0
\$\begingroup\$

Here is my basic understanding of common mode range for diff input amplifiers:

As far as I understand the common mode voltage is nothing but the offset at which the diff signal is travelling above a common reference.

And if this CM voltage exceeds the amplifier rail voltages due to capacitive coupling or EMI, this is a problem. So as a remedy, common mode chokes(for high freq.) or filters(for lower freq.) are employed to attenuate this CM voltage so that the amplifier can operate well.

It seems like chokes and filters are frequency dependent and they attenuate CM voltages if the CM voltages are alternating/varying in time.

But can there be an interference or noise source which causes increase in CM voltage as DC? In other words is there a phenomenon called DC common mode interference in practice? If so, what are the ways to eliminate it?

\$\endgroup\$

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
\$\begingroup\$

In other words is there a phenomenon called DC common mode interference in practice?

Yes and it's numerically embodied for any decent op-amp under the heading CMRR (common-mode rejection ratio). A good op-amp will usually have a graph indicating something like this: -

enter image description here

And that good op-amp will have a number quoted like this (made-up example): -

CMRR = 95 dB, DC to 1 kHz.

In addition there will be a clause to that number that says something like: -

For input voltages between -10 volts and +10 volts. Vsup = +/- 15 volts

In other words if you raised or lowered the common voltage by 10 volts the CMRR would remain better than 95 dB. Clearly this gets worse at higher frequencies due to the inability to control parasites and the falling open-loop gain.

For a differentail amplifier made from 4 resistors and an op-amp it will be a lot worse because the resistor tolerances will cause offsets.

can there be an interference or noise source which causes increase in CM voltage as DC?

Anything that transmits data and uses phantom powering of a remote device is liable to this problem.

\$\endgroup\$
11
  • \$\begingroup\$ All electromagnetic issues due to interference is AC in nature. Can you give me an example of an "external noise source" which would increase the "DC" CM voltage of diff inputs? Normally they use chokes and filters for AC interference. What can cause an increase in DC common mode voltage as an external interference? \$\endgroup\$
    – floppy380
    Jun 3, 2018 at 15:28
  • \$\begingroup\$ Even in your graph min freq. is 10Hz not DC \$\endgroup\$
    – floppy380
    Jun 3, 2018 at 15:29
  • \$\begingroup\$ Can you see that the X axis is logarithmic therefore they will never show DC on a graph like that but I'm sure anyone is capable of predicting that the graph implies 95 dB at DC (as the text would state in the data sheet. \$\endgroup\$
    – Andy aka
    Jun 3, 2018 at 15:32
  • \$\begingroup\$ I can't think of an example of an external noise source that would increase the measurable DC level but certainly EMI can reduce the CMRR of an amplifier due to HF rectification. \$\endgroup\$
    – Andy aka
    Jun 3, 2018 at 15:34
  • \$\begingroup\$ I see so there can also be DC common mode issues due to conductive interference. But my question was what component or method is used to suppress "DC common mode voltages". For AC interference chokes and filter but what about for DC? \$\endgroup\$
    – floppy380
    Jun 3, 2018 at 15:35

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.