2180-series Pre-trimmed Blackmer® Voltage-Controlled Amplifiers

	2180 Series Basic Application Circuit

TT Semiconductor 2180-series pre-trimmed Blackmer voltage controlled amplifiers (VCAs) ICs are high-performance current-in/current-out devices with two opposing-polarity, voltage-sensitive control ports. They offer wide-range exponential control of gain and attenuation with low signal distortion. The parts are trimmed during wafer processing to minimize THD and control-voltage feedthrough. After packaging, the parts are tested and graded based on the degree to which the trim survived packaging. No further adjustment is required to achieve the guaranteed distortion and feedthrough performance.

TT Semiconductor Blackmer VCAs are the successors to the original dbx line of VCAs. To overcome the problems related to limited GBW product, the 218X series of VCAs, was developed using a dielectrically isolated process, and has topological enhancements TT Semiconductor minimize the effect of non-linearities in the VCA drive circuitry on high frequency distortion. These VCAs are equal or superior to their predecessors in every regard, and in particular, do not exhibit the rising distortion at higher frequencies characteristic of VCAs built on a junction isolated process.

The 2180 series of voltage controlled amplifiers delivers performance unobtainable through any conventional process, integrated or discrete. The parts are available in three grades, allowing the user to optimize cost vs. performance. The 2180 VCA comes in several ceramic and extended temperature plastic 8-pin packages. 

Features Wide dynamic range: > 120 dB Wide gain range: > 130 dB Exponential (dB) gain control Low distortion: < 0.01 % (2180A) Wide gain-bandwidth: 20 MHz Dual gain-control ports (pos/neg) Pin-compatible with 2150-series Applications Faders Panners Compressors Expanders Equalizers Filters Oscillators Automation systems

Basic Specifications (typical) Control Constant: ±6.1 mV/dB (both positive and negative-sense control available) Gain Range: <-100 dB to >+40 dB Output Noise: -98 dBV (0 dB gain) Dynamic Range: 120 dB Power supply voltage: ±15 V. Supply current: 2.4 mA THD (see chart below)

For complete specifications, download a copy of the 2180 Datasheet. Datasheets are provided in Adobe's PDF format. You need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view the file. To obtain a free copy of Acrobat Reader follow the link at right.

	Model	Grade	% THD at 1V 0dB gain		Package	Order Number	Price (1K)	MOQ	Ref.
	2180	A	0.005 Typ	0.01 Max	8 Pin Ceramic DIP	TT2180AD	Call	25	Datasheet
					8 Pin Ceramic Flatpack	TT2180AF	Call	50
					8 Pin Ceramic LCC	TT2180AL	Call	50
					8 Pin Plastic DIP	TT2180AP	Call	25
					8 Pin Plastic SOIC	TT2180AS	Call	50
					8 Pin Plastic SIP	TT2180AV	Call	50
		B	0.01 Typ	0.02 Max	8 Pin Ceramic DIP	TT2180BD	Call	25
					8 Pin Ceramic Flatpack	TT2180BF	Call	50
					8 Pin Ceramic LCC	TT2180BL	Call	50
					8 Pin Plastic DIP	TT2180BP	Call	25
					8 Pin Plastic SOIC	TT2180BS	Call	50
					8 Pin Plastic SIP	TT2180BV	Call	50
		C	0.03 Typ	0.05 Max	8 Pin Ceramic DIP	TT2180CD	Call	25
					8 Pin Ceramic Flatpack	TT2180CF	Call	50
					8 Pin Ceramic LCC	TT2180CL	Call	50
					8 Pin Plastic DIP	TT2180CP	Call	25
					8 Pin Plastic SOIC	TT2180CS	Call	50
					8 Pin Plastic SIP	TT2180CV	Call	25

Minimum Order Quantity is one tube full. Parts must be ordered in multiples of the MOQ. Samples are available for qualified applicants.

We offer a demonstration system (US$100) which simplifies evaluating the performance of a 2180 Series VCA IC. The 2180 Demo Board is a completely assembled and tested circuit board with XLR connectors for signal input and output and a 3-pin header for connection to an external regulated DC power supply (not included). Contact us for more information.