Bob Cordell Interview: Error Correction

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: LT1166

Edmond Stuart said:


Again RTFP, in particular mine. 😀
As I said before, WRT an OPS with a traditional (and well trimmed) bias generator.

Regarding the distortion contribution of the LT1166?, that was zero as I used ideal components for the simulation. This means that the bias generator of a real LT1166 will produce even worse results.

BTW, you said: "it measures much better than it simulates". Due to sloppy MOSFET models?

I can't believe you don't understand what comparing two circuits means: schematics, results, numbers (even by simulation). Everything else is personal bias BS.

I don't have your P about (and, if you don't want or can't post it here, I don't intend to spend a penny on that) so I can't RTF.

I have your WW paper on bias and it doesn't tell squat about LT1166 other than blank statements as above.
 
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: LT1166

Edmond Stuart said:


It wasn't my intention to play games. Actually, I thought that it was you who was playing games, as I couldn't believe that you never heard of D2S and did not follow the interesting discussion on the Blowtorch thread. If my assumptions are wrong, I apologize.
Anyhow, here: http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1477051#post1477051 you can find a (very short) explanation of D2S.


Hi Edmond,

Your assumptions were wrong. I never heard of D2S and still don't know what it stands for. Maybe I will after I read the article.

In the meantime, it appears that you have not done much with the LT1166, and apparently not built anything with it. You need to think a little more out of the box in regard to using and understanding the LT1166. Read the app notes carefully, then just think of using it purely as a dynamic bias spreader.

Cheers,
Bob
 
An example. Bias of power devices should be 1/4 of max. Ipeak.
 

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: LT1166

Bob Cordell said:
Hi Edmond,

Your assumptions were wrong. I never heard of D2S and still don't know what it stands for. Maybe I will after I read the article.

In the meantime, it appears that you have not done much with the LT1166, and apparently not built anything with it. You need to think a little more out of the box in regard to using and understanding the LT1166. Read the app notes carefully, then just think of using it purely as a dynamic bias spreader.

Cheers,
Bob

Hi Bob,

True, I've never built anything with it. And I've no intention to do that. Understanding the LT1166... don't worry, I did read all the app notes and I fully understand the underlying principles, i.e holding the product of source currents at a constant level, or -using your words- see it as a dynamic bias spreader. I did just that.
I've simulated dozens of circuits based on this principle, but in all cases, holding the bias spreader at a fixed (but temperature dependent) value gives better results. Okay, not that much, but, together with the caveats of an additional loop, enough reason to stop further investigations into this chip and its applications.

BTW, do you know why this chip has a slight positive tempco? (see below) Is it a feature or a flaw?

Cheers, Edmond.
 

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: LT1166

Edmond Stuart said:


Hi Bob,

True, I've never built anything with it. And I've no intention to do that. Understanding the LT1166... don't worry, I did read all the app notes and I fully understand the underlying principles, i.e holding the product of source currents at a constant level, or -using your words- see it as a dynamic bias spreader. I did just that.
I've simulated a dozens of circuits based on this principle, but in all cases, holding the bias spreader at a fixed (but temperature dependent) value gives better results. Okay, not that much, but, together with the caveats of an additional loop, enough reason to stop further investigations into this chip and its applications.

BTW, do you know why this chip has a slight positive tempco? (see below) Is it a feature or a flaw?

Cheers, Edmond.

In your readings, apparently you missed the device synopsis. Nobody said this IC is "better" (AC performance wise) than a fixed bias spreader. However, this IC solves very real practical problems, outlined in the circuit description:

- Eliminates Adjustments
- Eliminates Thermal Runaway of IQ
- Corrects for Device Mismatch
- Simplifies Heat Sinking
- Programmable Current Limit

All these for $2 and with a minimal AC performance impact. Of course, all of the above are non-issues in simulations.
 
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: LT1166

Edmond Stuart said:

BTW, if the AC performance impact is minimal, why didn't you use it in the PGP amp?

Because of this:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1478092#post1478092

Quote: "Perhaps I wouldn't recommend this solution for the ultimate performance (where cost and complexity are non-issues)<snip>"

I have published some preliminary results on an LT1166 + LM4702 + power bipolars based amp, 14 months ago, on this forum. This solution is the foundation for my current 7x home HT amp - and I'm very happy with.
 
Re: LT1166

syn08 said:
Because of this:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1478092#post1478092

Quote: "Perhaps I wouldn't recommend this solution for the ultimate performance (where cost and complexity are non-issues)<snip>"

I have published some preliminary results on an LT1166 + LM4702 + power bipolars based amp, 14 months ago, on this forum. This solution is the foundation for my current 7x home HT amp - and I'm very happy with.

Enlighten us with some THD/IMD figures.
 
Re: Re: LT1166

Edmond Stuart said:


Enlighten us with some THD/IMD figures.

Under 0.01% THD20 and about the same for IMD 19+20. To me, its not bad for a $30/channel 100W amp (in parts and PCB). All measured in the case with tghe lid on. The amp is actually 5x2 channels configurable for independent, bridge or multi-amping.

I'll post some pictures next time I'll pull it from the rack and pop the lid. The final schematic could be also slightly different.

Don't bother, there are no models for the LM4702. You may better use your time in designing the 4 layer PCB for your PMP amp. I'm sure you'll have fun building it and don't forget to enlighten us with some THD and IMD measurement results.

Edit: $30/two channels!
 
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: LT1166

syn08 said:


In your readings, apparently you missed the device synopsis. Nobody said this IC is "better" (AC performance wise) than a fixed bias spreader. However, this IC solves very real practical problems, outlined in the circuit description:

- Eliminates Adjustments
- Eliminates Thermal Runaway of IQ
- Corrects for Device Mismatch
- Simplifies Heat Sinking
- Programmable Current Limit

All these for $2 and with a minimal AC performance impact. Of course, all of the above are non-issues in simulations.


Well put.

It does not just prevent thermal runaway, but also reduces the impact of fast-changing junction temperatures under program conditions that can lead to an output stage being way sub-optimally biased on a dynamic basis.

When properly used without dependence on its through amplification path, I don't think it compromizes fidelity at all.

Cheers,
Bob