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Texas Instruments VCA2617RHBT
- Part No.:
- VCA2617RHBT
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
VCA2617RHBT.pdf
- Description:
- IC VARIABLE GAIN 2 CIRC 32VQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,895
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Product details
Overview
VCA2617RHBT from Texas Instruments is a dual-channel, voltage-controlled gain amplifier (VGA) designed for ultrasound front-ends and high-speed analog signal conditioning. It delivers 48dB continuous gain range, 50MHz bandwidth, 4.1nV/√Hz input-referred noise, and independent channel control with programmable clamping. It operates on a single +5V supply and targets medical ultrasound beamforming systems interfacing with 10-/12-bit ADCs.
For engineers reviewing the VCA2617RHBT datasheet, VCA2617RHBT pinout, VCA2617RHBT application, or VCA2617RHBT equivalent, key selection criteria include linear-in-dB gain control accuracy (±0.9dB), channel-to-channel gain matching (±0.8dB), differential output swing up to 6VPP, low-power operation (52mW/channel), and QFN-32 package compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The VCA2617RHBT implements a true variable-gain amplifier architecture-not an attenuator-plus-fixed-amplifier-enabling noise performance that improves at lower gains (e.g., 100nV/√Hz at 0dB gain). Each channel features independent high-impedance VCNTL inputs (0.2–2.3V), selectable ±6dB post-gain via HGA/HGB pins, and externally programmable clamping via VCLMPA/VCLMPB (0.25–2.6V).
Its internal topology uses matched FET resistor networks with exponential gain control, achieving ±1dB linearity error over 48dB range. The device supports differential input/output, includes power-down mode (22mW total), and integrates fast overload recovery (<2µs power-down response) and <1ns delay matching between channels.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Gain Range | 48dB continuous, linear-in-dB; enables precise dynamic range control in echo signal amplification |
| Input Noise | 4.1nV/√Hz at 45dB gain; ensures high SNR in low-amplitude ultrasound receive paths |
| Bandwidth | 50MHz at full gain; supports wideband imaging up to 15MHz center frequency with margin |
| Harmonic Distortion | −53dBc 2nd-harmonic at 5MHz; preserves spectral integrity for Doppler and B-mode processing |
| Crosstalk | −61dB at 5MHz; maintains channel isolation critical for multi-beam parallel processing |
| Supply | +5V single supply; simplifies power design versus dual-rail alternatives in portable systems |
| Power per Channel | 52mW; enables thermally constrained 128-channel ultrasound modules with <6.7W total VGA power |
Pinout & Package
Package: QFN-32 (5mm × 5mm, RHB designation), thermally enhanced with exposed pad tied to ground. RoHS-compliant, MSL Level-2-260°C-1 year.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| INA+/INA−, INB+/INB− | Differential analog inputs | High-impedance (300kΩ) inputs accept single-ended or differential signals; support DC-coupled configurations |
| VCNTLA/VCNTLB | Channel A/B gain control voltage | 0.2–2.3V linear-in-dB interface; 1MΩ input impedance enables direct DAC or MCU GPIO drive |
| VCLMPA/VCLMPB | Channel A/B clamp voltage reference | 0.25–2.6V setting determines peak-to-peak output limit; enables ADC full-scale matching without external clamps |
| HGA/HGB | Channel A/B high/low gain select | Logic input selecting −10/+38dB (HG=0) or −16/+32dB (HG=1) range; optimizes output swing for 10- vs 12-bit ADCs |
| PD | Power-down enable | Active-high digital input disabling both channels; reduces quiescent power to 22mW for idle periods |
| OutA+/OutA−, OutB+/OutB− | Differential analog outputs | 3Ω output impedance; 6VPP max swing into 500Ω load; supports direct connection to anti-aliasing filters |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| True variable-gain amplifier architecture | Reduces input-referred noise at low gains (e.g., 100nV/√Hz at 0dB), unlike attenuator-based VGAs |
| Independent dual-channel control | Separate VCNTL, VCLMP, and HG pins per channel enable asymmetric beamforming and dynamic focusing |
| Programmable output clamping | VCLMP pins set precise differential clipping level (0.25–2.6V), eliminating need for external diode clamps |
| Fast gain settling | 0.5µs to 90% signal level for 42dB gain step; supports real-time gain adjustment during scan line acquisition |
| Thermal stability | Gain error drift <±0.02dB/°C; maintains calibration across −40°C to +85°C industrial operating range |
Applications
| Medical Ultrasound Beamforming | Industrial NDT Systems |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Amplifying weak echo signals from piezoelectric transducers in phased-array ultrasound scanners. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel VGA providing time-gain compensation (TGC) with independent channel control per transducer element. Use Value: 48dB gain range and 4.1nV/√Hz noise enable detection of deep-tissue echoes while preserving SNR for high-resolution imaging. | Use Scenario: Signal conditioning in ultrasonic thickness gauges and flaw detectors for metal/ceramic inspection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end gain control for pulsed-echo receivers, supporting variable material attenuation compensation. Use Value: Programmable clamping (VCLMP) prevents ADC saturation during near-surface reflections, improving measurement repeatability. |
| High-Speed Test Equipment | Sonar Signal Processing |
Use Scenario: Dynamic range extension in automated test equipment for RF and mixed-signal IC characterization. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Variable gain stage in wideband signal generators or digitizer front-ends requiring precise amplitude control. Use Value: Linear-in-dB response (22dB/V slope) and ±0.9dB gain error enable accurate, repeatable amplitude sweeps without software correction. | Use Scenario: Receive-path amplification in multibeam sonar arrays for underwater mapping and object detection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel VGA performing depth-dependent gain compensation in active sonar receivers. Use Value: 50MHz bandwidth and −61dB crosstalk support high-frequency (>5MHz) pulse-echo resolution with minimal inter-channel interference. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar variable-gain amplifier applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| VCA2615 | Includes integrated preamplifier stage; higher input capacitance (12pF vs 8pF); same 48dB gain range and QFN-32 package | Optimized for ultra-low-level transducer signals requiring first-stage amplification before gain control | Select VCA2615 when sensor output is below −60dBV and preamp integration reduces board space and noise pickup |
| VCA2619 | Attenuator-plus-fixed-amplifier architecture; higher noise at low gains (500nV/√Hz at 0dB vs 100nV/√Hz); same pinout and control interface | Lower cost alternative where low-gain noise performance is not critical, e.g., non-medical proximity sensing | Select VCA2619 only if system operates predominantly at high gain and thermal/power constraints allow higher noise floor |
Compared with VCA2617RHBT, the VCA2615 adds preamplification for weaker signals but increases input capacitance, while the VCA2619 trades low-gain noise performance for cost-neither offers the VCA2617RHBT's combination of ultra-low noise, true VGA architecture, and independent clamping per channel.
Availability
VCA2617RHBT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical ultrasound systems, industrial NDT equipment, and high-speed test instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for VCA2617RHBT 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
Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies with over 50 years of innovation in precision signal chain solutions.
The VCA2617RHBT belongs to TI's high-performance analog front-end portfolio, engineered specifically for ultrasound and sonar applications demanding low-noise, wideband, and dynamically controllable gain stages.
FAQ
What is the maximum differential output voltage swing supported by the VCA2617RHBT?
The VCA2617RHBT supports a maximum differential output signal of 6VPP into a 500Ω load. This specification is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Maximum Output Signal" and applies across the full −40°C to +85°C operating temperature range. The output swing is programmable via the VCLMPA/VCLMPB pins, allowing users to set lower clipping thresholds to match downstream ADC full-scale ranges without external components. This capability is integral to the VCA2617RHBT's role in ultrasound systems where dynamic range must be precisely managed.
How does the VCA2617RHBT achieve low noise at low gain settings?
The VCA2617RHBT achieves low input-referred noise at low gains (e.g., 100nV/√Hz at 0dB) through its true variable-gain amplifier architecture-unlike attenuator-based designs such as the VCA2619. In this topology, gain reduction directly lowers the contribution of the VGA's internal noise sources, rather than attenuating a fixed-noise floor. This behavior is documented in Table 2 of the datasheet and verified in Figure 12 (input-referred noise vs VCNTL). For the VCA2617RHBT, this means improved SNR in ultrasound time-gain compensation where early echo signals require minimal amplification but maximum fidelity.
Can the VCA2617RHBT operate with a single 3.3V supply instead of the specified 5V?
No, the VCA2617RHBT is not rated for 3.3V operation. Its Absolute Maximum Ratings specify a minimum supply voltage of +4.75V and maximum of +5.25V, with all electrical characteristics guaranteed only at VDD = 5V. Attempting operation at 3.3V will result in failure to meet gain, bandwidth, distortion, and output swing specifications-and may cause functional instability. The device's internal biasing, output stage headroom, and clamping circuitry are optimized for 5V, making it incompatible with 3.3V-only systems. Users requiring lower voltage operation should evaluate alternative VGAs explicitly rated for 3.3V, not the VCA2617RHBT.
What is the purpose of the CEXTA and CEXTB pins on the VCA2617RHBT?
The CEXTA and CEXTB pins on the VCA2617RHBT are not signal terminals but mechanical placeholders-"No Internal Connection" (NC) pins designated for PCB layout symmetry and thermal relief. As confirmed in the Pin Descriptions table (pins 11/12 and 29/30), CEXTA corresponds to CB2/CB1 (Channel B coupling caps) and CEXTB to CA1/CA2 (Channel A coupling caps), but these are external capacitor connection points, not device pins. The VCA2617RHBT itself has no CEXT pins; the labeling in the schematic block diagram is a misalignment with the actual 32-pin QFN pinout. Designers should route coupling capacitors directly to the specified IN/OUT nodes-not to non-existent CEXT terminals-when implementing the VCA2617RHBT.
Does the VCA2617RHBT support differential input configuration, and what are the input impedance characteristics?
Yes, the VCA2617RHBT fully supports differential input configuration using INA+/INA− and INB+/INB− pairs. Its input resistance is 300kΩ per single-ended input (600kΩ differential), and input capacitance is 8pF per input. These values are specified in the Electrical Characteristics table and remain stable across gain settings and temperature. The differential input structure enables common-mode noise rejection in noisy ultrasound environments, while the high input impedance minimizes loading on preceding transducer interface circuits. This behavior is intrinsic to the VCA2617RHBT's architecture and validated across the −40°C to +85°C operating range.
VCA2617RHBT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Amplifier Type:
- Variable Gain
- Number of Circuits:
- 2
- Output Type:
- Differential
- Slew Rate:
- 100V/µs
- Gain Bandwidth Product:
- 50 MHz
- -3db Bandwidth:
- -
- Current - Input Bias:
- -
- Voltage - Input Offset:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 60 mA
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- 4.75 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 5.25 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-VQFN (5x5)
VCA2617RHBT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for VCA2617RHBT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for VCA2617RHBT 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 VCA2617RHBT reliable?
The price and inventory of VCA2617RHBT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for VCA2617RHBT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for VCA2617RHBT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for VCA2617RHBT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for VCA2617RHBT?
VCA2617RHBT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your VCA2617RHBT 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 VCA2617RHBT?
For technical support, including VCA2617RHBT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your VCA2617RHBT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that VCA2617RHBT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All VCA2617RHBT 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 VCA2617RHBT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of VCA2617RHBT?
All VCA2617RHBT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with VCA2617RHBT, 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 VCA2617RHBT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for VCA2617RHBT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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