FEATURES
• Good CMRR: typ. 50 dB at 60Hz
• Low cost, self-contained
• Excellent audio performance
Wide bandwidth: typ. >8.6 MHz
High slew rate: typ. 12 V/μs
Low distortion: typ. 0.0006% THD
Low noise: typ. -103 dBu
• Low current: typ. 2 mA
• Several gains: 0 dB, ±3 dB, ±6 dB
• Industry Standard Pinout
APPLICATIONS
• Balanced Audio Line Receivers
• Instrumentation Amplifiers
• Differential Amplifiers
• Precision Summers
• Current Shunt Monitors
THAT 1250, 1253, 1256
The THAT 1250-series of precision differential
amplifiers was designed primarily for use as balanced
line receivers for audio applications. Gains of 0 db, ±3
dB, and ±6 dB are available to suit various applications
requirements.
These devices include on-board precision thin-
film resistors which offer good matching and excellent
tracking due to their monolithic construction.
Manufactured in THAT Corporation’s proprietary
complementary dielectric isolation (DI) process, the
THAT 1250-series provides the sonic benefits of
discrete designs with the simplicity, reliability, matching
and small size of an integrated solution.
All three versions of the part typically exhibit 50
dB of common-mode rejection. With 12 V/μs slew rate,
>8.6 MHz bandwidth, and 0.0006% THD, these
devices are sonically transparent. Moreover, current
consumption is typically a low 2 mA. Both surface-
mount and DIP packages are available.
The THAT 1256 is pin-compatible with the TI
INA137 and Analog Devices SSM2143, while the THAT
1250 is pin-compatible with the TI INA134 and Analog
Devices SSM2141.
Description
Sense
Vout
Ref
V
cc
Vee
In+
In-
NC
R1R2
R3R4
Gain R1 , R3R2 , R4
Part no.
THAT1250
THAT1253
THAT1256
0 dB
-3 dB
-6 dB
Figure
1.
THAT 1250
-
series equivalent circuit diagram
88NC
77Vcc
66Vout
55Sense
44Vee
33In+
22In-
11Ref
SO PinDIP PinPin Name
Table 1. 1250-series pin assignments
Low Cost, Balanced
Line Receiver ICs
THAT Corporation; 45 Sumner Street; Milford, MA 01757-1656; US
A
Tel: +1 508 478 9200; Fax: +1 508 478 0990; Web: www.thatcorp.com
Copyright © 2008, THAT Corporation Document 600068 Rev 02
1256S08-U1256P08-U±6 dB
1253S08-U1253P08-U±3 dB
1250S08-U1250P08-U0 dB
Plastic SOPlastic DIPGain
Table 2. Ordering information
Document 600068 Rev 02 Page 2 of 8 THAT 1250 Series
Low-cost Balanced Line Receiver ICs
THAT Corporation; 45 Sumner Street; Milford, MA 01757-1656; USA
Tel: +1 508 478 9200; Fax: +1 508 478 0990; Web: www.thatcorp.com
Copyright © 2008, THAT Corporation
Supply Voltages (VCC - VEE)40V
Maximum In- or In+ Voltage -50V + VCC, 50V + VEE
Max/Min Ref or Sense Voltage VCC + 0.5V, VEE - 0.5V
Maximum Output Voltage (VOM)V
CC + 0.5V, VEE - 0.5V
Storage Temperature Range (TST) -40 to +125 ºC
Operating Temperature Range (TOP) 0 to +85 ºC
Output Short-Circuit Duration (tSH) Continuous
Junction Temperature (TJ) +125 ºC
Absolute Maximum Ratings2,3
SPECIFICATIONS1
Parameter Symbol Conditions Min Typ Max Units
Supply Current ICC No signal 2.0 2.8 mA
Supply Voltage VCC-VEE 6 36 V
Input Voltage Range VIN-DIFF Differential (equal and opposite swing)
1250 (0dB gain) 21.5 dBu
1253 (-3dB gain) 24.4 dBu
1256 (-6dB gain) 27.5 dBu
VIN-CM Common Mode
1250 (0dB gain) 27.5 dBu
1253 (-3dB gain) 29.1 dBu
1256 (-6dB gain) 31 dBu
Input Impedance5ZIN-DIFF Differential
1250 (0dB gain) 18 kΩ
1253 (-3dB gain) 21 kΩ
1256 (-6dB gain) 24 kΩ
ZIN-CM Common Mode
All versions 18 kΩ
Common Mode Rejection Ratio CMRR Matched source impedances; VCM = ±10V
DC 40 50 dB
60Hz 40 50 dB
20kHz 50 dB
Power Supply Rejection Ratio6PSRR ±3V to ±18V; VCC = -VEE; all gains 90 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion THD VIN_DIFF = 10dBV, f = 1kHz, BW = 22kHz, RL = 2 k
0.0006 %
Output Noise eOUT 22 Hz to 22kHz bandwidth
1250 (0dB gain) -103 dBu
1253 (-3dB gain) -105 dBu
1256 (-6dB gain) -106 dBu
Slew Rate SR RL = 2kΩ; CL = 300 pF, all gains 12 V/μs
Electrical Characteristics2,4
1. All specifications are subject to change without notice.
2. Unless otherwise noted, TA=25ºC, VCC=+15V, VEE= -15V.
3. Stresses above those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only; the functional operation of
the device at these or any other conditions above those indicated in the operational sections of this specification is not impli ed. Exposure to absolute maximum rating condi-
tions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
4. 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms.
5. While specific resistor ratios are very closely trimmed, absolute resistance values can vary ±25% from the typical values shown. Input impedance is
monitored by lot sampling.
6. Defined with respect to differential gain.
7. Parameter guaranteed over the entire range of power supply and temperature.
The THAT 1250-series ICs consist of high
performance opamps with integrated, thin-film resis-
tors. These designs take full advantage of THAT fully
complementary dielectric isolation (DI) process to
deliver excellent performance with low current
consumption. The devices are simple to apply in
many applications.
Resistor Matching, Values, and CMRR
The 1250-series devices rely upon the inherent
matching of silicon-chromium (Si-Cr), thin-film,
integrated resistors to achieve a 50 dB common
mode rejection ratio and tight gain accuracy. No
trimming is performed. As a result of their
monolithic construction, the R3/R4 ratio generally
matches within ±0.5% of the R1/R2 ratio. 0.5%
matching is about 50 dB CMRR for the 1256 and 52
dB for the 1250.
However, while the resistor ratios are tightly
controlled, the actual value of any individual resistor
is not. Lot-to-lot variations of up to ±30 % are to be
expected.
If higher CMRR is required in a simple input
stage, consider the THAT 1240-series ICs. These
parts are laser trimmed to improve the inherent
precision of our thin-film resistor process. For
THAT 1250 Series Page 3 of 8 Document 600068 Rev 02
Low-cost Balanced Line Receiver ICs
THAT Corporation; 45 Sumner Street; Milford, MA 01757-1656; USA
Tel: +1 508 478 9200; Fax: +1 508 478 0990; Web: www.thatcorp.com
Copyright © 2008, THAT Corporation
Parameter Symbol Conditions Min Typ Max Units
Small signal bandwidth BW-3dB RL = 2kΩ; CL = 10 pF
1250 (0dB gain) 8.6 MHz
1253 (-3dB gain) 12.2 MHz
1256 (-6dB gain) 18 MHz
Output Gain Error GER-OUT f = 1 kHz -0.2 0 +0.2 dB
Output Voltage Swing VO+ RL = 2kΩ; CL = 200 pF VCC-3 VCC-2 V
VO- RL = 2kΩ; CL = 200 pF VEE+2 VEE+3 V
Output Offset Voltage VOFF No signal -10 +10 mV
Output Short Circuit Current ISC RL = 0 Ω ±25 mA
Capacitive Load7CL 200 pF
Electrical Characteristics (con’t)2,4
R2
R1
R4
R3
Sense
Vout
Ref
V
CC
VEE
VIN(CM)
In+
In-
RL
½vIN(DIFF)
~
~
~
b
aCL
½vIN(DIFF)
Figure 2. THAT 1250 series test circuit
T
heory of Operation
demandin
g
applications in which the source imped-
ance balance may be less than perfect, the 1200-
series ICs offer exceptional CMRR performance via a
patented method of increasing common-mode input
impedance.
Input Considerations
The 1250-series devices are internally protected
against input overload via an unusual arrangement of
diodes connecting the + and - Input pins to the
power supply pins. The circuit of Figure 3 shows the
arrangement used for the R3 / R4 side; a similar one
applies to the other side. The zener diodes prevent
the protection network from conducting until an
input pin is raised at least 50 V above VCC or below
VEE. Thus, the protection networks protect the
devices without constraining the allowable signal
swing at the input pins. The reference (and sense)
pins are protected via more conventional reverse-
biased diodes which will conduct if these pins are
raised above VCC or below VEE.
Because the 1250-series devices are input
stages, their input pins are of necessity connected to
the outside world. This is likely to expose the parts
to ESD when cables are connected and disconnected.
Our testing indicates that the 1250-series devices will
typically withstand application of up to 1,000 volts
under the human body ESD model.
To reduce risk of damage from ESD, and to
prevent RF from reaching the devices, THAT recom-
mends the circuit of Figure 4. C3 through C5 should
be located close to the point where the input signal
comes into the chassis, preferably directly on the
input connector. The unusual circuit design
minimizes the unbalancing impact of differences in
the values of C4 and C5 by forcing the capacitance
from each input to chassis ground to depend primar-
ily on the value of C3. The circuit shown is approxi-
mately ten times less sensitive to mismatches
between C4 and C5 than the more conventional
approach in which the junction of C4 and C5 is
grounded directly6.
Designers frequently seek to improve RF bypass-
ing through the addition of R-C networks at the
inputs (series resistor followed by a capacitor to
ground at each input). Generally, THAT recommends
keeping any such series resistances under 50W, so
as not to upset the intrinsic balance between the
1250’s internal R1/R2 and R3/R4 resistor ratios.
Because the internal resistor absolute values are not
well controlled, the external resistors can interact
with the internal ones in unexpected ways. As an
alternative to a resistor as additional build-out
impedance, THAT recommends the use of a ferrite
bead or balun instead.
If it is necessary to ac-couple the inputs of the
1250-series parts, the coupling capacitors should be
sized to present negligible impedance at any frequen-
cies of interest for common mode rejection. Regard-
less of the type of coupling capacitor chosen,
variations in the values of the two capacitors,
working against the 1250-series input impedance,
can unbalance common mode input signals, convert-
ing them to balanced signals which will not be
rejected by the CMRR of the devices. For this reason,
THAT recommends dc-couplin
the inputs of the
1250-series devices.
Input Voltage Limitations
When configured, respectively, for -3 dB and
-6 dB gain, the 1253 and 1256 devices are capable of
accepting input signals above the power supply rails.
This is because the internal opamp’s inputs connect
to the outside world only through the on-chip resis-
tors R1 through R4 at nodes a and b as shown in
Figure 2. Consider the following analysis.
Differential Input Signals
For differential signals (vIN(DIFF)), the limitation to
signal handling will be output clipping. The outputs
of all the devices typically clip at within 2V of the
supply rails. Therefore, maximum differential input
signal levels are directly related to the gain and
supply rails.
Common-mode Input Signals
For common-mode input signals, there is very
little output signal. The limitation on common-mode
handling is the point at which the inputs are
overloaded. So, we must consider the inputs of the
opamp.
For common-mode signals (VIN(CM)), the common-
mode input current splits to flow through both R1/R2
and through R3/R4. Because vb is constrained to
follow Va, we will consider only the voltage at node a.
The voltage at a can be calculated as:
.
va=vIN(CM)R4
R3+R4
Again, solving for VIN(CM),
.
vIN(CM)=vaR3+R4
R4
For the 1250, (R3 + R4) / R4 = 2. For the 1253,
(R3 + R4) / R4 = 2.4. For the 1256, (R3 + R4) / R4=3.
Furthermore, the same constraints apply to Va as in
the differential analysis.
Following the same reasoning as above, the
maximum common-mode input signal for the 1250 is
(2VCC - 4) V, and the minimum is (2VEE + 4) V. For
the 1253, these figures are (2.4VCC - 4.8) V, and
(2.4VEE + 4.8) V. For the 1256, these figures are
(3VCC - 6) V, and (3VEE + 6) V.
Therefore, for common-mode signals and ±15 V
rails, the 1250 will accept up to ~26 V in either
direction. As an ac signal, this is 52 V peak-peak,
18.4 V rms, or +27.5 dBu. With the same supply
rails, the 1253 will accept up to ~31 V in either
direction. As an ac signal, this is 62 V peak-peak,
21.9 V rms, or +29 dBu. With the same supply rails,
the 1256 will accept up to ~39 V in either direction.
As an ac signal, this is 78 V peak-peak, 27.6 V rms,
or +31 dBu.
Of course, in the real world, differential and
common-mode signals combine. The maximum
signal that can be accommodated will depend on the
Document 600068 Rev 02 Page 4 of 8 THAT 1250 Series
Low-cost Balanced Line Receiver ICs
THAT Corporation; 45 Sumner Street; Milford, MA 01757-1656; USA
Tel: +1 508 478 9200; Fax: +1 508 478 0990; Web: www.thatcorp.com
Copyright © 2008, THAT Corporation
superposition of both differential and common-
mode limitations.
Output Considerations
The 1250-series devices are typically capable of
supplying 25 mA into a short circuit. While they will
survive a short, power dissipation will rise dramati-
cally if the output is shorted. Junction temperature
must be kept under 125 ºC to maintain the devices’
specifications.
These devices are stable with up to 300 pF of
load capacitance.
Power Supply Considerations
The 1250-series parts are not particularly sensi-
tive to the power supply, but they do contain wide
bandwidth opamps. Accordingly, small local bypass
capacitors should be located within a few inches o
f
the supply pins on these parts, as shown in Figure 4.
Selecting a Gain Variation
The three different parts offer different gain
structures to suit different applications. The 1256 is
customarily configured for -6 dB gain, but by revers-
ing the resistor connections, can also be configured
for +6 dB. The 1253 is most often configured for -3
dB gain, but can also be configured for +3 dB. The
choice of input gain is determined by the input
voltage range to be accommodated, and the power
supply voltages used within the circuit.
To minimize noise and maximize signal-to-noise
ratio, the input stage should be selected and config-
ured for the highest possible gain that will ensure
that maximum-level input signals will not clip the
input stage or succeeding stages. For example, with
±18 V supply rails, the 1250-series parts have a
maximum output signal swing of +23 dBu. In order
to accommodate +24 dBu input signals, the
maximum gain for the stage is -1 dB. With ±15 V
supply rails, the maximum output signal swing is
~+21.1 dBu; here, -3 dB is the maximum gain. In
each case, a 1253 configured for -3 dB gain is the
ideal choice. The 1250 (0dB gain only) will not
provide enough headroom at its output to support a
+24 dBu input signal. The 1256 (configured for -6
dB gain) will increase noise, thus reducing dynamic
range, by attenuating the input signal more than
necessary to support a +24 dBu input.
In fact, for most professional audio applications,
THAT recommends the -3 dB input configuration
possible only with the 1253 in order to preserve
dynamic range within a reasonable range of power
supply voltages and external headroom limits.
THAT 1250 Series Page 5 of 8 Document 600068 Rev 02
Low-cost Balanced Line Receiver ICs
THAT Corporation; 45 Sumner Street; Milford, MA 01757-1656; USA
Tel: +1 508 478 9200; Fax: +1 508 478 0990; Web: www.thatcorp.com
Copyright © 2008, THAT Corporation
Figure 5. Zero dB line receiver
6
1
3
2
+In
-In 5
9k 9k
9k 9k
U1
THAT1250
Output
7
4
Sense
Vout
Ref
VCC
VEE
In+
In-
-
+
In+ Ref
VCC
VEE
VCC
VEE
R3R4
Figure 3. Representative input protection circuit
C4
470p
C5
470p
C3
47p
In+
In-
Out
C1
100n
C2
100n
VCC
VEE
In-
2
In+
3
Out 6
U1
THAT1256/1253/1250
Ref
Sens
VEE
VCC 5
7
41
Figure 4. RFI and supply bypassing
The THAT 1250, 1253, and 1256 are usually
thought of as precision differential amplifiers with
gains of zero, -3 and -6 dB respectively. These
devices are primarily intended as balanced line
receivers for audio applications. However, their
topology lends itself to other applications as well.
Basic Balanced Receiver Applications
Figures 5, 6, and 7, respectively, show the THAT
1250, 1256, and 1253 configured as zero, -6 dB, and
-3 dB line receivers. Figures 8 and 9, respectively,
show the 1253 and 1256 configured as +3 dB and
+6 dB line receivers. The higher gains are achieved
by swapping the positions of the resistors within
each pair in regard to signal input vs. Output. In all
five cases, no external resistors are required to set
the desired gain.
Figure 10 shows a THAT 1250 configured as a
precision summing amplifier. This circuit uses both
the In+ and Ref pins as inputs. Because of the good
matching between the resistor pairs, the output
voltage is precisely equal to the sum of the two input
voltages.
More Complex Applications
Figure 11 shows a convenient method of driving
a typical audio ADC with balanced inputs. This
circuit accepts +24 dBu in. By using a pair of THAT
1256 ICs connected in anti-phase, the signal level
between their respective outputs is +24 dBu. An
attenuator network brings this signal down by 24 dB
while attenuating the noise of the line receivers as
well.
The output noise of a THAT 1256 is -106 dBu.
Since there are two of them, and uncorrelated noise
sources add in RMS fashion, the total noise level
going into the resistive pad will be 3 dB higher, or
-103 dBu. The pad reduces the noise level to
-127 dBu at the input to the ADC. The noise density
resulting from the line receivers will therefore be
en line receiver =10 127dBu
20 %0.775
20kHz =2.45 nV
Hz
The thermal noise of the 249 resistor is
2.05 nV/Hz. We can assume that the noise contri-
bution of R8 and R19 will be negligible, and therefore,
the total noise density going into the input of the ADC
will be
en total =(2.45 nV
Hz )2+(2.06 nV
Hz )2=3.2 nV
Hz
The noise floor can then be calculated to be
Noise(dBu)=20 log 3.2 nV
Hz %20kHz
0.775 =−124.7 dBu
Figure 12 shows the recommended method for
controlling gain in a balanced system. In such
circuits, designers are sometimes tempted to keep
the signal balanced and use two Voltage Controlled
Amplifiers (VCAs) to independently control the gain
on each half of the balanced signal. Unfortunately,
this can result in common-mode to differential-mode
Document 600068 Rev 02 Page 6 of 8 THAT 1250 Series
Low-cost Balanced Line Receiver ICs
THAT Corporation; 45 Sumner Street; Milford, MA 01757-1656; USA
Tel: +1 508 478 9200; Fax: +1 508 478 0990; Web: www.thatcorp.com
Copyright © 2008, THAT Corporation
Applications
6
1
3
2
+In
-In 5
12k 6k
12k 6k
U1
THAT1256
Output
7
4
Sense
Vout
Ref
VCC
VEE
In+
In-
Figure 9. +6 dB line receiver
6
1
3
2
+In
-In 5
10.5k 7.5k
10.5k 7.5k
U1
THAT1253
Out
7
4
Sense
Vout
Ref
VCC
VEE
In+
In-
Figure 8. +3 dB line receiver
6
1
3
2
+In
-In 5
12k 6k
12k 6k
U1
THAT1256
Output
7
4
Sense
Vout
Ref
VCC
VEE
In+
In-
Figure 7. -6 dB line receiver
Figure 6. -3 dB line receiver
6
1
3
2
+In
-In 5
10.5k 7.5k
10.5k 7.5k
U1
THAT1253
Output
7
4
Sense
Vout
Ref
VCC
VEE
In+
In-
conversion (de
radin
CMRR) when there are even
slight differences in gain between the VCAs. A better
approach is to convert the signal to single-ended,
alter the gain, and then convert back to balanced.
In Figure 12 we use a THAT 1253 -3 dB line
receiver to do the balanced-to-single-ended conver-
sion. The VCA section also has a static gain of -3 dB
due to the ratio of R2 to R3. This circuit can accept
+24 dBu at its input, since the THAT 1253 output
stage is capable of delivering 21 dBu without distor-
tion. Reducing R3 to 14 k results in a 3 dB reduc-
tion in VCA output noise. This arrangement results
in 3 dB greater dynamic range compared to the case
where a -6 dB line receiver and a VCA with zero dB
static gain are used. After the VCA, the signal is
restored to 24 dBu by the THAT 1606.
Document 600068 Rev 02 Page 7 of 8 THAT 1250 Series
Low-cost Balanced Line Receiver ICs
THAT Corporation; 45 Sumner Street; Milford, MA 01757-1656; US
A
Tel: +1 508 478 9200; Fax: +1 508 478 0990; Web: www.thatcorp.com
Copyright © 2008, THAT Corporation
6Output
1
3
2
Input 1
Input 2
5
9k 9k
9k 9k
U1
THAT1250
Sense
Vout
Ref
VCC
VEE
In+
In-
7
4
Figure 10. Precision two-input summing circuit
Figure 11. Circuit for audio ADCs with balanced inputs
In Hi
In Lo
AIN- to ADC
AIN+ to ADC
R8
2k10
R9
249R
R19
2k10
C4
6n8
+24 dBu In
Vout 6
In+
3
In-
2
U1
THAT
1256
Vout 6
In+
3
In-
2
U2
1/2 Vref of ADC
+24 dBu Zero dBu Out
Ref
Sense
5
1
Ref
Sense
5
1THAT
1256
Figure 12. Automated gain control of a balanced signal
The THAT 1250 series is available in 8-pin PDIP
and 8-pin surface mount (SOIC) packages. Package
dimensions are shown below;
The 1250 series packages are entirely lead-free.
The lead-frames are copper, plated with successive
layers of nickel, palladium, and gold. This approach
makes it possible to solder these devices using lead-
free and lead-bearing solders.
Neither the lead-frames nor the plastic mold
compounds used in the 1250-series contains any
hazardous substances as specified in the European
Union's Directive on the Restriction of the Use of
Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and
Electronic Equipment 2002/95/EG of January 27,
2003. The surface-mount package is suitable for use
in a 100% tin solder process
Document 600068 Rev 02 Page 8 of 8 THAT 1250 Series
Low-cost Balanced Line Receiver ICs
THAT Corporation; 45 Sumner Street; Milford, MA 01757-1656; US
A
Tel: +1 508 478 9200; Fax: +1 508 478 0990; Web: www.thatcorp.com
Copyright © 2008, THAT Corporation
Parameter Symbol Conditions Min Typ Max Units
Through-hole package See Fig. 13 for dimensions 8 Pin PDIP
Thermal Resistance θJA DIP package soldered to board 100 ºC/W
Environmental Regulation Compliance Complies with January 27, 2003 RoHS requirements
Surface mount package See Fig. 14 for dimensions 8 Pin SOP
Thermal Resistance θJA SO package soldered to board 150 ºC/W
Soldering Reflow Profile JEDEC JESD22-A113-D (250 ºC)
Moisture Sensitivity Level MSL Above-referenced JEDEC soldering profile 1
Environmental Regulation Compliance Complies with January 27, 2003 RoHS requirements
Package Characteristics
Package Information
B
A
KF
H
ED
G
JC
ITEM
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
J
K
1
MILLIMETERS
9.52±0.10
6.35±0.10
7.49/8.13
0.46
2.54
3.68/4.32
0.25
3.18±0.10
8.13/9.40
3.30±0.10
INCHES
0.375±0.004
0.250±0.004
0.295/0.320
0.018
0.100
0.145/0.170
0.010
0.125±0.004
0.320/0.370
0.130±0.004
Figure 13. -P (DIP) version package outline drawing
0.41/1.27H 0.016/0.05
0.228/0.244
0.0075/0.0098
0.053/0.068
0.014/0.018
0.189/0.196
INCHES
0.150/0.157
G
H
F
CB
D
F
G
D
E
A
B
C
ITEM MILLIMETERS
0.36/0.46
0.19/0.25
1.35/1.73
1.27
4.80/4.98
3.81/3.99
5.80/6.20
0.050
A
E
Figure 14. -S (SO) version package outline drawing