Analog Devices Inc. AD526ADZ
- Part No.:
- AD526ADZ
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 16-CDIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
AD526ADZ.pdf
- Description:
- IC OPAMP PGA 1 CIRCUIT 16CDIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:181
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Product details
Overview
AD526ADZ from Analog Devices is a monolithic software-programmable gain amplifier (SPGA) providing precise binary gains of 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 via TTL-compatible digital inputs (A0–A2, B). It integrates laser-trimmed resistor network, BiFET amplifier, and latched/transparent control logic in a single 16-lead cerdip package. Designed for high-accuracy instrumentation, it delivers 0.01% max gain error at G=1–4 (C grade), 350 kHz small-signal bandwidth at G=16, and 0.001% FSR nonlinearity.
For engineers reviewing the AD526ADZ datasheet, AD526ADZ pinout, AD526ADZ application, or AD526ADZ equivalent, this page provides verified specifications including gain error drift (0.5 ppm/°C), settling time (4.1 µs to 0.01% at G=16), input offset voltage (0.25 mV max, C grade), force/sense output configuration, and dual-mode operation (latched vs. transparent) - all critical for precision ADC front-end and dynamic range extension designs.
Technical Context
The AD526ADZ implements a digitally controlled, closed-loop gain architecture using JFET analog switches to select taps on a laser-trimmed resistor ladder, feeding the inverting input of a drift-compensated BiFET amplifier. Gain selection is governed by a 4-bit code (A0–A2 + B), with automatic frequency compensation switching for G=8/16 to maintain bandwidth and slew rate.
It supports two operational modes: latched mode (gain code stored via CLK/CS edge-triggered registers) and transparent mode (direct response to A0–A2/B level changes when CS/CLK low). The force/sense output topology preserves accuracy under remote or low-impedance loading by eliminating IR drop in the feedback path.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Gain Range | Digitally programmable binary gains: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 - enables precise signal scaling without external components. |
| Gain Error (G=1–4, C grade) | 0.01% max - ensures <100 ppm absolute gain accuracy for calibration-critical applications. |
| Small-Signal Bandwidth (G=16) | 350 kHz - supports medium-speed sensor signal conditioning and multiplexed data acquisition. |
| Settling Time (0.01%, ∆VOUT = ±10 V, G=16) | 4.1 µs typical - enables fast gain switching in autoranging ADC systems with minimal dead time. |
| Input Offset Voltage (C grade) | 0.25 mV max - contributes ≤2.5 µV RTI error at G=16, critical for sub-16-bit DC precision. |
| Nonlinearity (G=16) | 0.001% FSR - guarantees monotonicity and <±0.65 LSB error in 16-bit-equivalent systems. |
| Supply Voltage Range | ±4.5 V to ±16.5 V - compatible with standard ±5 V, ±12 V, and ±15 V industrial rails. |
Pinout & Package
AD526ADZ is supplied in a 16-lead side-brazed ceramic DIP (D-16) package, hermetically sealed for industrial temperature operation (–40°C to +85°C).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| DIG GND (Pin 1) | Digital ground reference | Isolates digital switching noise from analog signal path; must be tied to system digital ground plane. |
| A1 (Pin 2) | Gain address bit 1 | Part of 3-bit gain code (A0–A2); sets binary weight for gain selection in conjunction with A0/A2/B. |
| NULL (Pin 3) | Offset null adjustment terminal | Connects to external potentiometer or DAC for fine-tuning input offset voltage, most effective at G=16. |
| A0 (Pin 4) | Gain address bit 0 | LSB of 3-bit gain code; determines base gain step (e.g., A0=1, A1=0, A2=0 → G=2). |
| VIN (Pin 5) | Analog input (inverting configuration) | Single-ended input node; internal resistor network configures amplifier as inverting PGA with fixed noninverting reference. |
| CS (Pin 6) | Chip select / latch enable | Active-high control: latches gain code when pulsed; tied low for transparent mode operation. |
| NULL (Pin 7) | Offset null adjustment terminal | Paired with Pin 3 for balanced nulling; used with external trim network per Figure 39. |
| CLK (Pin 8) | Gain code clock input | Edge-triggered latch clock; functionally identical to CS; either may be used to store gain state. |
| ANALOG GND 2 (Pin 9) | Analog ground reference 2 | Second analog ground pin; connects to local analog ground near signal source to minimize ground loop errors. |
| A2 (Pin 10) | Gain address bit 2 | MSB of 3-bit gain code; selects higher gains (e.g., A2=1 → G=8 or G=16 depending on B). |
| ANALOG GND 1 (Pin 11) | Analog ground reference 1 | Primary analog ground return; must be star-connected to VIN and VOUT SENSE to preserve gain accuracy. |
| B (Pin 12) | Gain range select (binary MSB) | When high: enables full 5-gain set (1–16); when low: forces unity gain regardless of A0–A2. |
| –VS (Pin 13) | Negative supply rail | Accepts –4.5 V to –16.5 V; powers internal BiFET amplifier and switch array. |
| +VS (Pin 14) | Positive supply rail | Accepts +4.5 V to +16.5 V; supplies amplifier core and digital interface circuitry. |
| VOUT SENSE (Pin 15) | Sense connection for force/sense output | Provides feedback to amplifier's internal summing node; eliminates voltage drop errors across PCB traces to load. |
| VOUT FORCE (Pin 16) | Force output driver | High-current output stage; drives load directly while VOUT SENSE maintains closed-loop regulation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Laser-trimmed resistor network | Enables 0.01% max gain error at G=1–4 (C grade) without external calibration components. |
| Force/sense output architecture | Maintains gain accuracy under remote or low-Z loads by separating drive (FORCE) and feedback (SENSE) paths. |
| Dual-mode digital control (latched/transparent) | Supports both synchronous gain updates (via CLK/CS) and asynchronous real-time adjustment (CS/CLK low). |
| Auto-compensation for high gains | Switches out portion of compensation capacitance at G=8/16 to sustain 350 kHz bandwidth and 24 V/µs slew rate. |
| FET-input stage (50 pA IB) | Minimizes RTI offset voltage error caused by source impedance, critical for high-Z sensor interfaces. |
Applications
| Dynamic Range Extension for ADC Systems | Gain Ranging Preamps |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: A 12-bit ADC paired with AD526ADZ achieves 96 dB dynamic range by scaling input signals to maximize utilization of full-scale range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Programmable gain amplifier acting as front-end autoranging stage; gain updated synchronously before ADC conversion cycle. Use Value: Eliminates manual gain selection; enables single ADC to resolve microvolt-level signals and volt-level transients without clipping or quantization loss. | Use Scenario: Industrial sensor signal conditioning where input amplitude varies across orders of magnitude (e.g., thermocouple, strain gauge, photodiode). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digitally controlled preamplifier providing binary gain steps (1–16) via parallel TTL inputs; operates in transparent mode for real-time adaptation. Use Value: Replaces mechanical switch banks and discrete op-amp gain stages, reducing board space, calibration complexity, and long-term drift. |
| Cascaded High-Gain Instrumentation | Precision Offset-Nulling Front Ends |
Use Scenario: Two AD526ADZ devices cascaded to achieve gains up to 256 for ultra-low-level signal amplification in lock-in amplifiers or nanovolt meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage PGA (G=16) feeds second-stage PGA (G=16); B pin configures master-slave gain sequencing. Use Value: Maintains 0.02% total gain error and <0.002% FSR composite nonlinearity - superior to discrete multi-stage designs. | Use Scenario: High-resolution data acquisition requiring sub-µV RTI offset stability over temperature and time (e.g., medical EEG, scientific metrology). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SPGA with dedicated NULL pins (Pins 3 & 7) supporting external DAC-based autocalibration (e.g., AD7524) at G=16 for maximum sensitivity. Use Value: Achieves <3 µV RTI offset variation across all gains after nulling - enabling true 16-bit DC performance without manual trimpots. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar programmable gain amplifier applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD8251ARMZ | Fixed gain steps (1, 2, 4, 8, 16) but uses SPI interface instead of parallel TTL; lower gain error (0.005% typ), wider bandwidth (10 MHz at G=1), no force/sense outputs. | Requires microcontroller SPI resource; unsuitable for direct TTL bus interfacing or remote-load accuracy-critical applications. | Select AD8251ARMZ for higher speed, lower noise, and embedded processor integration; retain AD526ADZ for legacy TTL systems and force/sense-driven precision loads. |
| LTC6910-1CMS8#PBF | 6-bit programmable gain (1–32) via SPI; rail-to-rail output; lower supply current (1.1 mA); no laser trimming - gain error 0.1% max, no force/sense. | Optimized for low-power portable instrumentation; lacks the AD526ADZ's industrial temp range, hermetic package, and DC precision. | Choose LTC6910-1CMS8#PBF for battery-powered or cost-sensitive designs where 12-bit-equivalent accuracy suffices; AD526ADZ remains preferred for calibrated 16-bit systems. |
Compared with AD8251ARMZ and LTC6910-1CMS8#PBF, the AD526ADZ uniquely combines parallel TTL control, force/sense outputs, laser-trimmed DC accuracy, and hermetic D-16 packaging - making it irreplaceable in legacy industrial data acquisition and high-stability autoranging front ends where layout simplicity and long-term calibration integrity are mandatory.
Availability
AD526ADZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision instrumentation, high-resolution ADC front ends, and industrial sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for AD526ADZ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving precision measurement, industrial automation, and communications markets.
The AD526ADZ belongs to Analog Devices' precision programmable gain amplifier product line, engineered specifically for high-accuracy, low-drift signal conditioning in data acquisition systems where gain stability, DC precision, and robust packaging are non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the AD526ADZ?
The AD526ADZ is rated for industrial temperature operation from –40°C to +85°C. This specification applies to the AD526ADZ variant, which uses a 16-lead side-brazed ceramic DIP (D-16) package. Its hermetic construction ensures reliability in harsh environments where plastic DIP variants (e.g., AD526JN) would not meet long-term stability requirements.
Does the AD526ADZ support both latched and transparent digital control modes?
Yes, the AD526ADZ supports both latched and transparent modes. In latched mode, gain codes (A0–A2, B) are stored on the rising edge of CLK or CS. In transparent mode, the device responds immediately to changes in A0–A2/B when CS and CLK are held low. Mode selection is hardware-configurable - no firmware or timing constraints required.
How does the force/sense output configuration improve accuracy in the AD526ADZ?
The AD526ADZ's force/sense architecture separates the high-current output drive (VOUT FORCE) from the precision feedback path (VOUT SENSE). By routing the sense line directly to the amplifier's feedback node, voltage drops across PCB traces or connectors are excluded from the control loop - preserving gain accuracy even when driving remote or low-impedance loads.
Can two AD526ADZ devices be cascaded to achieve gains beyond 16?
Yes, two AD526ADZ devices can be cascaded to achieve binary gains up to 256. Using the B pin to configure one stage as a unity-gain buffer and the other as variable gain, or connecting outputs directly, enables gains of 32, 64, 128, and 256. The AD526ADZ datasheet confirms this capability in Application Highlight #2 and Figure 38.
What is the maximum small-signal bandwidth of the AD526ADZ at gain = 16?
The AD526ADZ delivers a small-signal bandwidth of 350 kHz at gain = 16. This is achieved through internal frequency compensation switching that reduces capacitance in the amplifier's compensation network when higher gains are selected - maintaining usable bandwidth without sacrificing stability or settling performance.
AD526ADZ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-CDIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Amplifier Type:
- Programmable Gain
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Output Type:
- -
- Slew Rate:
- 24V/µs
- Gain Bandwidth Product:
- -
- -3db Bandwidth:
- 4 MHz
- Current - Input Bias:
- 50 pA
- Voltage - Input Offset:
- 250 µV
- Current - Supply:
- 10mA
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 10 mA
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- 9 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 33 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-CDIP
AD526ADZ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AD526ADZ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AD526ADZ on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AD526ADZ reliable?
The price and inventory of AD526ADZ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AD526ADZ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AD526ADZ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AD526ADZ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AD526ADZ?
AD526ADZ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AD526ADZ order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AD526ADZ?
For technical support, including AD526ADZ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AD526ADZ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AD526ADZ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AD526ADZ products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AD526ADZ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AD526ADZ?
All AD526ADZ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AD526ADZ, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AD526ADZ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AD526ADZ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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