Operational Amplifier Noise

Chapter 7

Popcorn Noise

This chapter discusses how to measure and identify popcorn noise, the magnitude of popcorn noise as compared to 1/f and broadband noise, and applications that are especially susceptible to popcorn noise.

7.1 Review of 1/f and Broadband Noise

Before looking at popcorn noise, it is useful to review the time domain and statistical representation of broadband and 1/f noise. Both 1/f and broadband noise have Gaussian distributions (see Figures 7.1 and 7.2). Furthermore, these types of noise are consistent and predictable for a given design. Throughout this book, we have learned how to predict noise levels through calculations and simulations. However, these methods cannot be used to measure popcorn noise.

Figure 7.1 Broadband ...