AD736 True RMS-to-DC Converter

The AD736 is a low power, precision, monolithic true rms to dc converter.

It is laser trimmed to provide a maximum error of ±0.3 mV ± 0.3% of reading with sine wave inputs. Furthermore, it maintains high accuracy while measuring a wide range of input waveforms, including variable duty-cycle pulses and triac (phase)-controlled sine waves. The low cost and small size of

this converter make it suitable for upgrading the performance of non-rms precision rectifiers in many applications. Compared

to these circuits, the AD736 offers higher accuracy at an equal or lower cost.

The AD736 can compute the rms value of both ac and dc input voltages. It can also be operated as an ac-coupled device by adding one external capacitor. In this mode, the AD736 can resolve input signal levels of 100 μV rms or less, despite variations in temperature or supply voltage. High accuracy is also maintained for input waveforms with crest factors of 1 to 3. In addition, crest factors as high as 5 can be measured (introducing only 2.5% additional error) at the 200 mV full-scale input level.

The AD736 has its own output buffer amplifier, thereby providing a great deal of design flexibility. Requiring only 200 µA of power supply current, the AD736 is optimized for use in portable multimeters and other battery-powered applications 

he AD736 allows the choice of two signal input terminals: a high impedance FET input (1012 Ω) that directly interfaces with High-Z input attenuators and a low impedance input (8 kΩ) that allows the measurement of 300 mV input levels while operating from the minimum power supply voltage of +2.8 V, −3.2 V. The two inputs can be used either single ended or differentially. The AD736 has a 1% reading error bandwidth that exceeds 10 kHz for the input amplitudes from 20 mV rms to 200 mV rms while consuming only 1 mW.

The AD736 is available in four performance grades. The AD736J and AD736K grades are rated over the 0°C to +70°C and −20°C to +85°C commercial temperature ranges. The AD736A and AD736B grades are rated over the −40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range. The AD736 is available in three low cost, 8-lead packages: PDIP, SOIC, and CERDIP.

• Converts an ac voltage waveform to a dc voltage and then converts to the true rms, average rectified, or absolute value 200 mV rms full-scale input range (larger inputs with input attenuator)

• High input impedance : 1012 Ω

• Low input bias current : 25 pA maximum

• High accuracy : ±0.3 mV ± 0.3% of reading

• RMS conversion with signal crest factors up to 5

• Wide power supply range : +2.8 V, −3.2 V to ±16.5 V

• Low power : 200 µA maximum supply current

• Buffered voltage output

• No external trims needed for specified accuracy