Last Updated on November 14, 2022 by Kevin Chen
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Linear integrated circuits (also known as L-ICs or LICS) are semiconductor devices with a linear transfer function, hence the name.
They are commonly used in applications where high signal fidelity is required such as analog video and audio, industrial automation, medical imaging, motion control, and other sensor-based applications.
Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to evaluate prospective opportunities for integrating L-ICs into your product design.
This guide will help you learn how to find the right linear integrated circuit for your next project.
How linear integrated circuits work
Linear integrated circuits are designed to transfer a signal from one end to the other end with minimum noise and distortion. In the simplest terms, the circuit consists of capacitors, resistors, and transistors. You can visualize a capacitor as a bucket with a small hole in the bottom. Signals are like water in the bucket. When you put a resistor in the bucket, it slows down the water. Capacitors are like buckets with a large hole. They store signals in an electric field. A linear circuit can take an input voltage and output a voltage that is a combination of the input voltage and a voltage from a source such as a battery. This ability to mix voltages is the basis of a wide range of applications for linear integrated circuits.
Key features of L-ICs
Linear Integrated Circuits are designed to transfer a signal from one end to the other end with minimum noise and distortion. They consist of capacitors, resistors, and transistors.
– Voltage amplification – L-ICs usually have voltage amplification. That is, they increase the incoming signal by a certain amount (usually a few hundred mV). This is useful in sensor applications that require a large amount of signal amplification before being sampled by an ADC.
– High input impedance – For accurate voltage readings and to avoid loading down your signal source.
-Low output impedance – To avoid impedance mismatches and signal reflections that degrade fidelity.
-High gain – To amplify a weak signal or create a larger voltage swing to drive a high-impedance load.
-Voltage/current/gain matching – To avoid matching errors in your circuitry and increase the signal-to-noise ratio.
-High bandwidth – For high-frequency signals where ordinary ICs might be limited by parasitic capacitance or inductance.
– High precision and long life – L-ICs are manufactured with very tight specifications (e.g. ± 0.5%) to guarantee performance and longevity.
How are linear integrated circuits different from ordinary ICs?
Linear integrated circuits are designed to transfer a signal from one end to the other end with minimum noise and distortion. They are also known as L-ICs or LICS.
Linear Integrated Circuits are often referred to as LICS and have special features. L-ICs have a linear transfer function and are commonly used in applications where high signal fidelity is required.
They are used for applications where high signal fidelity is required such as analog video and audio, industrial automation, medical imaging, motion control, and other sensor-based applications.
Tips for finding linear Integrated Circuits
When you’re shopping for linear integrated circuits, you should pay attention to the following factors:
Frequency
It is the number of times a signal repeats every second. If you need to filter out high-frequency noise from a signal, you will have to use a circuit with a low cutoff frequency.
Power consumption
You should consider the power consumption of the linear integrated circuit. If a circuit requires too much power, it may negatively affect the operation of other circuits in your design.
Voltage and current ratings
You should consider the voltage and current ratings of the IC. If a circuit is connected to a voltage source that is too low, the device may not work properly.
Operating range
You should consider the operating range of the device. If a circuit operates over a wide range of voltages, it will be more difficult to integrate it into a design.
Noise level
You should consider the noise of the device. If the device has a high noise rating, it might be difficult to filter out the noise from your signal.
Package type
You should choose a device that is available in a convenient package type. You should consider factors such as the size of the device and how easily it can be integrated into your design.
When to Use L-ICs
L-ICs are commonly used in applications where high signal fidelity is required. They are useful when you need to amplify, reduce, or change the voltage level of an incoming signal.
L-ICs can also reduce the current of an incoming signal when there is too much current. L-ICs are commonly used in low-voltage applications where a high current is not required.
They are often used as filters in AC circuits to block out high-frequency noises. L-ICs are also used in circuits to boost the voltage or current of an existing signal.
When Not to Use L-ICs
L-ICs are commonly used in applications where high signal fidelity is required. However, there are situations when L-ICs should not be used.
L-ICs cannot be used when a high current is required because these devices have a low current-carrying capacity.
L-ICs are also not suitable for circuits that operate at high voltages because these devices have a low voltage-carrying capacity. L-ICs are not suitable for circuits that have a very low or very high frequency because the devices can be used to filter the frequencies.
Are linear ICs cheap?
You could say that linear ICs are the Ferrari of semiconductor devices. They are the most sophisticated and complex integrated circuits, and therefore the most expensive. However, they also offer the highest performance.
The market for linear ICs is highly competitive, so you should be able to find reliable suppliers in China to supply a wide range of linear ICs at reasonable prices.
Choose a reliable linear IC supplier in China
When you’re sourcing for linear integrated circuits from a supplier in China, you should make sure that the supplier is reliable and trustworthy. This means that you should do your due diligence and vet the suppliers that you are considering for your project. Once you’ve found a supplier you’re interested in, you should ask them about their product offering, lead times, and terms of payment.
You should also ask them for references from past customers so that you can get a better idea of what to expect from the supplier. You should also make sure that the supplier is trustworthy and reliable by asking them about their company details.
If you want to find more Electronic Components Distributors, please check out the following articles:
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Electronic Components Distributors In India
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Electronic Components Distributors In Malaysia
Electronic Components Distributors In Vietnam
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