**AD736JRZ: A True RMS-to-DC Converter IC for Precision AC Measurements**

In the realm of electronics, accurately measuring complex AC signals is a fundamental challenge. While simple average-responding meters are common, they are only calibrated for pure sinusoidal waveforms and deliver significant errors when faced with distorted signals, such as those found in variable-speed drives, lighting systems, or audio equipment. This is where the concept of True Root Mean Square (RMS) becomes critical. **True RMS provides the only correct measure of the effective power or heating value of any AC waveform**, regardless of its shape. The AD736JRZ from Analog Devices is a monolithic IC specifically engineered to perform this sophisticated calculation with high precision and reliability.

The AD736JRZ is a low-power, precision True RMS-to-DC converter. Its primary function is to accept an AC input voltage—which can be sinusoidal or non-sinusoidal—and **compute its true RMS value, outputting an equivalent DC voltage**. This DC output is directly proportional to the true RMS value of the input, enabling accurate readings on a standard DC voltmeter or an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Housed in a compact 8-lead SOIC package, the AD736JRZ is designed for ease of integration into a wide array of test and measurement equipment, including multimeters, power analyzers, and process control systems.

A key advantage of the AD736JRZ is its exceptional accuracy across a wide range of conditions. It boasts **a high accuracy of ±0.3 mV ± 0.3% of reading** for inputs up to 200 mV RMS. It can handle input signals with crest factors up to 5, meaning it can accurately measure waveforms with high peaks relative to their RMS value, such as low-duty-cycle pulses. Furthermore, its operating bandwidth extends from low frequencies up to 370 kHz (for 100 mV inputs), making it suitable for both power line frequency applications and higher-frequency audio analysis.

The internal architecture of the AD736JRZ is a marvel of analog computation. It utilizes a sequential rectification method. The input AC signal is first squared using a proprietary analog multiplier. This squared value is then averaged by an internal capacitor, and finally, the square root of this average is extracted. This entire mathematical process of **squaring, averaging, and square-rooting is the very definition of the RMS calculation** and is executed seamlessly on-chip.

Beyond its core accuracy, the AD736JRZ offers several practical benefits. It features a high input impedance of 10¹² Ω, minimizing the loading effect on the circuit under test. It can be powered from a single or dual supply, with a typical supply current of just 200 μA, making it ideal for portable, battery-operated instruments. Its design also includes provisions for input level shifting and output filtering to enhance stability and noise immunity in demanding environments.

In conclusion, the AD736JRZ stands as a testament to precision analog design. It solves a critical measurement problem by delivering true power calculations for any AC waveform, moving beyond the limitations of simpler averaging techniques. For design engineers and technicians, it provides a reliable, self-contained, and easy-to-use solution for ensuring measurement integrity.

**ICGOODFIND:** The AD736JRZ is an industry-standard, high-accuracy solution for true RMS conversion. Its combination of **low power consumption, high input impedance, and excellent crest factor handling** makes it an outstanding choice for designers of professional-grade multimeters, audio equipment, and industrial power monitoring systems seeking trustworthy AC measurement data.

**Keywords:**

1. **True RMS-to-DC Conversion**

2. **Precision Measurement**

3. **Crest Factor**

4. **AC Signal Analysis**

5. **Low Power Consumption**