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Blog Posts (57)

  • A Radio Frequency RMS Metering Circuit

    RF Engineers know that temperature effects matter in RF measurement. This constant temperature substitution design tackles that challenge in a clever way using pico-amp diodes.   JFET Design Spotlight - A Radio Frequency RMS Metering Circuit   “When Linear Technology introduced the LT1088 RMS converter, it was packaged in a complicated iso-thermal DIP package to allow the published RMS measuring circuit application some working room. The problem with that application was temperature increasing with measured power allowing only limited precision and repeatability over environmental temperature fluctuations. However, by using the additional concentric 250Ω resistors, another control option was obviously available creating possible constant temperature operation regardless of input power measured. Here, the 250Ω resistors raise the Die temperature to about 40°-60°C where any additional thermal influence of incoming RF can be substitute balanced by complimentary reduction of the 250Ω power input. Common mode voltage of the LT1088 D1&D4 diodes sets the temperature and differentially balances out the input RF at 50Ω  with a DC equivalent power at 50Ω. The Voltage across D1&D4 are therefore constant for the input measurement range of 80mW. I talked Jim Williams out of some plastic packaged LT1088’s to prove that the expense of isothermal packaging was unnecessary. Accuracy improved over 10-fold from the original application circuit. As is the case for many of these instrument circuits, Clamp and level fixing diodes used with FET input Op-Amps by habit use pico-amp diodes like the LIS PAD-1‘s. By the way, Dual PAD pico-amp diodes have a little known feature of exhibiting significantly less nodal leakage than the Datasheet illustrates when used in symmetrical clamp bias function as shown in the earlier published 10Kv amplifier protection. These on DIE diode pairs function similarly to the gate bias cancellation of dual pico-amp JFET’s illustrated in the Accelerometer circuit presented earlier. Close proximity allows uniform doping distribution and nearly perfect matching for Dual PAD diode parts so symmetric bias currents balance to near nothing. For me, it’s a time-tested habit.” Kirkwood Rough   Why this matters:   Improved measurement accuracy through thermal stability Symmetrical diode behavior enables ultra-low leakage performance A great example of where Linear Systems PAD pico-amp diodes shine   Looking for ultra-low leakage diode solutions for your next design? Our PAD series offers exceptional matching and performance for precision analog and RF applications.   Have you used pico-amp diodes in similar circuits or solved temperature stability challenges in a different way? Share your experience in the comments.   Learn more and request samples in the comments.   #AnalogDesign #RFEngineering #JFET #ElectronicsDesign #LowNoise #Semiconductors #LinearSystems

  • Struggling with Obsolete Parts? How Engineers Are Solving It

    Every engineer has faced it at some point: a critical component in your design is suddenly obsolete, unavailable, or impossible to source reliably. And unlike digital systems, analog designs don’t always give you the luxury of a quick swap. So what do you do when a key part disappears? Why Obsolescence Hits Analog Designs Harder In digital design, you can often work around a part change with firmware or minor adjustments. In analog circuits, even small parameter differences can create real problems. Things like noise performance, matching, leakage current, and biasing behavior are tightly tied to how the circuit performs. A “close enough” replacement can easily lead to increased noise, drift in operating points, degraded signal integrity, or even a full redesign. What Engineers Are Running Into Right Now From conversations with engineers and customers, a few patterns come up consistently. Legacy parts are disappearing, especially widely used JFETs and small-signal devices. Supply is often unpredictable, with long lead times or inconsistent availability. Secondary markets introduce risk, including counterfeit or non-conforming parts. And in many cases, redesign simply isn’t practical, especially for long-life or regulated systems. How Engineers Are Solving It The teams navigating this best are taking a more strategic approach. They start by focusing on the parameters that actually matter in their circuit, such as noise, gm, leakage, and matching, rather than just looking for a “similar” part on paper. They also look to modern equivalents designed to replace legacy components, often improving consistency and long-term availability. In many cases, the replacement ends up being an upgrade rather than just a workaround. Validation is critical. Simulation helps, but real confidence comes from testing in-circuit, verifying biasing, and measuring actual performance. And importantly, they’re not doing it alone. Working directly with manufacturers who understand legacy components and application behavior can significantly reduce risk and speed up the process. A Shift in Mindset The most successful teams don’t just react to obsolescence. They use it as an opportunity to improve performance, reduce future supply risk, and strengthen their designs overall. It’s not just about replacing a part. It’s about making the design more robust long term. How We’re Helping Engineers Navigate This At Linear Systems, we work with engineers every day who are dealing with obsolete JFETs, hard-to-source components, and performance-sensitive designs. We help identify strong replacement options, provide cross reference guidance, supply samples for evaluation, and support real-world validation. The goal is simple: help you keep your design performing the way it should. Need Help with an Obsolete Part? If you’re dealing with a part that’s no longer available or becoming difficult to source, we’re happy to help. Drop the part number or application in the comments or message me directly and we’ll point you in the right direction. Quick Question What’s the biggest challenge you face with obsolete components? Finding a true replacement, maintaining performance, supply chain reliability, or avoiding redesign? #AnalogDesign #ElectronicsEngineering #Semiconductors #JFET #Obsolescence #HardwareEngineering #EE #ProductDesign #SupplyChain

  • Linear Systems Releases SPICE Model for the PAD Series Low-Leakage Diode

    Linear Systems is pleased to announce the release of a new SPICE model for the PAD Series low-leakage diode, developed by our engineering team. This model enables designers to simulate the SSTPAD10 in LTspice and other SPICE-compatible simulators, supporting faster circuit development and more accurate performance evaluation. The PAD Series of low-leakage diodes was designed for precision applications where minimizing leakage current and maintaining stable capacitance are critical. Its performance makes it well suited for sensitive analog circuits and high-impedance signal paths. 🔗 Explore the PAD Series Typical applications include: Precision instrumentation Low-noise analog front ends Protection circuits High-impedance signal paths Test and measurement systems The PAD Series offers controlled junction capacitance, low leakage characteristics, and stable breakdown performance, making it a reliable choice for both new designs and performance-critical applications. Providing SPICE models allows engineers to evaluate device behavior early in the design process and integrate Linear Systems components with greater confidence. We will continue expanding our SPICE model library to support additional Linear Systems devices. 📥 Download SPICE Model ( Link to SPICE model file ) 💬 Stay Connected Follow Linear Systems for new device releases, SPICE models, and application insights.

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  • Distributors

    Purchase Directly from Linear Systems Linear Systems offers direct sales to customers as well as through our network of authorized distributors, each with its own unique benefits. Contact us at (510) 490-9160 or sales@linearsystems.com for assistance with price quotes, samples, custom part discussions, drawing evaluations, and valuable insights. Contact Us! Purchase Directly from Authorized Distributors Customers have the option to order through Linear Systems' authorized distributors, ensuring access to our high-quality parts worldwide. Some distributors provide additional services such as design support, product screening, and testing. Purchasing directly from Linear Systems, or through our authorized distributors guarantees you receive genuine components and exceptional support tailored to your needs. Global Distributors Below are our International Distributors, shipping to locations worldwide. Linear Systems' Authorized Distributor, Micross Linear Systems' Authorized Distributor, NAC Semi Linear Systems' Authorized Distributor, Trendsetter Electronics Linear Systems' Authorized Distributor, Mouser Electronics Linear Systems Authorized Distributor, DigiKey Electronics Regional Distributors Should you wish to order from a distributor nearer to your location, kindly consult the following list, as we have distributors located around the world. Italy Schurter Electronics S.p.A. Email info.it@schurter.com Phone # +39 02 3046 5311 Website Germany, Switzerland & Austria SEMITRON W. Röck GmbH Distribution + Testhaus Email sales@semitron.de Phone # +49 7742 800-10 Website United States Trendsetter Electronics Email sales@trendsetter.com Phone # (512) 310-8858 Website United States NAC Semi Email sales@nacsemi.com Phone # (727) 828-0187 Website Korea Unotel Co., Ltd. Email michael.lim@unotel.co.kr Phone # +82-10-4392-3135 Website France CATS (Solutec & Microel) Email contact@cats-france.fr Phone # +33-1-69070824 or +33-1-69592150 Website India Electronic Enterprises (India) Private Limited Email eehyd@eeipl.in Phone # 040-23243352, 23240817 Website Germany AMU Electronics GmbH Email patrick.mueller@amu-electronics.com Phone # 05602/91947-59 Website Japan Kyokuto Boeki Kaisha Ltd. (KBK) Email eldv@kbk.co.jp Phone # +81-03-3244-3783 Website United Kingdom Micross Components - United Kingdom Email Darren.George@micross.com Phone # +44 (0)1603 788967 Website Finland Elgood Oy Email info@elgood.fi Phone # +358 207 981 140 Website Israel Gitronics/Boran Email support@boran.co.il Phone # +972-3-9274738 Website Purchase Order Terms and Conditions A. The term "Company" as used herein shall mean Linear Integrated Systems, Inc. B. The term "Buyer" as used herein shall mean a party placing a purchase order for the Company products (the "Products"). C. THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE (THE "TERMS") ARE THE ONLY TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES. ANY AND ALL ADDITIONAL OR DIFFERENT TERMS, WHETHER IN A PURCHASE ORDER OR OTHER DOCUMENT GIVEN BEFORE OR AFTER THESE TERMS, ARE SPECIFICALLY REJECTED AND SHALL NOT BECOME PART OF THESE TERMS UNLESS AGREED TO IN WRITING BY THE COMPANY. 1. SCOPE These Terms apply to all quotations and offers made by and purchase orders accepted by the Company. Acceptance of Buyer's order is conditioned upon Buyer's acceptance of these Terms, whether by written acknowledgment, implication, or acceptance and payment of goods ordered. Any conflicting or additional terms provided by the Buyer are specifically rejected. Any changes in these Terms must be agreed upon in writing by a corporate officer of the Company. 2. PRICES, TAXES, AND DUTIES Prices are quoted in U.S. Dollars and may change without notice. Prices are firm and not subject to renegotiation, except at the Company's discretion. All prices exclude international duties, foreign taxes, and US federal, state, and local taxes. Buyer shall pay all applicable taxes and duties and indemnify the Company against any related expenses. Any price reductions based on volume discounts will be revoked if the Buyer reduces the number of parts purchased below discount levels. All price quotations are valid for 30 days, and parts must be delivered within 180 days from the quotation date. The Company may extend the validity of quotations at its discretion. 3. PAYMENT TERMS Payments shall be in U.S. Dollars. Net terms may be granted upon approval. Customer agrees to remit payment for the invoice in full by the agreed-upon due date. Should payment extend beyond the specified Net Terms, Customer acknowledges and accepts that any outstanding fee not settled within five (5) days from its due date shall accrue interest at a rate of 2.5% per month, commencing from the fifth (5th) day after the due date until payment is made. Upon payment, all fees become nonrefundable. Linear Systems retains the right, at its discretion and at any point, to adjust the monthly interest rate for overdue invoices. The Company may require payment in advance or C.O.D. The Company may suspend performance or require cash payment or other assurances if Buyer’s financial condition warrants it. Payment must be made in Alameda County, California, where any collection action may be brought. Cancellations or reschedules must be requested in writing within seven (7) days of order submission. Otherwise, the Buyer must pay liquidated damages equivalent to the full purchase price. 4. TITLE AND DELIVERY All sales are EXW (Incoterms 2000) point of shipment in the U.S. Title passes to the Buyer upon receipt of payment in full. The Company is not responsible for damage or delays after delivery to the carrier. Any claims for damages must be filed with the carrier. Shortage claims must be made within ten (10) days of shipment arrival. The Company may deliver in installments and is not liable for failure to meet delivery schedules or costs of procuring substitute goods. 5. ACCEPTANCE Buyer must inspect products upon receipt and file any claims for damage, shortages, or nonconformity immediately. Claims must be made within 30 days of receipt. No returns are accepted without a Return Material Authorization ("RMA"). 6. LIMITED WARRANTY The Company warrants products against defects in workmanship and materials for 90 days, subject to terms and conditions. The warranty does not apply to products subject to misuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications. The Company's liability is limited to rescreening, reprocessing, replacing nonconforming products, or issuing credit for the purchase price. Warranty is contingent upon full payment. All other warranties are disclaimed. 7. INFRINGEMENT Buyer indemnifies the Company against any claims of intellectual property infringement resulting from compliance with Buyer’s designs or specifications. The Company is not liable for any infringement claims arising from the use of products in combination with non-Company products. 8. FORCE MAJEURE The Company is not liable for failure to perform due to unforeseen circumstances or causes beyond its control, such as natural disasters, war, or labor shortages. Delivery dates may be deferred during such delays. 9. CANCELLATIONS AND RESCHEDULES No cancellations or reschedules will be accepted within thirty (30) days of the earliest requested ship date. 10. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY The Company, its employees, officers, and directors are not liable for any breach of this Agreement, product order, or terms and conditions for business interruption costs, special, incidental, or consequential damages. Liability is limited to the amount paid by the Buyer for the products giving rise to the claim. 11. LIFE SUPPORT AND OTHER APPLICATIONS The Company's products are not authorized for use in life support devices or other critical applications without express written approval. Buyer assumes full risk and liability for such use and indemnifies the Company against related claims. 12. MIL-STD CLASS H AND CLASS K APPLICATIONS The Company's products are not authorized for use in MIL-STD Class H and Class K applications without express written approval. Buyer assumes full risk and liability for such use and indemnifies the Company against related claims. 13. EXPORT CONTROL Buyer agrees to comply with all applicable U.S. and destination country laws and regulations, including export controls. Buyer indemnifies the Company against damages from breaches of these laws. 14. LEAD-FREE, ROHS COMPLIANT PARTS The Company warrants products to be lead-free and RoHS compliant when ordered correctly. Electrical performance is guaranteed, but packaging reliability is not. Buyer indemnifies the Company against claims related to the use of non-compliant parts. 15. PRODUCT DISCONTINUANCE The Company reserves the right to discontinue any product at any time, with an attempt to provide twelve (12) months' notice. The Company is not liable for costs or damages due to product discontinuance. 16. ORDER ACCEPTANCE The Company reserves the right to reject any purchase order and is not liable for costs or damages resulting from non-acceptance. Selected parts are sold on a Non-Cancellable, Non-Returnable basis. Buyer’s purchases are final and subject to terms and conditions for NCNR parts. 17. DATECODE POLICY Linear Systems does not accept any restrictions on the sale or shipment of parts based on the device date code unless there are design-specific technical requirements agreed upon by both Linear Systems and the buyer. Linear Systems reserves the right to ship any date code for customer orders and samples. Linear Systems does not acknowledge a correlation between field failures and date codes exceeding 36 months. The Linear Systems Warranty applies to all products regardless of device date codes. 18. CONTROLLING LAW These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the State of California, with sole jurisdiction and venue in Alameda County, California. 19. GENERAL LEGAL Linear Systems sells product based on our Terms & Conditions, not those of the purchaser. These terms constitute the entire contract and supersede all previous communications. Any changes must be agreed upon in writing. Unenforceable sections do not affect the remaining terms. Failure to enforce any provision does not waive it. Notices must be in writing and sent to the specified Company address. The prevailing party in any legal action is entitled to recover attorney's fees and costs. Rev K 052825 Privacy Policy Collection of Personal Information Visitors to the Linear Integrated Systems' web site are not required to reveal any personal information in order to use many of the features of the site. However, in some instances, Linear Systems requests that users provide certain personal information in order to facilitate future communications, make a purchase of Linear Systems' products, or receive other materials from Linear Systems. What does Linear Systems do with my personal information? Linear Systems will use the information you provide for legitimate business purposes which may include sharing some information with Linear Systems' authorized distributors. These legitimate business purposes may include facilitating future communications with you, assisting you in making a purchase of Linear Systems' products, or responding to your request for Linear Systems' information or samples. Linear Systems also reserves the right to collect and share personal information as part of an investigation or response to a violation of Linear Systems' terms and conditions, fraud, illegal activities or other actions or threats which may damage Linear Systems. Except the aforementioned instances, Linear Systems will never share your personal information with third parties. L ast updated: March 1, 2023

  • JFET Switches

    Linear Systems provides a wide range of JFET switches under its Improved Standard Products ® line of devices. We provide these components in an array of package types and make selections to specific electrical specifications upon request. JFET Switches Linear Systems provides a wide range of JFET switches under its Improved Standard Products ® line of devices. We provide these components in an array of package types and make selections to specific electrical specifications upon request. 2N/PN/SST4391 Series SINGLE, LOW NOISE, N-CHANNEL JFET SWITCH Read More 174DFN Series DFN PACKAGE, SINGLE P-CHANNEL JFET SWITCH Read More 2N5114 Series 2N5114 SERIES LOW ON-RESISTANCE, P-CHANNEL JFET SWITCH Read More 4391DFN Series DFN PACKAGE, SINGLE N-CHANNEL JFET SWITCH Read More LSJ/SST94 SINGLE P-CHANNEL JFET SWITCH Read More J/SST111 Series J111 SERIES LOW LEAKAGE, N-CHANNEL JFET SWITCH Read More J/SST174 Series SINGLE P-CHANNEL JFET SWITCH Read More 2N5018 Series 2N5018 SERIES LOW ON-RESISTANCE, P-CHANNEL JFET SWITCH Read More

  • Sample Boxes

    Sample Boxes Sample Boxes DFN Sample Kit INCLUDES A SAMPLING OF PARTS OFFERED IN THE DFN PACKAGE Read More

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