Achieving optimum performance with a
high-frequency amplifier (like the OPAx863A) requires careful
attention to board layout parasitics and external component types. The High Speed Amplifiers Generic DSN Evaluation
Module user's guide can be used as a reference
when designing the circuit board. Recommendations that optimize performance includes
the following:
- Minimize parasitic capacitance to any ac
ground for all of the signal I/O pins. Parasitic capacitance on the output and
inverting input pins can cause instability on the noninverting input and can
react with the source impedance to cause unintentional band-limiting. Open a
window around the signal I/O pins in all of the ground and power planes around
those pins to reduce unwanted capacitance. Otherwise, ground and power planes
must be unbroken elsewhere on the board.
- Minimize the distance (< 0.1 in) from
the power-supply pins to high-frequency 0.01‑µF decoupling capacitors. Avoid
narrow power and ground traces to minimize inductance between the pins and the
decoupling capacitors. Always decouple the power-supply connections these
capacitors. Use larger (2.2‑µF to 6.8‑µF) decoupling capacitors, effective at
lower frequency, on the supply pins. These capacitors can be placed somewhat
farther from the device and shared among several devices in the same area of the
PCB.
- Carefully select and place external components
to preserve the high-frequency performance of the OPAx863A. Use low-reactance-type resistors. Surface-mount resistors work best
and allow a tighter overall layout. Place other network components, such as
noninverting input termination resistors, close to the package. Keep resistor
values as low as possible and consistent with load-driving considerations. Lower
the resistor values to keep the resistor noise terms low and minimize the effect
of the parasitic capacitance. Lower resistor values, however, increase the
dynamic power consumption because RF and RG become part of
the amplifier output load network.