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BIAS CONTROLLERS - CHIP
12
HMC981
v00.0611
ACTIVE BIAS CONTROLLER
There will be a voltage drop from VDD to VDRAIN due to nite RDS_ON resistance of the internal switch. To
compensate for this voltage drop choose the VDD value as shown in equation (1).
VDD = VDRAIN + IDRAIN x RDS_ON (1)
where VDRAIN is the supply voltage of the external amplier and IDRAIN is the desired constant bias current through
the external amplier.
Note that RDS_ON resistance of the internal FET switch can be adjusted through SW pad. RDS_ON is typically equal
to 5 Ohms when SW is pulled up to VDIG, and is typically equal to 10 Ohms when SW is pulled down to GND. If SW
is left oating, it is pulled up to VDIG through an internal weak pull-up. Recommended settings for the SW position
are given in Table-1. Not using the HMC981 in the recommended settings will increase the power dissipation of the
part and may increase the part-to-part variation.
Negative Voltage Generator (VNEGOUT)
The HMC981 has an internally regulated charge pump block to generate negative voltage (VNEGOUT) required for
depletion mode devices. The HMC981 generates -2.5V at the VNEGOUT output in default conguration. It requires
two diodes and two capacitors connected externally as shown in the sample application schematics. The HMC981 is
designed to reject the ripple on the VNEGOUT by isolating VNEGOUT from the VGATE. The negative voltage is only
required for depletion mode devices, and it can be disabled through the VGATEFB and VNEGFB pads. Where an
enhancement device is targeted or a negative supply is already available in the system, simply connect the available
negative supply to the VNEG pad. See Table-2 for detail on how to set this operation mode.
Table 1. Recommended Current Range Conguration
Current Range (mA) Condition RDS_ON (Ohm)
20 to 80 SW=GND 10
80 to 200 SW=VDIG 5
Enable/Disable (EN)
The active bias control loop is enabled when EN is pulled up to VDIG, and it is disabled when it is pulled down to GND.
If EN is left oating HMC981 is enabled through an internal weak pull-up. Note that VNEG operation is independent
of EN condition. EN signal controls the operation of only VGATE, VG2 and VDRAIN outputs. When EN pulled down
to GND, the HMC981 discharges VDRAIN and VG2 down to GND and it pulls the VGATE down to VNEG. Please see
the “Active Bias Control Loop” section for detailed explanation.
Active Bias Control Loop
The HMC981 regulates the bias current (IDRAIN) of the amplier under bias through VGATE output connected to
the gate of the external amplier. In this closed loop operation the current passing through the amplier under bias is
sampled and is used to adjust VGATE to achieve constant quiescent bias through the external amplier.
The HMC981 continuously compensates for any supply, temperature, process variations and threshold drifts due to
aging. The part-to-part, temperature, and supply variation of the HMC981 is excellent. Thus, by using an accurate
sense resistor connected to the ISENSE pad, expensive calibration procedures in high volume production could be
avoided.