Low Noise Current Preamplifier

PCG-380F

The PCG-380F is an exceptional high-sensitivity current preamplifier that stands out from the competition with unparalleled low noise performance over a broad signal bandwidth. Its full analog design is completely free of digital noise, providing reliable conversion of small current signals into voltage signals.

With an impressively low input voltage noise of 2 nV/sqrt Hz, the PCG-380F's low noise performance is truly exceptional. This makes it an ideal choice when processing small current signals with high input capacitance.

With side-panel rotary switches for sensitivity and low pass filter bandwidth adjustment, you can easily customize the preamplifier to match your application requirements. The sensitivity covers a wide range of 1 µA/V to 1 nA/V, while the low pass filter has a 1.5 - 5 sequence from 5 Hz to 140 kHz with 6 dB/octave roll-off.

The PCG-380F can be powered by any linear regulated ±15 V (±100 mA) DC power supply, and its compact size (5.32"L × 4.63"W× 1.35"H, 12.4 oz) allows it to be placed near the signal source, ensuring exceptional performance. Whether you need to process fast, precise, and low-noise small current signals in any research field, the PCG-380F is undoubtedly the best choice. Choose the PCG-380F for reliable, high-sensitivity preamplification that delivers exceptional results for all your experimental needs.

Palm-sized&Quiet

5.32" L × 4.63" W × 1.35" H Weight: 12.4 oz

Input referred total current noise density down to 4 . 3 fA/√Hz

Input voltage noise density

1 . 9 nV/√Hz @ 1 kHz

Fast & Stable

Signal bandwitdth up to 140 kHz

Marginally stable up to 10 nF

input capacitance

Precise

Input offset voltage after trim drifts 1 . 8 μV/ °C

Flexible

Sensitivity: four-decade ranges

1 µA/V to 1 nA/V

Low pass filter: 1.5 - 5 sequence

Characteristics

Amplifier type: DC- coupled inverting transimpedance amplifier.

Noise

Typical input-referred total current noise density as a function of frequency in selected sensitivity with 100 pF input shunt capacitance up to the -3 dB signal bandwidth.

PCG-380F's typical input voltage noise density. PCG-380F is designed to make stable operation in the presence of 10 nF input capacitance. In the case of the high input capacitance, the fluctuating current noise density due to the input voltage noise is given by 2πf x (input voltage noise in nV/ √Hz). PCG-380F is not only a palm-sized amplifier that can be located close to signal source to minimize the input capacitance of room temperature wires but has very low input voltage noise to minimize the effect of inevitable capacitance from wires and capacitors implementing thermal anchoring or low pass filter at cryogenic temperatures.

Typical input-referred total current noise density as a function of frequency in the presence of various input capacitance in the 1 nA/V sensitivity.

Frequency response

Frequency response as a function of sensitivity. PCG-380F ensures 5 kHz signal bandwidth in 1 nA/V sensitivity and goes up to 140 kHz in 1 µA/V sensitivity. The more important factor is whether or not the frequency response can persist in the presence of the high input capacitance.

Step current response in each sensitivity with a full output voltage swing (shielded open input).
PCG-380F exhibits virtually ideal response for the full signal bandwidth in all sensitivity ranges.

1 nF input shunting capacitance is pretty heady load, but PCG-380F has no problem at all.

What about 2 nF?

Even 2.2 nF appears to lead no problem at all.

What is the limit?

This is what we call marginal stability which makes ~20% overshoot.

1 µA/V sensitivity can stand up to 4.3 nF, 10 µA/V sensitivity can do it with 5.6 nF, and the others can bear up to 10 nF input shunting capacitance. This is the reason PCG-380F should have low input voltage noise density.

Input offset voltage

Typical input offset voltage drift curve for 24 hours in ~2 °C ambient temperature variation.

In ovenized room, a slow ambient temperature ramp of 2 °C for 1 hour demonstrates that the typical offset drift is very small.

Typical input offset voltage drift curve for 10 hours in ~0.5 °C ambient temperature variation.