The industry's lowest power zero-drift operational amplifier consumes only 1.3μA of current

     Linear Technology Corporation, a unit of Analog Devices, introduced the LTC2063, a zero-drift operational amplifier that draws only 1.3μA typical current (up to 2μA) on a 1.8V supply. This micropower amplifier maintains undiscounted accuracy: a maximum input offset voltage of 5μV at 25°C and a maximum drift of 0.06μV/°C from -40 °C to 125°C. The maximum input bias current is 15pA at 25°C and 100pA in the range -40 °C to 125°C. These high precision input characteristics allow the use of feedback network resistors with large resistance values, thereby maintaining low power consumption without compromising accuracy, even as temperatures rise.

     Rail-to-rail inputs and outputs simplify single-power usage and increase dynamic range. An integrated EMI filter provides 114dB EMI suppression at 1.8GHz. With the low 1/f noise inherent in the zero-drift architecture, the LTC2063 is ideally suited to amplify and condition low-frequency sensor signals in high-temperature industrial and automotive systems, as well as in portable and wireless sensor network applications.

     The LTC2063 is packaged in SOT-23 and SC70. The SC70 version includes a shutdown mode that reduces current consumption to only 90nA when the amplifier is not in use. This enables ultra-low power duty cycle sensor applications. For example, a precise and low-duty oxygen sensor circuit shown in the data table consumes less than 200nA average current.

     Ross Yu, Marketing Manager at Dust Networks®, said: "The LTC2063 enables a new class of precision measurement solutions that can be placed anywhere. Its ultra-low power and high precision make it the perfect companion to Dust Networks' SmartMesh® wireless sensor networks, extending the range of accurate measurements to places that were simply not possible before."

     An example is the DC2369A wireless current detection reference board, which uses LTC2063 and LTP™5901-IPM SmartMesh IP™ modules and other micro-power components to produce an isolated floating current detection measurement platform that can operate for many years on small batteries.