High-Performance Difference Amplifier with Precision Supply-Referenced Level Shift

Designed on small-geometry processes, high-performance ADCs typically run on single 1.8-V to 5-V supplies. When processing ±10-V or larger signals, an amplifier circuit ahead of the ADC can attenuate the signal to keep it from saturating the ADC inputs. A difference amplifier (diff amp) is commonly used when the signal includes a large common-mode voltage.