Smart tool for integrated chips selection

TL;DR: A totally new method for smart selection of ICs using datasheets of different operational amplifiers is proposed and the design of new software that could search a suitable IC depending upon the specifications entered by the user is described.

Abstract: Today's world is the world of speed, convenience and accuracy. Looking at the growing demand of consumer electronics and their every minute changing technology, we have to make things easier for the developers. Electronics has taken a leap in its progress, combining the magic of computers and software would add to its progress. Hence, a smart tool is developed which is software capable of searching appropriate IC satisfying the needs and requirements of the consumers. This paper proposes a totally new method for smart selection of ICs using datasheets of different operational amplifiers. It describes the design of new software that could search a suitable IC depending upon the specifications entered by the user. The software is developed using C programming. The coding of the tool is being done on GNU environment-Dev C++.

Summary

1. INTRODUCTION

• To develop a particular electronic device, developer has to think not only the design but also the grass root level requirement i.e. IC.
• The same may also extend to LCDs, transistors, motors etc.
• The authors have designed new software for selection of appropriate IC as asked by the developer.
• The search considered, in this paper, is performed on a set of operational amplifiers.
• Slew rate, power supply, input offset voltage, input bias current, temperature range, also known as They are.

2.1 Operational Amplifiers

• Integrated circuits are classified according to their mode of operation: digital or linear.
• Linear ICs had been focused as their area of interest.
• Moreover, only those ICs are considered which are based on op amps for serving to the application of various electronic uses.
• The operational amplifier is a versatile device that can be used to amplify dc as well as input signals and was originally designed for performing mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and integration.
• The effects of characteristics on op amp applications are highlighted in Table 1 Table.

2.2 Op amp Characteristics

• The authors have used six parameters to select the best suitable IC as required by the consumers as described in reference papers [3-5].
• The larger the value of CMRR, the better is the matching between the input terminals.
• The maximum rates of change of voltage with respect to time, usually measured in V/µs.
• Higher slew rate op amps are advantageous.
• Operational amplifiers are susceptible to changes in the power supply, also known as Power supply.

3. TOOL DESCRIPTION AND DESIGN

• The software is designed on Dev C++. Dev-C++ is a free integrated development (IDE) distributed under the General Public License for programming in C and C++ [6-8].
• The entire process of the smart tool is depicted in Figure.

3.1 Database construction:

• In order to perform the smart search, the authors had developed the database using 66 datasheets of operational amplifiers.
• The datasheets are given in the references [9-48].
• A user-defined type was created and declared the parameters as cmrr, pin, tlow, thigh, type, psupply, slew, iov, ibc, cmrr, icname[name_max], desc (700), pwsupply (20) as its members.

3.2 File declaration:

• A file had been created for the storage of specifications of various ICs.
• A binary file named 'data.dat' is used to store all the data.
• Using a file pointer 'fp', data from program is stored in 'data.dat' in binary form.
• Later, the same file is used to import data in the program to perform searches.
• The text book referred in [1] was widely used in programming.

3.3 Making entries:

• The entries are made using a function display after completing the process of file declaration.
• In the function display, an array temp(i) is created.
• It is an array of structures which is already defined in section A.
• The entries are made and it gets stored in the array.

3.4 Smart searches:

• Thus, the database is constructed; the next essential step is to define various searches that can be performed.
• Here, in this tool, the authors have declared only eight search functions to reduce complications in searching an IC.
• It is based on the input bias current of an op amp, also known as Search 4.
• It is based on number of pins in an IC, also known as Search 7.

3.5 Search results:

• After performing the smart search, the tool displays the suitable IC satisfying all the specifications and the requirements as entered by the user.
• It will display the name, type and all the parameters along with the description of the IC.

4. RESULTS

• The authors have explained the entire process using a search for AD8067 which is used in automobile, telecommunication, medical appliance, industry control, computer and its peripheral, consumption electronics etc.
• The search is performed based on type of the IC.
• Because it is used for all high speed applications the authors have selected type no.
• The next search is based on number of pins.

5. PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS

• It’s a hastle free operation and hence there is no need of installation as in followed by other existing tool [49].
• The entries depend on specific range as well as a specific value.
• The tool is user-friendly such that it enables the inclusion of new datasheets in the database.
• It is a very useful tool for beginners, students, researchers and even a layman because every time an entry made by the user would narrow down the search.
• The search is also done based on the number of pins (5-pin IC) and this search in unique in their tool when compared to already available tools in market [51].

Figures

Figure 4: Smart Tool- Choice Entry Window

Figure 3: High Speed IC Choice entry

Figure 1: Flow Chart -Smart Tool

Figure 2: Smart Search Screen

Figure 5: Smart Tool-Selected IC

Full text

International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887)
Volume 69– No.23, May 2013
22
Smart Tool for Integrated Chips Selection
Anusha Pillay
VIT University
School of Electrical Engineering
Vellore, TamilNadu, India
Kartik Sharma
VIT University
School of Electrical Engineering
Vellore, TamilNadu, India
Monica Subashini.M
VIT University
School of Electrical Engineering
Vellore, TamilNadu, India
ABSTRACT
Today’s world is the world of speed, convenience and
accuracy. With the growing demand of consumer electronics
and advancing technology, developers have numerous options
available for selecting ICs for a particular application, which
might also make finding appropriate IC a tedious task. Hence,
a smart tool is developed which is software capable of
searching appropriate IC based on selected performance
determining parameters, such as CMRR, Slew rate, etc.
Among different ICs, op amps are used for various purpose
like in amplifiers, oscillators, filters, comparators, detectors
and thus are one of the most widely used chips. This paper
proposes a totally new method for smart selection of
operational amplifiers. It describes the design of new software
that could search a suitable IC depending upon the
specifications entered by the user. The software is developed
using C programming. The coding of the tool is being done on
GNU environment-Dev C++, which can also be implemented
with GUI.
General Terms
Application of Computer science in Electronics
Keywords
Op-amp Parameters, Smart search, Pseudo code, Selected
IC.
1. INTRODUCTION
To develop a particular electronic device, developer has to
think not only the design but also the grass root level
requirement i.e. IC. The same may also extend to LCDs,
transistors, motors etc. In this tool, we have designed new
software for selection of appropriate IC as asked by the
developer. The selection procedure is referred to as smart
search and is coded in C programming language. User has to
enter the specifications of IC required and our smart tool will
perform its search and display the results. The search
considered, in this paper, is performed on a set of operational
amplifiers. Their specifications have been entered in the
database. We have restricted our search to six performance
determining parameters for better results. They are: slew rate,
power supply, input offset voltage, input bias current,
temperature range.
Thus, the selection procedure described in this paper is
intended as a new tool for the developers. The same selection
procedure can be not only be applied for ICs, but also for
LCDs, motors, transistors and can be expanded in other fields.
At the end, we have presented an example on the application
of the above described tool.
2. DESIGN PARAMETERS
2.1 Operational Amplifiers
Integrated circuits are classified according to their mode of
operation: digital or linear. Linear ICs had been focused as
our area of interest. Moreover, only those ICs are considered
which are based on op amps for serving to the application of
various electronic uses.
The operational amplifier is a versatile device that can be used
to amplify dc as well as input signals and was originally
designed for performing mathematical operations such as
addition, subtraction, multiplication and integration. There are
a large number of parameters [2] associated with op amps.
The very first step includes selection of appropriate
parameters which the developer has to keep in mind while
designing an IC since the performance of an operational
amplifier depends on these characteristics [50]. The effects of
characteristics on op amp applications are highlighted in
Table 1
Table.1. Effects of characteristics on Op amp applications
Op amp
Characteristic
that may
affect
performance
DC
Amplifier
AC
Amplifier
DC
Amplifier
AC
Amplifier
Small
Output
Small
Output
Large
Output
Large
Output
Input bias
current
Yes
No
May be
No
Offset current
Yes
No
May be
No
Input offset
voltage
Yes
No
May be
No
Drift
Yes
No
May be
No
Frequency
Response
No
Yes
No
Yes
Slew rate
No
No
Yes
Yes
2.2 Op amp Characteristics
In this work, we have used six parameters to select the best
suitable IC as required by the consumers as described in
reference papers [3-5]. The importance of the parameters is
described below.
1. CMRR: It is a measure of the degree of matching between
two input terminals. The larger the value of CMRR, the better

International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887)
Volume 69– No.23, May 2013
23
is the matching between the input terminals. The CMRR value
listed on the datasheets are for open loop configuration.
2. Slew rate: The maximum rates of change of voltage with
respect to time, usually measured in V/µs. Higher slew rate op
amps are advantageous.
3. Input offset voltage: It is the differential input voltage that
exists between two input terminals of an op amp without any
external inputs applied.
4. Input bias current: It can cause a significant output offset
voltage which is desired to be as low as possible.
5. Power supply: Operational amplifiers are susceptible to
changes in the power supply.
a. Single power supply
b. Dual power supply
6. Temperature range: Operational amplifiers can operate
over a set of temperature ranges. They are highly temperature
sensitive.
3. TOOL DESCRIPTION AND DESIGN
The software is designed on Dev C++. Dev-C++ is a free
integrated development (IDE) distributed under the General
Public License for programming in C and C++ [6-8]. The
entire process of the smart tool is depicted in Figure.1.Flow
Chart-Smart Tool.
DataBase
Construction
Smart
Searches
Entries
File
Declaration
Name
Operating
Temperature
No.of.PinsCMRR
Input Bias
Current
Offset
Voltage
Type of IC
Power
Supply
Figure 1: Flow Chart -Smart Tool
3.1 Database construction:
In order to perform the smart search, we had developed the
database using 66 datasheets of operational amplifiers. The
datasheets are given in the references [9-48]. A user-defined
type was created and declared the parameters as cmrr, pin,
tlow, thigh, type, psupply, slew, iov, ibc, cmrr,
icname[name_max], desc (700), pwsupply (20) as its
members.
3.2 File declaration:
 A file had been created for the storage of specifications of
various ICs.
 A binary file named 'data.dat' is used to store all the data.
 Using a file pointer 'fp', data from program is stored in
'data.dat' in binary form.
 Later, the same file is used to import data in the program to
perform searches. The text book referred in [1] was widely
used in programming.
3.3 Making entries:
The entries are made using a function display after completing
the process of file declaration. In the function display, an
array temp(i) is created. It is an array of structures which is
already defined in section A. The entries are made and it gets
stored in the array.
3.4 Smart searches:
Thus, the database is constructed; the next essential step is to
define various searches that can be performed. Here, in this
tool, we have declared only eight search functions to reduce
complications in searching an IC. The search screen is shown
in Figure.2. Smart Search Screen.
Figure 2: Smart Search Screen
Search 1: It is based on the name of IC.
Search 2: It is based on the type of IC. On the basis of our
area of interest, we have used the following type of IC:
a. Differential IC
b. Classification of IC on the basis of gain of the op amp
c. High performance IC
d. Low cost IC
e. Low noise IC
f. Power op amp
Search 3: It is based on the offset voltage of the op amp.
Search 4: It is based on the input bias current of an op amp.
Search 5: It is based on CMRR.
Search 6: It is based on Power supply.
Search 7: It is based on number of pins in an IC.
Search 8: It is based on operating temperature range.
3.5 Search results:
After performing the smart search, the tool displays the
suitable IC satisfying all the specifications and the
requirements as entered by the user. It will display the name,
type and all the parameters along with the description of the
IC. Thus the software is designed.

International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887)
Volume 69– No.23, May 2013
24
4. RESULTS
We have explained the entire process using a search for
AD8067 which is used in automobile, telecommunication,
medical appliance, industry control, computer and its
peripheral, consumption electronics etc.
Figure 3: High Speed IC Choice entry
The search is performed based on type of the IC. Because it is
used for all high speed applications we have selected type no.
4 high speed IC which is shown in Figure.3.High Speed IC
Choice entry. We know that AD8067 is a unique IC with 5
pins.
Figure 4: Smart Tool- Choice Entry Window
The next search is based on number of pins. The screenshot
for the pin search is shown in Figure.4.Smart tool-Choice
Entry Window. Similarly, the search can also be done based
on operating temperature range, offset voltage, bias current,
slew rate and CMRR.
The software now displays the required IC with all the
specifications as shown in Figure.5. Smart Tool-Selected IC
5. PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
The tool is a standalone application. It’s a hastle free
operation and hence there is no need of installation as in
followed by other existing tool [49].
The entries depend on specific range as well as a specific
value. The tool is user-friendly such that it enables the
inclusion of new datasheets in the database.
It is a very useful tool for beginners, students, researchers and
even a layman because every time an entry made by the user
would narrow down the search.
The search is also done based on the number of pins (5-pin
IC) and this search in unique in our tool when compared to
already available tools in market [51].
The tool would select a specific IC for the specifications
mentioned as well as all the available ICs within that range.
Special categories in search are available in this tool such as
high speed IC, high performance IC, low cost IC, low noise
and gain based.
6. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK
The discussed methodology and the designed tool is a very
useful tool for beginners, students, researchers, commercial
industries and laboratories for the design and development of
applications.
There is no need for the users to sit for hours and go through
the datasheets or surf through the internet and brainstorm their
minds just to find an appropriate IC for their product or
experiment. The coding has been done in GNU environment.
The future efforts would be to develop with other user
friendly soft wares available. Moreover, we have used specific
set of 66 ICs, we will try to broaden our area of work.
It is possible to expand this smart search to motors and
appliances which finds their use in various applications.

International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887)
Volume 69– No.23, May 2013
25
Figure 5: Smart Tool-Selected IC
7. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The work was supported by School of Electrical
Engineering, VIT University, India.
8. REFERENCES
[1] Sumita Arora, Computer Science with C++, 9th ed,
Dhanpat Rai Publications (P) Ltd, 2012.
[2] Ramakant A. Gayakwad, Op-Amps and linear integrated
circuits, 4th ed, PHI learning (P) Ltd, 2010.
[3] Palumbo .G and Pennisi. S, “Performance parameters of
current operational amplifiers”, Proceedings of ICECS
'99, IEEE International Conference , 1615 - 1618 ,vol.3 ,
1999.
[4] Dinovitzer. A, “The Mooring Selection Guide (MSG)
software”, OCEANS '97, MTS/IEEE Conference
Proceedings, oct 1997.
[5] Linear stock list IC's website Available:
http://LinearIC'sOPAMPS.htm.
[6] Php website.Available :
http://php.net/manual/en/function.fseek.php.
[7] Mycpluscom website.Available :
http://www.mycplus.com/tutorials/c-programming-
tutorials/file-handling/
[8] Cplusplus website.Available :
http://www.cplusplus.com/reference/cstdio/tmpfile/.
[9] “AD795” datasheet Lower power, lower noise, precision
FET Op Amp.
[10] “AD8000”datasheet 1.5 GHz ultrahigh speed Op Amp.
[11] “AD8001” datasheet 800 MHz, 50mw current Feedback
amplifier.
[12] “AD8002” datasheet Dual 600 MHz, 50 mw current
feedback amplifier.
[13] “AD8003” datasheet Triple 1.5 GHz Op Amp.
[14] “AD8004” datasheet Quad 3000 V/ms, 35 mW Current
Feedback Amplifier.
[15] “AD8007 / AD8008” datasheet Ultralow Distortion High
Speed Amplifiers.
[16] “AD8011” datasheet 300 MHz, 1 mA Current Feedback
Amplifier.
[17] “AD8013” datasheet Single Supply, Low Power, Triple
Video Amplifier.
[18] “AD8014” datasheet 400 MHz Low Power High
Performance Amplifier.
[19] “AD8017” datasheet Dual High Output Current, High
Speed Amplifier.
[20] “AD8022” datasheet Dual High-Speed Low-Noise Op
Amps.
[21] “AD8023” datasheet High Current Output, Triple Video
Amplifier.
[22] “AD8033 / AD8034 “datasheet Low Cost, 80 MHz Fast
FET ™ Op Amps.
[23] “AD8047/ AD8048” datasheet 250 MHz, General
Purpose Voltage Feedback Op Amps.
[24] “AD8065 / AD8067” datasheet High Performance, 145
MHz Fast FET™ Op Amps.
[25] “AD8065/AD8066*” datasheet High Performance, 145
MHz Fast FET ™ Op Amps.
[26] “AD8067” datasheet High Gain Bandwidth Product
Precision Fast FET ™ Op Amp.
[27] “AD8072/ AD8073” datasheet Low Cost, Dual/Triple
Video Amplifiers.
[28] “AD8074/AD8075” datasheet 500 MHz, G = +1 and +2
Triple Video Buffers with Disable.

International Journal of Computer Applications (0975 – 8887)
Volume 69– No.23, May 2013
26
[29] “AD8099” datasheet Ultralow Distortion, High Speed
0.95 nV/√Hz Voltage Noise Op Amp.
[30] “AD80131” datasheet Low-Cost, High-Speed
Differential Driver.
[31] “ADA4896/ADA4897” datasheet 1 nV/√Hz, Low Power,
Rail-to-Rail Output Amplifiers.
[32] “AD8538” datasheet Low Power, Precision Auto-Zero
Op Amp.
[33] “ADA4817-1 /ADA4817-2” datasheet Low Noise, 1
GHz Fast FET Op Amps.
[34] “ADA4310-1” datasheet Low Cost, Dual, High Current
Output Line Driver with Shutdown.
[35] “ADA4856-3”datasheet Single-Supply, High Speed,
Fixed G = +2, Rail-to-Rail Output Video Amplifier.
[36] “ADA4857-1/ ADA4857-2” datasheet Ultralow
Distortion, Low Power, Low Noise, High Speed Op
Amp..
[37] “AD859-3” datasheet Single-Supply, Fixed G = 2, High
Speed, Video Amplifier with Charge Pump.
[38] “ADA4860-1” datasheet High Speed, Low Cost, Op
Amp.
[39] “ADA4861-3” datasheet High Speed, Low Cost, Triple
Op Amp.
[40] “ADA4862-3” datasheet High Speed, G = +2, Low Cost,
Triple Op Amp.
[41] “ADA4898-1” datasheet High Voltage, Low Noise, Low
Distortion, Unity Gain Stable, High Speed Op Amp.
[42] “ADA4899-1” datasheet Unity Gain Stable, Ultralow
Distortion, 1 nV/Hz Voltage Noise, High Speed Op
Amp.
[43] “LF353” datasheet Wide Bandwidth Dual JFET Input
Operational Amplifier.
[44] “LH0032 / LH0032C”Ultra Fast FET-Input Operational
Amplifier.
[45] “LF155-LF255-LF355 /LF156-LF256-LF356/LF157-
LF257-LF357”datasheet wide bandwidth single j-fet
operational amplifiers.
[46] “MCP6001/1R/1U/2/4” datasheet 1 MHz, Low-Power
Op Amp.
[47] “OP-37” datasheet low noise, precision, High speed
Operational amplifier.
[48] “LT1970” datasheet 500mA Power Op Amp with
Adjustable Precision Current Limit.
[49] TI OPAMPS SELGUIDE
[50] http://services.eng.uts.edu.au
[51] http://www.microchip.com/ParamChartSearch
IJCA
TM
: www.ijcaonline.org

Frequently asked questions

Q1. What contributions have the authors mentioned in the paper "Smart tool for integrated chips selection" ?

This paper proposes a totally new method for smart selection of operational amplifiers. 

Q2. What future works have the authors mentioned in the paper "Smart tool for integrated chips selection" ?

The future efforts would be to develop with other user friendly soft wares available. Moreover, the authors have used specific set of 66 ICs, they will try to broaden their area of work. 

Q3. What are the special categories in search?

Special categories in search are available in this tool such as high speed IC, high performance IC, low cost IC, low noise and gain based. 

Q4. what is the effect of characteristics on op amps?

Op ampCharacteristicthat mayaffectperformanceDCAmplifierACAmplifierDCAmplifierACAmplifierSmallOutputSmallOutputLargeOutputLargeOutputInput biascurrentYes No May be NoOffset current Yes No May be NoInput offsetvoltageYes No May be NoDrift Yes No May be NoFrequency ResponseNo Yes No YesSlew rate No No Yes Yes 

Q5. what is the first step in designing an op amp?

The very first step includes selection of appropriate parameters which the developer has to keep in mind while designing an IC since the performance of an operational amplifier depends on these characteristics [50]. 

Q6. What is the purpose of the smart search tool?

It is a very useful tool for beginners, students, researchers and even a layman because every time an entry made by the user would narrow down the search.