Useful App Notes: Part 2

AN104 – Load Transient Response Testing for Voltage Regulators, Linear Tech

An app note written by the late great Jim Williams back in 2006 discussing how to test linear regulators by applying a load transient to the output. These techniques discussed are also directly applicable to switching regulators as well making the app note doubly useful. My favorite parts of this app note are Figures 6 and 8 which show two interesting transient generator circuits, one BJT based and the other FET based. At the moment I’m trying to gather up the necessary parts to prototype one of the circuits and possibly throw it in a project box to use at work. A great resource for anyone doing work in power electronics.

ANA – The Monolithic Operational Amplifier: A Tutorial Study, National Semi

Want a fantastic reference about the intricacies of op amp design? Look no further than this app note written by Bob Widlar. Covering everything from input/output stages, to techniques for increasing slew rate and proper layout, any and all relevant topics related to op amp design are discussed.  There’s even a section on thermal feedback which is interesting as it’s not a topic typically covered all to often. While I don’t think I would recommend this app note as a stand alone reference for a beginner, it’s perfect for someone looking to expand their knowledge on op amp design. If you are a beginner I would suggest pairing ANA with either Johns & Martin or Gray & Meyer. Fun Fact: Gray and Meyer are cited several times in the bibliography.

The Data Conversion Handbook – Analog Devices

Not exactly an app note but still another good reference to keep at hand. If you’re looking for a general overview of ADCs and DACs  along with a bunch of other useful information I highly recommend this book. Chapter 1 is an interesting history of converter technologies throughout the ages. Chapter 2 discusses sampling theory and defines converter specs. Chapter 3 covers the various topologies of DACs and ADCs from a primarily applications standpoint rather than a design one but is still incredibly detailed.  Chapters 6 and 7 cover interfacing and all the various support circuitry that goes into properly using converters in your design. Chapter 9 has a some good information regarding board layout, passive components, prototyping, and more. I read through most of this handbook two summers ago during an internship while waiting for automated tests to run and I can say I learned quite a bit.