Evaluation Kit for PAD196 High Voltage Op Amp

INTRODUCTION

The EVAL196 evaluation kit provides a convenient method to become familiar with the operation of amplifier model PAD196 before your application circuit is committed to production. Some assembly is required since user selections are needed depending on the application. For example, a current limit resistor value needs to be selected by the user. Also, there are two PCB mounting options available.

Critical connections for power supply bypassing and compensation are pre-wired. Terminal strips are also provided for input and output signals and power. A bread-boarding area is provided to construct the application circuit.

ASSEMBLY STEPS

Please note that the #1 cause of problems for evaluation kit users is not reading and following the directions (all of them). The #2 cause of problems is poor solder joints (cold or bridging). Don’t become a statistic.   each step.

Refer to the Illustrated Parts List for the components mentioned in each assembly step. Some steps may require a soldering temperature higher than normal and/or a larger soldering iron tip. These steps are marked with an *.

1. Notice that the printed circuit board (PCB) is labeled on one side as the “DUT SIDE” and the other side as “CIRCUIT” side.

2. As shown in the illustrated parts list, one or more of PAD’s accessory cage jack strip CJS01 was used in the assembly of this kit. It may be advisable to use the cage jack strips in your production circuit board as well. The CJS01 cage jack sockets provide a convenient and inexpensive socket. Soldering and/or de-soldering the amplifier from the circuit board can be extremely difficult due to the high thermal conductivity of the amplifier’s pins and substrate. You can find the datasheet for the CJS01 on the PAD website under the “Accessory Modules” tab.

3. Refer to “Jumper Selection” below the Circuit Diagram for the EVAL126 on page 4. Install the required jumpers at the locations indicated depending on the options you have chosen. Jumpers for option 1 have already been installed. Remove and

The resistors can be used individually at either location or two can be used to fine tune the final value desired. See the datasheet for the amplifier to determine the best value for your application. Solder the resistor(s) from the “CIRCUIT SIDE” of the PCB.

4. The evaluation kit PCB can be mounted in two ways.

Option 1- Chassis mount. Use #6 standoffs and screws (not supplied) attached to the PCB at the four corners of the PCB.

Option 2- Bench-top mount. Use the five rubber bumpers supplied. These are “stick-on” components. Remove the release paper from each bumper and apply the bumper to the square outlines on the “CIRCUIT SIDE” of the PCB.

5. Remove the 4 hex nuts from the mounting spacers of the amplifier.

6. Align the 4 studs of the mounting spacers with the mounting holes in the PCB. Be sure that the amplifier’s pin 1 aligns with pin 1 on the PCB. Slowly lower the amplifier into the PCB, making sure that the pins of the amplifier and the cage jacks mate. Push the amplifier into the PCB until the mounting spacers meet the PCB.

7. Fasten the amplifier to the PCB with the 4 hex nuts previously removed. Do not over-tighten the nuts as this may strip the mounting studs. The provided plastic nut starter can assist you here.

8. Notice that “RF” is a 5 MΩ high voltage rated resistor. As much as 2000V may appear across this resistor and that much voltage may destroy normally rated components. If you need to replace this resistor with a component of some other value pay special attention to the voltage rating of that component.

9. Use the bread-boarding area to add the external components necessary to program the amplifier gain (noting that RF is 5MΩ) and other circuit requirements to evaluate your application circuit. You can use the evaluation kit schematic and PCB views to map out your circuit.

10. Remember that the amplifier must be compensated to operate correctly. See the amplifier datasheet on Page 4, under PHASE COMPENSATION. The selected phase compensation capacitor will be installed at “CC” on the evaluation kit PCB. A 100pF capacitor has already been installed in your kit. Another value may better suit your application. Remove and replace the capacitor as necessary for your application. 10pF and 33pF capacitors are also included with the kit. CC must be rated for at least 1000V. A temperature stable type capacitor is required—an X7R ceramic, for example, or an NPO (preferred).

11. The evaluation kit assembly is complete. Be sure you have read and followed all the assembly steps. Inspect the circuit board for solder shorts or poor solder joints. An illuminated magnifier is helpful. It is also helpful to use a solder with a water soluble flux and to wash and dry the board after your assembly is complete. Flux removal is prevent possible arcing between circuit elements.

12. Note that the EVAL196 is intended for use in a lab type environment with normal atmospheric pressure, normal temperature and humidity conditions. Operation in other types of environments may lead to high voltage arching across circuit boards traces or circuit elements. The amplifier circuit itself is conformal coated except for the lead connected to the user’s circuit board.

13. Before applying power to your circuit set the power supply for ±50V and set the power supply current limit to approximately 10mA. Use little or no load at first. Apply an input signal and check the output with an oscilloscope to verify proper functionality. This step can prevent damaging the amplifier or the circuit board should there be some mistake in assembly