PGA206

series introduction

# PGA206 Product Series Introduction

## 1. Overview
The PGA206 is a precision instrumentation amplifier product series renowned for its high - performance and versatility in a wide range of applications. Instrumentation amplifiers are crucial components in many electronic systems as they are designed to amplify small differential signals while rejecting common - mode noise. The PGA206 series stands out due to its unique features and excellent electrical characteristics, making it a top choice for engineers and designers working on various projects.

## 2. Key Features

### 2.1 Programmable Gain
One of the most significant features of the PGA206 series is its programmable gain. It offers four selectable gains: 1, 10, 100, and 1000. This programmability allows users to easily adjust the amplification level according to the specific requirements of their application. For example, in a sensor - based system where the output signal strength can vary widely depending on the environmental conditions or the type of sensor used, the ability to change the gain on - the - fly is extremely valuable. The gain selection can be controlled through two digital input pins, providing a simple and straightforward way to configure the amplifier.

### 2.2 High Input Impedance
The PGA206 has a very high input impedance, typically in the order of several giga - ohms. This high input impedance ensures that the amplifier draws minimal current from the source signal, which is crucial when dealing with high - impedance sensors or signal sources. It helps to prevent signal loading, which can distort the original signal and lead to inaccurate measurements. As a result, the PGA206 can accurately amplify weak signals without significantly altering their characteristics.

### 2.3 Low Offset Voltage and Drift
Offset voltage is an inherent error in amplifiers that can cause a non - zero output even when the input signal is zero. The PGA206 series features low offset voltage, which means that the output error due to this factor is minimized. Additionally, the low offset voltage drift over temperature ensures that the amplifier maintains its accuracy over a wide temperature range. This is particularly important in applications where the operating environment can experience significant temperature variations, such as industrial and automotive applications.

### 2.4 High Common - Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR)
The common - mode rejection ratio is a measure of an amplifier's ability to reject common - mode signals (signals that appear equally on both input terminals) while amplifying the differential signal. The PGA206 has a high CMRR, typically in the range of 100 dB or more. This high CMRR makes the amplifier highly effective at suppressing noise and interference that is common to both input signals, resulting in a cleaner and more accurate output signal.

### 2.5 Low Noise
Noise is another critical factor in amplifier performance, especially when dealing with small signals. The PGA206 series is designed to have low noise characteristics, which helps to preserve the integrity of the input signal. Low noise is essential in applications such as medical instrumentation, where the detection of weak biological signals is required, and any additional noise can mask the desired signal.

## 3. Applications

### 3.1 Sensor Signal Conditioning
The PGA206 is widely used in sensor signal conditioning applications. Many sensors, such as strain gauges, thermocouples, and pressure sensors, produce small differential signals that need to be amplified before further processing. The programmable gain feature of the PGA206 allows it to adapt to different sensor output levels, while its high input impedance and low noise characteristics ensure accurate signal amplification. For example, in a strain gauge - based load cell system, the PGA206 can amplify the small voltage changes produced by the strain gauge due to applied force, providing a usable signal for measurement and control.

### 3.2

Images for reference

16-DIP SOT38-1

16-Dip

16 SOIC

Datasheets

• PGA206, PGA207
• PGA206, PGA207
• PDF 3

Partlist