Texas Instruments VCA824IDR
- Part No.:
- VCA824IDR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 14-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
VCA824IDR.pdf
- Description:
- IC VARIABLE GAIN 1 CIRC 14SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,923
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Product details
Overview
VCA824IDR from Texas Instruments is a DC-coupled, ultra-wideband, linear-in-V/V variable gain amplifier (VGA) with differential input and single-ended output. It delivers 710-MHz small-signal bandwidth at G = 2 V/V, 320-MHz large-signal bandwidth at G = 10 V/V, 0.1-dB gain flatness to 135 MHz, 2500-V/µs slew rate, and >40-dB gain adjust range. It is used in high-speed differential equalizers and pulse amplitude compensation circuits operating from ±5-V supplies.
For engineers reviewing the VCA824IDR datasheet, VCA824IDR pinout, VCA824IDR application, or VCA824IDR equivalent, key selection criteria include gain linearity (±0.3 dB at 20 dB max gain), output current capability (±90 mA), control voltage range (–1 V to +1 V), and package compatibility (SOIC-14).
Technical Context
The VCA824IDR integrates two input buffers and a current-feedback output amplifier with a multiplier core, enabling full VGA functionality without external buffering. Its gain is set externally via RG and RF resistors, supporting nominal maximum gains from 2 V/V to 40 V/V.
Gain control is linear in V/V across –1 V to +1 V, delivering precise attenuation (e.g., 10 V/V → 0.1 V/V over full range). The device maintains high fidelity with 135-MHz 0.1-dB flatness and low harmonic distortion (–64 dBc 2nd-harmonic at 20 MHz).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Small-Signal Bandwidth | 710 MHz at G = 2 V/V - enables baseband-to-UHF signal processing without external compensation |
| Large-Signal Bandwidth | 320 MHz at G = 10 V/V, 4-VPP - supports high-amplitude video and communication waveforms |
| Gain Flatness | 0.1-dB deviation to 135 MHz - ensures minimal amplitude distortion in wideband equalization |
| Slew Rate | 2500 V/µs - preserves fast edge integrity in pulse-amplitude modulation systems |
| Output Current | ±90 mA - drives low-impedance loads (e.g., 100-Ω termination) without external buffers |
| Gain Control Range | >40 dB linear-in-V/V - provides precise analog gain adjustment with ±0.3-dB accuracy at 20 dB |
| Supply Voltage | ±5 V (operable from ±4 V to ±6 V) - compatible with standard dual-rail analog signal chains |
Pinout & Package
Package: SOIC-14 (8.65 mm × 3.91 mm), RoHS-compliant, surface-mount.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| +VCC (Pins 1, 14) | Positive supply rail | Connects to +5 V; pins are internally tied for robust decoupling |
| VG (Pin 2) | Gain control voltage input | Linear-in-V/V control: –1 V to +1 V sets gain from minimum to maximum |
| +VIN (Pin 3) | Noninverting input | Differential input node; high-impedance (1 MΩ || 1 pF) |
| +RG (Pin 4) | Gain resistor noninverting terminal | Connects to external RG to set maximum gain; bias current ≤30 µA |
| –RG (Pin 5) | Gain resistor inverting terminal | Completes gain-setting resistor network; matches +RG for precision |
| –VIN (Pin 6) | Inverting input | Completes differential input pair; common-mode range ±2.1 V |
| –VCC (Pins 7, 8) | Negative supply rail | Connects to –5 V; dual pins reduce ground bounce in high-speed operation |
| VREF (Pin 9) | Output buffer reference | Noninverting input of output buffer; sets DC level of VOUT |
| VOUT (Pin 10) | Single-ended output | Delivers amplified signal; ±3.6 V swing into 1-kΩ load |
| GND (Pin 11) | Analog ground | Primary ground return; separate from power ground in layout-sensitive designs |
| FB (Pin 12) | Feedback resistor connection | Inverting input of output buffer; connects to RF for gain stabilization |
| NC (Pin 13) | No connection | Not bonded; must remain unconnected per TI design guidelines |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Differential input / single-ended output | Eliminates need for external balun or transformer in line-receiver applications |
| External gain resistor configuration | Enables flexible maximum gain setting (2–40 V/V) without redesigning IC core |
| High output current drive | Directly drives 100-Ω loads at 4-VPP without external amplification stage |
| DC-coupled architecture | Supports baseband signals down to 0 Hz - critical for video and instrumentation |
| Low input voltage noise | 6 nV/√Hz above 100 kHz - preserves SNR in low-level signal amplification |
Applications
| Differential Line Receiver | Differential Equalizer |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Receiving high-speed serial data over lossy PCB traces or cables with frequency-dependent attenuation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Differential-to-single-ended conversion with programmable gain to compensate for channel loss. Use Value: Maintains signal integrity up to 135 MHz with 0.1-dB flatness, reducing bit error rates in backplane links. | Use Scenario: Compensating RC-induced roll-off in high-definition video transmission lines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Active equalization using gain-controlled frequency response shaping. Use Value: Restores high-frequency content with 710-MHz bandwidth at low gain, enabling clean 1080p/60 video recovery. |
| Pulse Amplitude Compensation | Voltage-Tunable Active Filter |
Use Scenario: Stabilizing pulse height in time-of-flight or laser ranging systems where signal amplitude varies with distance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Real-time analog gain adjustment synchronized to pulse timing. Use Value: 240-MHz gain control bandwidth ensures sub-ns response to amplitude changes, preserving pulse fidelity. | Use Scenario: Implementing tunable low-pass or band-pass filtering in software-defined radio front ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Gain-varying element in filter transfer function topology. Use Value: Linear-in-V/V control enables precise cutoff frequency tuning without digital calibration or lookup 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| VCA822IDR | Same 40-dB gain range and 420-MHz bandwidth at G = 10 V/V, but lower slew rate (1800 V/µs) and no VREF pin | Lacks VREF for output DC level control; unsuitable for DC-coupled systems requiring precise output offset | Select VCA822IDR only when DC coupling and output-level programmability are not required |
| VCA821IDR | Higher 420-MHz bandwidth at G = 10 V/V, but narrower 0.1-dB flatness (100 MHz vs. 135 MHz) and lower output current (±60 mA) | Insufficient drive strength for 100-Ω loads at full swing; limited in high-current equalizer designs | Choose VCA821IDR when bandwidth priority outweighs flatness and drive requirements |
Compared with VCA822IDR and VCA821IDR, the VCA824IDR uniquely combines 135-MHz 0.1-dB flatness, ±90-mA output drive, and VREF-based DC-level control - making it optimal for precision differential equalization and DC-coupled pulse compensation.
Availability
VCA824IDR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed differential receivers, video equalizers, pulse amplitude compensators, and tunable active filters requiring stable component supply and guaranteed long-term sourcing.
Supply support for VCA824IDR 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 90 years of innovation in high-performance signal chain solutions.
The VCA824IDR belongs to TI's ultra-wideband variable gain amplifier product line, engineered for precision analog signal conditioning in high-speed communications, test equipment, and professional video infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the maximum gain-setting range supported by the VCA824IDR?
The VCA824IDR supports an externally configurable maximum gain range from 2 V/V to 40 V/V, set by the ratio of feedback resistor RF and gain-set resistor RG. This flexibility allows system designers to optimize dynamic range and noise performance for specific signal chain requirements without changing the VCA824IDR itself.
Does the VCA824IDR require external output buffering when driving a 100-Ω load?
No, the VCA824IDR does not require external output buffering when driving a 100-Ω load. It delivers ±90 mA output current and achieves 3.6-VPP swing into 100 Ω at 25°C, meeting typical high-speed interface requirements directly. This eliminates added latency, board space, and cost associated with discrete buffer stages.
How does the VCA824IDR achieve 0.1-dB gain flatness to 135 MHz?
The VCA824IDR achieves 0.1-dB gain flatness to 135 MHz through its internal current-feedback amplifier architecture and optimized compensation network. This performance is verified under AVMAX = 10 V/V, VG = 1 V, and VO = 2 VPP conditions, ensuring minimal amplitude variation across wideband video and communication spectra without external equalization.
Can the VCA824IDR operate from a single supply?
No, the VCA824IDR requires dual ±5-V supplies for specified operation, with absolute maximum ratings of ±6.5 V. Its input common-mode range (±2.1 V) and output swing (±3.6 V into 1 kΩ) are defined only under symmetric dual-rail conditions. Single-supply use is not supported and may result in clipping or functional failure.
What is the role of the VREF pin on the VCA824IDR?
The VREF pin on the VCA824IDR serves as the noninverting input of the internal output buffer, allowing precise control of the DC level at VOUT. By applying a stable reference voltage (e.g., mid-supply), designers can set the output common-mode voltage independently of gain or input signal, which is essential for interfacing with ADCs or downstream DC-coupled stages.
VCA824IDR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 14-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Amplifier Type:
- Variable Gain
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Output Type:
- -
- Slew Rate:
- 2500V/µs
- Gain Bandwidth Product:
- -
- -3db Bandwidth:
- 710 MHz
- Current - Input Bias:
- 19 µA
- Voltage - Input Offset:
- 4 mV
- Current - Supply:
- 36.5mA
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 90 mA
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- 8 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 12 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 14-SOIC
VCA824IDR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for VCA824IDR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for VCA824IDR 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 VCA824IDR reliable?
The price and inventory of VCA824IDR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for VCA824IDR is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for VCA824IDR?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for VCA824IDR transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for VCA824IDR?
VCA824IDR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your VCA824IDR 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 VCA824IDR?
For technical support, including VCA824IDR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your VCA824IDR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that VCA824IDR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All VCA824IDR 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 VCA824IDR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of VCA824IDR?
All VCA824IDR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with VCA824IDR, 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 VCA824IDR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for VCA824IDR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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