings such as scanners, electro optic sensors, and sonar equipment, the LM6172 operates from +/-15V power supplies. For low-voltage applications, such as manpack tactical radios, the device also functions from +/-5V power supplies.
Design features include the input stage, which enables the high slew rate at a low supply current, while the output stage delivers high output current while consuming low power. The LM6172 also exhibits exceptional radiation tolerance, and remains functional after exposure to 800 krads. - J.M.
For more information, contact National Semiconductor by phone at 408-721-5000, by mail at 2900 Semiconductor Drive, Santa Clara, Calif., 95052-8090, or on the World Wide Web at http://www. national.com/appinfo/milaero.
A dual op amp from National Semiconductor fits the size and frequency needs of engineers who are designing a satellie communications system.
