Texas Instruments VCA820IDGSR
- Part No.:
- VCA820IDGSR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 10-TFSOP, 10-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
VCA820IDGSR.pdf
- Description:
- IC VARIABLE GAIN 1 CIRC 10VSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,805
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Product details
Overview
VCA820IDGSR from Texas Instruments is a wideband, linear-in-dB voltage-controlled variable gain amplifier (VGA) with differential input and single-ended output. It delivers 150-MHz small-signal bandwidth, 137-MHz 5-VPP large-signal bandwidth, 0.1-dB gain flatness to 28 MHz, 1700-V/μs slew rate, and >40-dB gain adjust range. It is used in AGC receivers requiring precise RSSI tracking and high-speed pulse amplitude compensation.
For engineers reviewing the VCA820IDGSR datasheet, VCA820IDGSR pinout, VCA820IDGSR application, or VCA820IDGSR equivalent, key selection criteria include gain linearity (±0.4 dB at 20 dB max gain), high output current (±160 mA), CMRR (65–80 dB), input noise (8.2 nV/√Hz), and dual-package support (SOIC-14 and VSSOP-10).
Technical Context
The VCA820IDGSR integrates two input buffers and a current-feedback output amplifier with a multiplier core, enabling dc-coupled operation without external buffering. Its gain control interface accepts 0–2 V linear-in-dB voltage, setting gain from –20 dB to +20 dB when configured for AVMAX = 20 dB (RG = 200 Ω, RF = 1 kΩ).
It operates from ±5-V supplies (±3.5 V min, ±6 V max), supports differential input common-mode range of –2.1 V to +1.6 V, and features 70 kΩ || 1 pF gain control input impedance. Output swing reaches ±3.9 V into 100 Ω, with 0.01% settling time of 11 ns and harmonic distortion ≤ –62 dBc (2nd) / ≤ –68 dBc (3rd) at 20 MHz.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Small-signal bandwidth | 150 MHz at AVMAX = 20 dB - enables baseband-to-UHF signal processing without external compensation |
| Gain accuracy | 20 dB ±0.4 dB at +2 V VG - ensures precise RSSI calibration across temperature (–40°C to +85°C) |
| Output current | ±160 mA - drives low-impedance loads (e.g., 50 Ω cables, ADC inputs) without external buffers |
| Input voltage noise | 8.2 nV/√Hz - preserves SNR in low-level RF/IF signal chains |
| CMRR | 65–80 dB - rejects common-mode interference in differential line receivers |
| Slew rate | 1700 V/μs - supports fast transient response in pulse amplitude compensation circuits |
| Gain control range | >40 dB linear-in-dB - simplifies AGC loop design with monotonic, predictable attenuation |
Pinout & Package
VCA820IDGSR is available in the 10-pin VSSOP (DGS) package, body size 3.00 mm × 3.00 mm, with exposed thermal pad for enhanced power dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| +VIN | Noninverting input | Differential input node; accepts dc-coupled signals up to +1.6 V common-mode |
| –VIN | Inverting input | Differential input node; complements +VIN for balanced signal rejection |
| +RG / –RG | Gain set resistors | External resistive divider sets maximum gain (e.g., RG = 200 Ω, RF = 1 kΩ → AVMAX = 20 dB) |
| VG | Gain control voltage | 0–2 V linear-in-dB input; 0 V = –20 dB, +2 V = +20 dB relative to AVMAX |
| VOUT | Single-ended output | Current-feedback amplifier output; drives 100 Ω load to ±3.9 V swing |
| V+ / V– | Supply rails | ±5 V nominal; supports ±3.5 V to ±6 V operation with 35 mA quiescent current |
| GND | Ground reference | Common return for input, output, and bias circuitry; connects to thermal pad |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Differential-to-single-ended conversion | Integrated architecture eliminates need for external op-amp or transformer in IF/RF receiver front-ends |
| 0.1-dB gain flatness to 28 MHz | Enables wideband video and broadband communication applications without post-amplifier equalization |
| High output current (±160 mA) | Directly drives 50 Ω or 75 Ω transmission lines and high-capacitance ADC inputs |
| DC-coupled operation | Supports baseband and low-frequency modulation schemes (e.g., OFDM, QAM) without AC coupling capacitors |
| Linear-in-dB gain control | Reduces AGC loop complexity by providing exponential gain vs. linear control voltage |
Applications
| AGC Receivers With RSSI | Differential Line Receivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Automatic gain control loop in cellular base station IF receivers where received signal strength must be measured and stabilized over 80 dB dynamic range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: VGA core that adjusts analog gain in real time based on RSSI feedback, maintaining constant output level for downstream demodulation. Use Value: ±0.4 dB gain accuracy and >40 dB adjust range enable precise RSSI reporting with <0.5 dB error across temperature and frequency. | Use Scenario: High-speed data acquisition system receiving differential LVDS or RS-422 signals over noisy industrial cabling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-to-single-ended converter and programmable gain stage before ADC sampling. Use Value: 80 dB CMRR and 150 MHz bandwidth preserve signal integrity while rejecting ground bounce and EMI in harsh environments. |
| Pulse Amplitude Compensation | Variable Attenuators |
Use Scenario: Laser pulse conditioning in time-of-flight (ToF) sensors where pulse amplitude varies with distance and ambient light. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-settling VGA that dynamically scales pulse height to match ADC full-scale range. Use Value: 11 ns 0.01% settling time and 1700 V/μs slew rate ensure accurate amplitude correction without pulse distortion. | Use Scenario: Programmable test equipment requiring calibrated attenuation steps across 10 MHz–100 MHz spectrum. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage-controlled attenuator replacing mechanical or switched resistor networks. Use Value: Linear-in-dB control and 28 MHz 0.1-dB flatness provide repeatable, software-tunable attenuation without calibration tables. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar variable gain amplifier applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| VCA821IDGSR | 420-MHz small-signal bandwidth, same pinout and gain control interface, higher supply current (45 mA) | Better suited for UHF and microwave IF stages where bandwidth >200 MHz is required | Select VCA821IDGSR when bandwidth >300 MHz is needed; otherwise VCA820IDGSR offers lower power and cost |
| VCA822IDGKR | Same 150-MHz bandwidth and 20 dB ±0.4 dB accuracy, but in 8-pin SOIC package (no VREF pin) | Lacks VREF terminal; not suitable for applications requiring output DC offset control | Choose VCA822IDGKR only if VREF functionality is unused and board space favors smaller SOIC footprint |
Compared with VCA821IDGSR and VCA822IDGKR, the VCA820IDGSR provides optimal balance of bandwidth (150 MHz), precision (±0.4 dB), and power efficiency (35 mA) for mid-band IF and video signal conditioning, while retaining VREF for DC-coupled output offset tuning.
Availability
VCA820IDGSR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for AGC receivers, differential line receivers, pulse amplitude compensation systems, and programmable attenuators requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for VCA820IDGSR 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 digital signal technologies for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.
The VCA820 product line delivers high-speed, linear-in-dB variable gain amplifiers optimized for automatic gain control, RF/IF signal conditioning, and precision analog signal path scaling in instrumentation and wireless infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the maximum gain accuracy specification for the VCA820IDGSR?
The VCA820IDGSR has a maximum gain accuracy of 20 dB ±0.4 dB at +2 V gain control voltage (VG), measured at 25°C with AVMAX = 20 dB, RF = 1 kΩ, RG = 200 Ω, and RL = 100 Ω. This tolerance holds across –40°C to +85°C operating temperature, making it suitable for precision RSSI and calibration-critical applications where the VCA820IDGSR must maintain tight gain linearity without recalibration.
Does the VCA820IDGSR support dc-coupled operation?
Yes, the VCA820IDGSR supports true dc-coupled operation with differential input common-mode range from –2.1 V to +1.6 V and output swing down to dc. Its internal architecture requires no external coupling capacitors, enabling baseband signal processing in applications such as pulse amplitude compensation and low-frequency AGC loops where the VCA820IDGSR maintains signal integrity from 0 Hz.
What package options are available for the VCA820IDGSR?
The VCA820IDGSR is offered exclusively in the 10-pin VSSOP (DGS) package, measuring 3.00 mm × 3.00 mm with an exposed thermal pad. Unlike the broader VCA820 family (which includes SOIC-14), the VCA820IDGSR variant is qualified only in VSSOP for compact, high-density PCB layouts-confirming its use case in space-constrained instrumentation and portable RF modules where the VCA820IDGSR's thermal performance meets requirements.
How does the gain control interface of the VCA820IDGSR work?
The VCA820IDGSR uses a 0–2 V linear-in-dB gain control voltage (VG) applied to the VG pin. For example, with AVMAX = 20 dB (RG = 200 Ω, RF = 1 kΩ), VG = +2 V yields +20 dB gain, VG = +1 V yields ~0 dB, and VG = 0 V yields –20 dB. The interface exhibits 70 kΩ || 1 pF input impedance and ±0.4 dB absolute gain error, allowing direct DAC or microcontroller interfacing without buffering-critical for closed-loop AGC systems using the VCA820IDGSR.
What is the small-signal bandwidth of the VCA820IDGSR under typical conditions?
The VCA820IDGSR achieves a small-signal bandwidth of 150 MHz at AVMAX = 20 dB, VO = 1 VPP, VG = +2 V, and TJ = 25°C, per the official SBOS395D datasheet. This bandwidth is measured in the VSSOP-10 package and remains stable across supply voltages (±3.5 V to ±6 V) and temperatures (–40°C to +85°C), confirming the VCA820IDGSR's suitability for wideband IF amplification in 5G fronthaul and high-definition video signal paths.
VCA820IDGSR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 10-TFSOP, 10-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Amplifier Type:
- Variable Gain
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Output Type:
- -
- Slew Rate:
- 1700V/µs
- Gain Bandwidth Product:
- -
- -3db Bandwidth:
- 168 MHz
- Current - Input Bias:
- 19 µA
- Voltage - Input Offset:
- 4 mV
- Current - Supply:
- 34mA
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 160 mA
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- 7 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 12 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 10-VSSOP
VCA820IDGSR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for VCA820IDGSR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for VCA820IDGSR 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 VCA820IDGSR reliable?
The price and inventory of VCA820IDGSR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for VCA820IDGSR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for VCA820IDGSR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for VCA820IDGSR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for VCA820IDGSR?
VCA820IDGSR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your VCA820IDGSR 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 VCA820IDGSR?
For technical support, including VCA820IDGSR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your VCA820IDGSR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that VCA820IDGSR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All VCA820IDGSR 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 VCA820IDGSR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of VCA820IDGSR?
All VCA820IDGSR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with VCA820IDGSR, 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 VCA820IDGSR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for VCA820IDGSR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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