Application Report

SBOA097B – June 2004 – Revised May 2015

High-Voltage Signal Conditioning for Low-Voltage ADCs

Pete Wilson, P.E. ............................................ High-Performance Linear Products/Analog Field Applications

ABSTRACT
Analog designers are frequently required to develop circuits that convert high-voltage signals to levels
acceptable for low-voltage data converters. This paper describes several solutions for this common task
using modern amplifiers and typical power supplies. Five examples of conditioning ±10V bipolar signals for
low-voltage, single-rail analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are presented: a modular approach, a single-
supply/single-part approach, and an instrumentation amplifier approach. Both single-ended, differential
input versions are discussed.

Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 2
2 Circuit 1: The Modular Approach .......................................................................................... 2
3 Circuit 2: Single-Supply/Single-Port Approach ........................................................................... 4
4 Circuit 3: Difference Amp Approach ....................................................................................... 5
5 Circuit 4: Differential Input with INA146 ................................................................................... 7
6 Circuit 5: Differential Input Modular ....................................................................................... 8
7 Voltage References and Ranges .......................................................................................... 8
8 References ................................................................................................................... 9

List of Figures
1 Circuit 1: Modular Design ................................................................................................... 2
2 DC Sweep of Circuit 1 ...................................................................................................... 3
3 Circuit 2: Single-Supply/Single-Part ....................................................................................... 4
4 DC Sweep of Circuit 2 ...................................................................................................... 5
5 Circuit 3: INA146 ............................................................................................................. 5
6 DC Sweep of Circuit 3 ...................................................................................................... 6
7 Circuit 4 (Circuit 3 with Differential Input)................................................................................. 7
8 Circuit 5 (Circuit 1 with Differential Input) ................................................................................. 8
Trademarks
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Introduction www.ti.com

1 Introduction
Analog front-end designers are often confronted with the challenge of coupling high-voltage bipolar signals
to ADCs that operate on low-voltage single supplies. Traditional single-part, high-voltage converters are
becoming obsolete, although many applications continue to use high-voltage bipolar analog signals.
Modern data converters are designed on small geometry processes because of advanced digital
capabilities, higher yields, and overall lower costs. Op amps, on the other hand, are designed on large
geometry processes to withstand higher internal voltages and allow precise control of internal elements.
Modern op amps offer several outstanding features, such as rail-to-rail I/O, a wide input common-mode
voltage range, linear transfer functions, low power consumption and low-voltage operation. By using
discrete op amps and data converters, designers can optimize circuit performance by using the proper
part and avoiding expensive, compromised, single-part solutions.

2 Circuit 1: The Modular Approach

The circuit shown in Figure 1 is a classic modular approach to circuit design. The first stage is attenuation.
The second stage is level-shifting. This style is convenient because designers can compartmentalize
adjustments. Input range can be adjusted by changing R1. Level-shift can be changed by adjusting
REF1V50. These parameters are independent and can be tuned with minimal interactions. Furthermore,
designers may want to include anti-alias filtering or other analog functions. These blocks can be neatly
inserted at node N2.
RN1A RN1B
10k 10k

VIN +3V
+12V 7
2 V+
R2 7 RN1C
2 V+ 6
10.0k 10k U2 OPA364 VOUT
6 N2 N3
U1 OPA277
V1 N1 3 4 V-
3 4 V-
R1 RN1D
-12V 10k
1.78k

+3V REF1V50

+3V
RN2A 7
1k 2 V+
U3 OPA335 6

3 4 V-
RN2B
1k

Figure 1. Circuit 1: Modular Design

On the front-end voltage divider, the equation for R1 is:

R1 VOUT
=
R2 (VIN - VOUT ) (1)
In Circuit 1, the following values are used:
• VOUT = 3V
• VIN = 20(±10)V = V1
• R1 = 1.76k (1.78k is closest standard value)
• R2 = 10k
• REF1V50 = midpoint of ADC full-scale input range.

2 High-Voltage Signal Conditioning for Low-Voltage ADCs SBOA097B – June 2004 – Revised May 2015
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www.ti.com Circuit 1: The Modular Approach

These component values can be altered to account for different input ranges or input impedance
requirements. In this example, the value of R2 is held constant to simplify calculations and reduce
trimming to one element.
The first stage op amp is an OPA277. The OPA277 was chosen for its low VIO, low drift, and bipolar
swing. This stage needs to have bipolar swing about ground because the input signal is bipolar. The
OPA277 is also a great candidate for active-filter stages. TI's free FilterPro design tool (available for
download at www.ti.com) can be used to design and model active filters. FilterPro presumes that the
amplifiers under consideration are operating in a bipolar mode, making node N1 the appropriate place for
filters. Another option for the first stage is the OPA725, which is suitable for bipolar stages with ±5V rails.
The second stage op amp is the OPA364. This outstanding, low-voltage op amp offers many assets which
are ideal at this stage: it is low-voltage and low-power, in addition to having a large input common-mode
voltage range. It also has zero crossover distortion for linear, monotonic, large-signal output.
Resistor networks are used to bias the OPA364 and the reference because they are matched. This
ratiometric design takes advantage of this property. Gain errors from mismatched components cannot be
distinguished from genuine signals. For example, the gain error from discrete 1% components is
equivalent to –40dB of erroneous signal. This is inadequate for 12-bit, or higher, conversions, where the
minimum detectable signal is below –70dB. Resistor networks with ratio 0.01% tolerances (–80dB) are
readily available. High-quality metal foil networks with 0.005% tolerances (–106dB) may be necessary for
extreme cases.
The DC sweep plot of Circuit 1 is shown in Figure 2. Node N3 shows the input common-mode voltage
swing of the second stage.
4.0

3.0
(0, 1.50V)
2.0
Volts Out

1.0 VOUT

0 VN3

-1.0
VN1

-2.0
-12 -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Volts In

Figure 2. DC Sweep of Circuit 1

Designers may want to consider the INA132 or the INA152 for the second stage. These amps are
considerably slower than the OPA364, but they come with precision-matched internal resistors to reduce
gain errors. In general, DC precision is desirable for open-loop applications such as temperature sensors
or calibrated transducers, where absolute accuracy, offset and drift are critical. This precision makes the
INA132 a good choice for absolute measurements. In closed-loop applications such as servos loops or
PID controllers, high-speed and monotonicity are desirable. In closed-loop systems, DC offsets and gain
errors will be canceled by feedback and calibration. This makes the OPA364, or the OPA301, a good
choice for servos and feedback signals.

SBOA097B – June 2004 – Revised May 2015 High-Voltage Signal Conditioning for Low-Voltage ADCs 3
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Circuit 2: Single-Supply/Single-Port Approach www.ti.com

3 Circuit 2: Single-Supply/Single-Port Approach

Figure 3 shows a circuit that is attractive to designers who are limited to a single low-voltage supply. The
proper selection of biasing components enables both the attenuation and level-shifting functions to be
accomplished in one stage.
R1 R2
20.0k 3.01k

+3V
0
7
2 V+
R3
6
VIN 20.0k U1 OPA364 VOUT
N1
3 4 V-

R4
3.01k
V1
+3V REF1V50

+3V
RN1A 7
1k 2 V+
U2 OPA335 6

3 4 V-
RN1B
1k

Figure 3. Circuit 2: Single-Supply/Single-Part

The following series of formulas defines the relationship of the bias components:
R1 = R3 (2)
R2 = R4 (3)
R1 V
= IN
R2 VOUT (4)
Circuit 2 uses the following values:
• VOUT = 3V
• VIN = 20(±10)V = V1
• R1 = R3 = 20.0k 1%
• R2 = R4 = 3.01k 1%
• REF1V50 = midpoint of ADC full-scale input range.
This architecture is much more compact than the modular solution of Circuit 1; however, it does rely on
tight component tolerances, and does not offer either simple adjustment or filter insertion options. The DC
sweep plot of Circuit 2 is shown in Figure 4. Note the large common-mode voltage swing at node N1 and
the rail-to-rail output range. These two requirements make the OPA364 the best choice. Also, note the
output clamping action of the OPA364, which ensures that the ADC output is not overdriven. This design
can be used with input voltages far outside the power-supply rails, though designers need to pay attention
to the power dissipated in R3 and the input common-mode voltage limitations of the operational amplifier.

4 High-Voltage Signal Conditioning for Low-Voltage ADCs SBOA097B – June 2004 – Revised May 2015
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www.ti.com Circuit 3: Difference Amp Approach

3.5

3.0
VOUT
2.5

2.0 (0, 1.50)

Volts Out
VN1
1.5

1.0

0.5

-0.5
-12 -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Volts In

Figure 4. DC Sweep of Circuit 2

4 Circuit 3: Difference Amp Approach

Figure 5 shows a circuit designed with the INA146. This part has built-in biasing components for
attenuation and a user-programmable gain stage. Additionally, the difference amp offers excellent
common-mode rejection.
RG1 RF1
10.0kW 15kW
(1%) (1%)
REF2V5

+5V

7 5
10kW
RG2
100kW NI 10kW
2
(1%) VOUT
6
3

100kW 10kW
VIN
INA146

4 1 8
V01

+5V

RN1A
1kW
OPA335 REF2V5

RN1B
1kW

Figure 5. Circuit 3: INA146

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The following equations relate the bias components:

VOUT æ 10k ö æ RF ö
=ç ÷ ´ ç1 + ÷
VIN è 100k ø è RG ø (5)
æ 100k VOUT ö
RF = RG ç ´ - 1÷
è 10k VIN ø (6)
æ 100k 5 ö
RF = 10k ç ´ - 1÷ = 15k
è 10k 20 ø (7)
With RG = 10k.
Figure 6 shows the DC sweep of Circuit 3.
6.0

5.0
VOUT
4.0
Volts Out

(0, 2.50V)
3.0
V01 VN1
2.0

1.0

0
-12 -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Volts In

Figure 6. DC Sweep of Circuit 3

6 High-Voltage Signal Conditioning for Low-Voltage ADCs SBOA097B – June 2004 – Revised May 2015
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www.ti.com Circuit 4: Differential Input with INA146

5 Circuit 4: Differential Input with INA146

Some systems have differential inputs. This is a popular technique to reduce common-mode noise. Audio
engineers have used low-level, differential signals in harsh on-stage environments for decades. The
INA146 is designed for these types of applications. Figure 7 shows Circuit 3 adapted for differential input.
However, changing Circuit 3 from single-ended to differential is straightforward. Note the polarity reversal
of the inputs.
RG1 RF1
10.0kW 15kW
(1%) (1%)
REF2V5

+5V

7 5

10kW

100kW NI 10kW
2
(1%) VOUT
6
3
VIN 100kW 10kW
INA146
4 1 8
V01

+5V

RN1A
1kW
OPA335 REF2V5

RN1B
1kW

Figure 7. Circuit 4 (Circuit 3 with Differential Input)

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6 Circuit 5: Differential Input Modular

Circuit 1 can also be adapted for differential input. The changes require more effort, though; additionally,
the attenuation stages are inverting, and the overall circuit looks more like a classic differential audio input.
Note the use of matched components in this circuit. Figure 8 shows Circuit 5.
RN1A RN2A
20k 3k

+12V
8 RN3A RN3B
2 V+ 10k 10k
U1A OPA2277 1
V1
3 4 V-
-12V

RN1B RN2B
20k 3k
N1
+3V
+12V 7
2 V+
8 RN3C
6 V+ 6
10k U2 OPA364 OUT+
7 N2 N3
U1B OPA2277
3 4 V-
5 4 V-
RN3D
-12V
10k

REF1V50
+3V

+3V
RN4A 7
2 V+
1k
6
U3 OPA335

3 4 V-
RN4B
1k

Figure 8. Circuit 5 (Circuit 1 with Differential Input)

7 Voltage References and Ranges

The references shown in these examples are simple. They are for ratiometric applications where the ADC
range is the rail. The references shown are VCC/2, or at the mid-scale of the ADC range. This proportion is
required for these circuits. 3.3V or 5V can be used in any of these designs; the references would be 1.65V
or 2.5V, respectively. These designs will work with absolute references as well, as long as the VREF is one-
half of the ADC full-scale range.
The other requirement is a good buffer driving the reference signal. These designs put a wide range of
loads on the reference, and a buffer is essential. For in-depth information on buffering references for
precision and high-resolution designs, see Application Note Voltage Reference Filters (SBVA002).

8 High-Voltage Signal Conditioning for Low-Voltage ADCs SBOA097B – June 2004 – Revised May 2015
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www.ti.com References

8 References
1. Bishop, J., B. Trump, and R.M. Stitt. MFB Low-Pass Filter Design Program. Application note.
(SBFA001)
2. Stitt, R.M. Voltage Reference Filters. Application note. (SBVA002)
3. Wilson, P. High-Voltage Signal Conditioning. Application note. (SBOA096)
4. FilterPro™ MFB and Sallen-Key Design Program. Executable program. (SLVC003.zip)
To obtain a copy of the referenced documents, visit the Texas Instruments web site at www.ti.com.

Revision History
NOTE: Page numbers for previous revisions may differ from page numbers in the current version.

Changes from A Revision (June 2004) to B Revision .................................................................................................... Page

• Changed format to current TI application report template. .......................................................................... 1

SBOA097B – June 2004 – Revised May 2015 Revision History 9

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