Analog Devices Inc. LT1996ACMS#PBF

Overview

LT1996ACMS#PBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a precision, gain-selectable difference amplifier IC integrating eight matched SiChrome resistors and a low-offset op amp in a single 10-lead MSOP package. It delivers gain accuracy <0.05%, CMRR >80 dB at G=9, rail-to-rail output swing within 40 mV of rails, and operates from 2.7 V single or ±18 V split supply - ideal for high-accuracy strain gauge signal conditioning in portable medical sensors.

For engineers reviewing the LT1996ACMS#PBF datasheet, LT1996ACMS#PBF pinout, LT1996ACMS#PBF application, or LT1996ACMS#PBF equivalent, key selection criteria include verified resistor matching (±0.03% typ), guaranteed gain drift <3 ppm/°C, input offset voltage ≤50 µV (max), and confirmed operation across –40°C to 85°C with no external components required for G=9/27/81 configurations.

Technical Context

The LT1996ACMS#PBF implements a fully integrated difference amplifier topology where internal 450k/81, 450k/27, 450k/9, and 450k resistors enable precise gain setting without external components. Its op amp features 560 kHz gain-bandwidth product and 0.06–0.12 V/µs slew rate, supporting stable operation into 100–500 pF capacitive loads depending on noise gain.

Circuit configuration is determined by pin strapping: P9/M9 define gain-of-9 paths, P27/M27 gain-of-27, P81/M81 gain-of-81, while REF sets output common-mode level. Input common-mode range extends to ±60 V on P9/M9 pins (with P81/M81 grounded), enabling high-voltage differential sensing without external attenuators.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LT1996ACMS#PBF is housed in a 10-lead MSOP (3 mm × 3 mm) package with exposed pad, rated for TJMAX = 150°C and θJA = 230°C/W. Pin 1 is P9 (noninverting gain-of-9 input); pin 10 is M9 (inverting gain-of-9 input). All pins are surface-mount compatible with standard reflow profiles.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar difference amplifier applications.

Compared with INA128UA and AD8276ARZ, LT1996ACMS#PBF uniquely combines programmable gain (9/27/81), ±60 V input tolerance, 100 µA quiescent current, and guaranteed resistor matching - making it optimal for compact, battery-powered, high-accuracy differential sensing where layout space and calibration effort must be minimized.

Availability

LT1996ACMS#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for handheld instrumentation, medical diagnostics, strain gauge interfaces, and industrial process monitoring requiring stable component supply, guaranteed −40°C to +85°C operation, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for LT1996ACMS#PBF 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. (ADI) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets.

The LT1996ACMS#PBF belongs to ADI's precision amplifier product line, designed specifically for applications demanding ultra-stable gain, high CMRR, and minimal external components - such as sensor signal chains in portable and ruggedized measurement equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage the LT1996ACMS#PBF can tolerate on its P9 and M9 pins?

The LT1996ACMS#PBF supports ±60 V input on P9 and M9 pins when P81 and M81 are grounded and VS = ±15 V. This high-voltage tolerance is enabled by isolation of the 50 kΩ resistors from the substrate, allowing direct interfacing with unconditioned bridge sensors or industrial current loops without external attenuation. Exceeding ±60 V risks damage, and operation outside this range requires verification against the absolute maximum ratings table in the official LT1996ACMS#PBF datasheet.

Does the LT1996ACMS#PBF require external resistors to achieve G=9, G=27, or G=81?

No, the LT1996ACMS#PBF does not require external resistors to achieve G=9, G=27, or G=81. These gains are implemented using its internal precision-matched resistor network (450k/81, 450k/27, 450k/9, and 450k) and op amp. Pin strapping alone - connecting appropriate P/M inputs and setting REF - configures the gain. External components are only needed for non-standard gains or specialized filtering, not for the three primary difference amplifier configurations supported natively by LT1996ACMS#PBF.

What is the guaranteed temperature range for the LT1996ACMS#PBF?

The LT1996ACMS#PBF is guaranteed to operate over the full industrial temperature range of –40°C to +85°C. This is specified in the "ORDER INFORMATION" section of the datasheet, where the "A" grade denotes the extended temperature version. The "C" grade (LT1996CMS#PBF) is only guaranteed from 0°C to 70°C, while the "A" suffix in LT1996ACMS#PBF confirms qualification and testing across –40°C to +85°C - critical for automotive cabin sensors and outdoor industrial equipment.

How does the LT1996ACMS#PBF achieve rail-to-rail output swing?

The LT1996ACMS#PBF achieves rail-to-rail output swing through an internally optimized output stage that drives within 40 mV of either supply rail under no-load conditions. This is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table, where VOUT is specified as 40–65 mV from each rail at VS = 5 V, 0 V. The architecture uses complementary output transistors biased to minimize saturation voltage, enabling full utilization of ADC reference ranges in low-voltage systems - a key advantage over older difference amplifiers like the INA128 which cannot swing closer than ~1.5 V from rails.

Can the LT1996ACMS#PBF be used in single-supply 3.3 V systems?

Yes, the LT1996ACMS#PBF supports single-supply operation down to 2.7 V, including 3.3 V systems. It maintains rail-to-rail output swing (within 40–275 mV of rails depending on load), 100 µA supply current, and functional input common-mode range (e.g., 0.98 V to 1.86 V on P9/M9 when VREF = 1.25 V). However, gain accuracy and CMRR are specified at 5 V and ±15 V; users should verify performance at 3.3 V using the Typical Performance Characteristics graphs (e.g., Output Swing vs Load, CMRR vs Frequency) in the LT1996ACMS#PBF datasheet.