Data Sheet OP27
Rev. G | Page 17 of 21
C
A
R
A
R1
33kΩ
R2
5kΩ
TAPE
HEAD
0.47µF
0.01µF
10Ω
15kΩ
T1 = 3180µs
T2 = 50µs
OP27
+
–
00317-042
Figure 42. Tape Head Preamplifier
While the tape equalization requirement has a flat high
frequency gain above 3 kHz (T2 = 50 μs), the amplifier need
not be stabilized for unity gain. The decompensated OP37
provides a greater bandwidth and slew rate. For many applica-
tions, the idealized time constants shown can require trimming
of R1 and R2 to optimize frequency response for nonideal tape
head performance and other factors (see the References section).
The network values of the configuration yield a 50 dB gain at
1 kHz, and the dc gain is greater than 70 dB. Thus, the worst-
case output offset is just over 500 mV. A single 0.47 μF output
capacitor can block this level without affecting the dynamic
range.
The tape head can be coupled directly to the amplifier input,
because the worst-case bias current of 80 nA with a 400 mH,
100 μ inch head (such as the PRB2H7K) is not troublesome.
Amplifier bias-current transients that can magnetize a head
present one potential tape head problem. The OP27 and OP37
are free of bias current transients upon power-up or power-
down. It is always advantageous to control the speed of power
supply rise and fall to eliminate transients.
In addition, the dc resistance of the head should be carefully
controlled and preferably below 1 kΩ. For this configuration,
the bias current induced offset voltage can be greater than the
100 pV maximum offset if the head resistance is not sufficiently
controlled.
A simple, but effective, fixed gain transformerless microphone
preamp (Figure 43) amplifies differential signals from low
impedance microphones by 50 dB and has an input impedance
of 2 kΩ. Because of the high working gain of the circuit, an
OP37 helps to preserve bandwidth, which is 110 kHz. As the
OP37 is a decompensated device (minimum stable gain of 5), a
dummy resistor, Rp, may be necessary if the microphone is to be
unplugged. Otherwise, the 100% feedback from the open input
can cause the amplifier to oscillate.
Common-mode input noise rejection will depend upon the
match of the bridge-resistor ratios. Either close tolerance (0.1%)
types should be used, or R4 should be trimmed for best CMRR.
All resistors should be metal film types for best stability and low
noise.
Noise performance of this circuit is limited more by the Input
Resistors R1 and R2 than by the op amp, as R1 and R2 each
generate a 4 nV/√Hz noise, while the op amp generates a
3.2 nV/√Hz noise. e rms sum of these predominant noise
sources is about 6 nV/√Hz, equivalent to 0.9 μV in a 20 kHz
noise bandwidth, or nearly 61 dB below a 1 mV input signal.
Measurements confirm this predicted performance.
LOW IMPEDANCE
MICROPHONE INPUT
(Z = 50ΩTO 200Ω)
C1
5mF
R1
1kΩ
R3
316kΩ
R6
100Ω
R4
316kΩ
R2
1kΩ
R
P
30kΩOUTPUT
R3
R1
R4
R2
=
OP27/
OP37
+
–
R7
10kΩ
00317-043
Figure 43. Fixed Gain Transformerless Microphone Preamplifier
For applications demanding appreciably lower noise, a high
quality microphone transformer coupled preamplifier (Figure 44)
incorporates the internally compensated OP27. T1 is a JE-
115K-E 150 Ω/15 kΩ transformer that provides an optimum
source resistance for the OP27 device. The circuit has an overall
gain of 40 dB, the product of the transformer’s voltage setup and
the op amp’s voltage gain.
JENSEN TRANSFORMERS
A1
OP27
R3
100Ω
R1
121Ω
R2
1100Ω
C2
1800pF
OUTPUT
150Ω
SOURCE
T1
1
T1 – JENSEN JE – 115K – E
1
3
6
2
00317-044
Figure 44. High Quality Microphone Transformer Coupled Preamplifier
Gain can be trimmed to other levels, if desired, by adjusting R2
or R1. Because of the low offset voltage of the OP27, the output
offset of this circuit is very low, 1.7 mV or less, for a 40 dB gain.
The typical output blocking capacitor can be eliminated in such
cases, but it is desirable for higher gains to eliminate switching
transients.
OP27
–18V
+18V
8
7
6
4
3
2
00317-045
Figure 45. Burn-In Circuit
Capacitor C2 and Resistor R2 form a 2 μs time constant in this
circuit, as recommended for optimum transient response by the
transformer manufacturer. With C2 in use, A1 must have unity-
gain stability. For situations where the 2 μs time constant is not
necessary, C2 can be deleted, allowing the faster OP37 to be
employed.