19-3070; Rev 1; 6/04
Precision Transimpedance Logarithmic
Amplifier with Over 5 Decades of Dynamic Range
General Description
Features
The MAX4207 logarithmic amplifier computes the log
ratio of an input current relative to a reference current
(externally or internally generated) and provides a cor-
responding voltage output with a default -0.25V/decade
scale factor. The device operates from dual 2.7V to
5.5V supplies and is capaꢀle of measuring five
decades of input current across a 10nA to 1mA range.
♦ ±2.7V to ±5.5V Dual-Supply Operation
♦ 5 Decades of Dynamic Range (10nA to 1mA)
♦ Monotonic Over a 1nA to 1mA Range
♦ -0.25V/Decade Internally Trimmed Output Scale
Factor
The MAX4207’s uncommitted op amp can ꢀe used for
a variety of functions, including filtering noise, adding
offset, and adding additional gain. A 0.5V reference is
also included to generate an optional precision current
reference using an external resistor, which adjusts the
log intercept of the MAX4207. The output-offset voltage
and the adjustaꢀle scale factor are also set using exter-
nal resistors.
♦ Adjustable Output Scale Factor
♦ Adjustable Output Offset Voltage
♦ Internal 10nA to 10µA Reference Current Source
♦ Input Amplifiers Summing Nodes at Ground
♦ Small 16-Pin Thin QFN Package (4mm x 4mm x
0.8mm)
The MAX4207 is availaꢀle in a space-saving 16-pin thin
QFN package (4mm x 4mm x 0.8mm), and is specified
for operation over the -40°C to +85°C extended temper-
ature range.
♦ -40°C to +85°C Operating Temperature Range
♦ Evaluation Kit Available (Order MAX4206EVKIT)
Applications
Ordering Information
Photodiode Current Monitoring
Portaꢀle Instrumentation
Medical Instrumentation
Analog Signal Processing
PART
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
MAX4207ETE
-40°C to +85°C
16 Thin QFN-EP*
*EP = Exposed paddle.
Typical Operating Circuit
V
CC
Pin Configuration
I
IN
0.1µF
V
CC
V
OUT
LOGV2
SCALE
TOP VIEW
(LEADS ON BOTTOM)
LOGIIN
R2
C
COMP
REFIOUT
REFIIN
R
COMP
16 15 14 13
C
COMP
R1
MAX4207
LOGV1
N.C.
REFVOUT
GND
1
2
3
4
R
COMP
12 CMVOUT
11 REFISET
MAX4207
10
9
V
CC
CMVIN
REFVOUT
V
EE
N.C.
CMVOUT
R3
R4
REFISET
OSADJ
5
6
7
8
GND
V
EE
R
SET
0.1µF
V
EE
THIN QFN
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
1
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.