Texas Instruments OPA660AP

Overview

OPA660AP from Burr-Brown Corporation is a monolithic operational transconductance amplifier (OTA) with integrated open-loop buffer, designed for wideband video, RF, and high-speed data acquisition systems. It delivers 850MHz small-signal bandwidth, 3000V/µs slew rate, and 0.06%/0.02° differential gain/phase error at 3.58MHz - enabling precision base-line restore and broadcast-grade luminance processing.

For engineers reviewing the OPA660AP datasheet, OPA660AP pinout, OPA660AP application, or OPA660AP equivalent, this page provides verified specifications, validated pin functions, real-world use cases in video signal chains and fiber-optic LED drivers, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional trade-offs.

Technical Context

The OPA660AP integrates two independent analog sections: a voltage-controlled current source (OTA) with B/E/C terminals emulating an ideal bipolar transistor, and a complementary emitter-follower buffer with no internal feedback. The OTA's transconductance (75–200 mA/V) is externally programmable via R_Q on Pin 1, directly setting total quiescent current (±3 to ±26 mA) and scaling bandwidth, slew rate, and linearity.

Both sections share the same ±5V supply rails and operate over –40°C to +85°C. The buffer achieves 850MHz bandwidth only when loaded ≤500Ω; its gain drops to 0.96 V/V at that load, while output compliance remains ±4.2V at ±1mA. The OTA's C-terminal delivers ±15mA output current with ±4.7V voltage compliance and 25kΩ || 4.2pF output impedance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

OPA660AP is housed in an 8-pin plastic DIP package (Package Drawing P, 006), with through-hole mounting and 0.300" wide body. Pin spacing is 0.100", and lead finish is matte tin.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LMH6723MA/NOPB and THS3201D, the OPA660AP uniquely combines programmable transconductance, true current-output capability, and integrated buffer - making it irreplaceable in AGC multipliers, ns-pulse integrators, and hybrid current/voltage signal chains.

Availability

OPA660AP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for video base-line restoration, fiber-optic LED driver design, and high-speed data acquisition requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for OPA660AP 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

Burr-Brown Corporation was a U.S.-based analog semiconductor company acquired by Texas Instruments in 2000, renowned for high-precision op amps, data converters, and wideband amplifiers.

The OPA660AP belongs to Burr-Brown's OPA6xx high-speed amplifier family, engineered specifically for broadcast video, RF signal conditioning, and high-fidelity analog signal processing where bandwidth, linearity, and low distortion are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage for the OPA660AP?

The OPA660AP has an absolute maximum supply voltage rating of ±6V. Operation beyond ±5.5V risks permanent damage. The device is specified for reliable performance at ±5V, with derated behavior between ±4.5V and ±5.5V. Exceeding ±6V violates Absolute Maximum Ratings and may cause junction breakdown or latch-up. Always use appropriate bypass capacitors (2.2µF tantalum + 10nF ceramic) close to Pins 4 and 8 when powering the OPA660AP.

How does the I Adj pin (Pin 1) control quiescent current in the OPA660AP?

The I Adj pin (Pin 1) sets total quiescent current by sinking current through an external resistor (R_Q) connected to V– (Pin 4). A 250Ω resistor yields ~20mA IQ at +25°C; lower resistance increases IQ and bandwidth. Removing current from Pin 1 (e.g., via logic-level switch) reduces IQ toward zero, effectively disabling the OPA660AP. This control affects both OTA and buffer sections simultaneously, enabling dynamic power/bandwidth scaling in the OPA660AP.

Can the OPA660AP drive a 50Ω coaxial cable directly?

Yes, the OPA660AP buffer can drive a 50Ω load, but with trade-offs: at ±5V supply, output voltage swing is limited to ±3.7V (±4.2V at ±1mA), and gain drops to ~0.96 V/V. For full 5Vp-p signals, use a series 25Ω resistor to match 75Ω systems or add external current boosting. The OTA's C-terminal (Pin 7) can source ±15mA into 50Ω, making it better suited for current-mode cable drive than the buffer alone in the OPA660AP.

What is the purpose of the B, E, and C terminals in the OPA660AP OTA section?

The B (Base), E (Emitter), and C (Collector) terminals emulate a bipolar transistor's structure but function as a voltage-controlled current source. B is the high-Z input, E is the low-Z bidirectional node, and C delivers output current proportional to B–E voltage. This allows classic transistor configurations (common-E/B/C) - e.g., common-E gives non-inverting gain, common-B gives inverting gain - all implemented with the OPA660AP's single OTA core.

Is the OPA660AP suitable for use in a 400MHz differential amplifier?

Yes - the OPA660AP is explicitly characterized for 400MHz differential operation in Figure 18 of its datasheet. Using a balanced resistor network (e.g., 150Ω/150Ω inputs, 50Ω termination), it achieves flat gain response to 400MHz with <0.5dB variation and >40dB CMRR. This configuration leverages the OPA660AP's low input bias current and matched OTA sections to maintain common-mode rejection, confirming its suitability for high-frequency differential signal conditioning.