Fully Understanding CMRR in

DAs, IAs, and OAs

Pete Semig
Analog Applications Engineer-Precision Linear

Outline
Definitions

Differential-input amplifier
Common-mode voltage
Common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR)
Common-mode rejection (CMR)

CMRR in Operational Amplifiers

CMRR in Difference Amplifiers
CMRR in Instrumentation Amplifiers
CMRR in Hybrid Amplifiers

Differential Input Amplifier

Differential input amplifiers are devices/circuits that can input and
amplify differential signals while suppressing common-mode signals
This includes operational amplifiers, instrumentation amplifiers, and
difference amplifiers
Instrumentation
Amplifiers
Operational
Amplifier

Difference
Amplifier

Common-Mode Voltage
For a differential input amplifier, common-mode voltage is defined as the
average of the two input voltages. [2]

V p+V n
V cm=
2
-

Vn

+
-

Vo

Vp

Common-Mode Voltage (Alternate defn.)

For a differential amplifier, common-mode voltage is defined as the average of
the two input voltages. [2]
-

IOP1

Vid

+
-

Vid/2

Vid/2

Vcm

V p+V n
V cm=
2
w here
V id
V p=V cm+
2
V id
V n=V cm2

Vout

Vout Adm Vid Acm Vcm

where
Adm Differential - mode gain
Acm Common - mode gain

Common-Mode Voltage
Ideally a differential input amplifier only responds to a differential input voltage,
not a common-mode voltage.
V+
2

V-

Vid 0V

+
V-

+
V+

+
-

Vb 0

Va 0

OP1
6

+
V+

Vo 0V

+
-

Vo 3.826745V

Va 1m

Vcm 0

V-

Vid 0V

+
V+

Vb 0

Vcm 1

OP1
+

Vb 0

Vs- 5

Vid 1000uV

OP1

Vs+ 5

V-

Vo 0V

Va 0

Vcm 1

CMRR and CMR

Common-Mode Rejection Ratio is defined as the ratio of the differential gain to
the common-mode gain

Adm
CMRR
Acm
CMR is defined as follows [2]:

CMR dB 20 log10 CMRR

CMR and CMRR are often used interchangeably

Ideal Differential Amplifier CMRR

What is the CMRR of an ideal differential input amplifier (e.g. op-amp)?
Recall that the ideal common-mode gain of a differential input amplifier is 0.
Voltage Amplifier Model [1]
Amplifier

Source

Load
Ro

Rs
+
Vs

Vi

Ri

VCVS
+
+

Vi
-

Vo

Rload

A dm->Infinity

Also recall the differential gain of an ideal op-amp is infinity.

So

CMRRideal OA

Adm Adm

Acm
Acm
8

Real Op-Amp CMRR

In an operational amplifier, the differential gain is known as the openloop gain.
The open-loop gain of an operational amplifier is fixed and determined
by its design

Real Op-Amp CMRR

However, there will be a common-mode gain due to the following
Asymmetry in the circuit

Mismatched source and drain resistors

Signal source resistances
Gate-drain capacitances
Forward transconductances
Gate leakage currents

Output impedance of the tail current source

Changes with frequency due to tail current sources shunt capacitance

These issues will manifest themselves through converting commonmode variations to differential components at the output and variation
of the output common-mode level. [4]

10

Resistor Mismatch
Lets look at the case of a slight
mismatch in drain resistances [4] in the
input stage (diff-in, diff-out) of an op-amp
What happens to Vx and Vy as Vin,cm
changes?
Assuming M1 and M2 are identical, Vx
and Vy will change by different amounts:

This imbalance will introduce a

differential component at the output
So changes in the input common-mode
can corrupt the output signal
11

Transistor Mismatch
What about mismatches with respect to M1
and M2?
Threshold mismatches
Dimension mismatches

These mismatches will cause the transistors

to conduct slightly different currents and
have unequal transconductances.
We find the conversion of input common
mode variations to a differential error by the
following factor [4]

ACM DM

g m RD

g m1 g m 2 RSS 1
12

Tail Current Source Capacitance

As the frequency of the CM disturbance increases the capacitance shunting
the tail current source will introduce larger current variations. [4]
OPA333

13

Modeling CMRR
Now that we understand what CMRR is and what affects it in operational
amplifiers, lets see how it can affect a circuit.
First, however, we need to understand the model
To be useful, CMRR needs to be referred-to-input (RTI)
We can therefore represent it as a voltage source (aka offset voltage) in series
with an input. The magnitude (RTI) is Vcm/CMRR [2]
Vcm/CMRR
-

Vn

+
-

Vo

Vp

14

VO AVp Vn

OA CMRR Error

Vcm
CMRR
Note that Vcm VO

Vn VO

Example: non-inverting buffer

Vn
Vcm/CMRR

A
+

Vp

Vo

Vp

VO A V p VO
CMRR

AV p
VO AV p AVO
CMRR
1

VO 1 A AV p 1

CMRR

A 1

VO
CMRR

Vp
1 A
As A
VO
1
1
Vp
CMRR
15

Real CMRR Example

To understand the effects CMRR can have at the output of a device,
lets look at an example.
OPA376 PDS
Notice the Vcm is specified at the top of the page
Deviation from this value will induce an offset error
Remember CMRR is RTI

16

Real CMRR Example

Remember

CMR (dB ) 20 log10 (CMRR)

In reality, CMRR is measured by changing the input common-mode voltage and

observing the output change.
For an operational amplifier, this is usually done with a composite amplifier

It is then referred-to-input by dividing by the gain and can be though of as an

offset voltage
From reference [3], in TI datasheets CMRR is defined as follows so that the
value is positive

Vcm
CMRR
Vos

17

Real CMRR Example

For the OPA376, CMRR(min)=76dB. Note this is really CMR!

CMR (dB ) 20 log10 (CMRR )

Vcm

76dB 20 log10
Vos
10

76
20

6309.5

Vcm
Vos

For a 1V change in common mode

1V
Vos
158.5uV
6309.5
18

CMRR of Difference Amplifiers

A difference amplifier is made up of a differential amplifier (operational
amplifier) and a resistor network as shown below.
The circuit meets our definition of a differential amplifier
The output is proportional to the difference between the input signals

R1

R2

Ri1

Ro

V1

Ri2
+

R3

Vo

R4

V2

19

DA CMRR
Lets replace V1 and V2 with our alternate definition of the inputs (in terms of
differential-mode and common-mode signals)
Vdm
2
V
V2 Vcm dm
2
R
Vo 2 V2 V1
R1
V1 Vcm
+

Vdm/2

R1

R2
+

Vcm
+
Vdm/2

R1

R2

Vo

Vo

R2

R1

Vo

R2
Vdm
R1

Vcm

Vdm
V
Vcm dm
2
2

It is readily observed that an ideal difference amplifiers output should only

amplify the differential-mode signalnot the common-mode signal.
20

DA CMRR
This assumes that the operational amplifier is ideal and that the resistors are
balanced.
Keeping the assumption that the operational amplifier is ideal, lets see what
happens when an imbalance factor () is introduced.

Vdm/2

R1

R2(1-)

Vcm
+
Vdm/2

R1

Vo

R2

21

DA CMRR
Using superposition we find that

Vo Vcm dm
2

V
R2 1
Vcm dm
R1
2

After some algebra we find that [1]

R2

R1 R2

R2 1

R1 R2 1

Vo AdmVdm AcmVcm
where
Adm

R2
R 2 R2
1 1

R1
R1 R2 2

Acm

R2

R1 R2

As expected, an imbalance affects the differential and common-mode gains, which will
affect CMRR!
As the error->0, Adm->R2/R1 and Acm->0.
22

DA CMRR
Since we have equations for Acm and Adm, lets look at CMR

Adm

CMR(dB ) 20 log10
Acm

R2

2
R

1
2

1

R1 R2 2
R1
20 log10
R2

R1 R2

If the imbalance is sufficiently small we can neglect its effect on Adm

With that and some algebra we find [1]

R2
R1

CMR(dB) 20 log10

23

DA CMRR
This equation shows two very important relationships

R2
R1

CMR (dB) 20 log10

As the gain of a difference amplifier increases (R2/R1), CMR increases

As the mismatch () increases, CMR decreases

Please remember that this just shows the effects of the resistor network and
assumes an ideal amplifier

24

DA CMRR
Another possible source for CMRR degradation is the impedance at the
reference pin.
So far we have connected this pin to low-impedance ground.
+

Vdm/2

R1

R2
+

Vcm
+
Vdm/2

R1

Vo

R2

Placing and impedance here will disturb the voltage divider we come across
during superposition analysis.
This will negatively affect CMR
25

Real DA CMRR Example (INA149 PDS)

26

Why not make our own DA?

If a DA is simply an operational amplifier and 4 resistors, I can save money
by making my own, right?
T -319.09

R2 25k

0%

0%
Gain (dB)

R1 25k

-319.09

R3 25k

R4 25k

0%

0%

Vout

Vcm

-319.09
10.00

1.00k
Frequency (Hz)

100.00k

Should be well-matched
Should have low temperature drift

27

Why not make our own DA?

Lets assume an ideal amplifier and
just look at resistor mismatches
using TINA (only changing R2)

R1 25k

Monte Carlo analysis

0%

0.1%
-

Gaussian distribution (6), 100

cases

Values are negative due to TINA

T

R2 25k

-60.00

R3 25k

R4 25k

0%

0%

Vout

Vcm

Gain (dB)

-80.00

-100.00

-120.00

-140.00
10.00

1.00k
Frequency (Hz)

100.00k

Assuming 0% tolerance for R1, R3,

and R4 and only 0.1% tolerance for
R2 this network can degrade CMRR
to 66dB (calculated), 69.16dB
(simulated).

28

Why not make our own DA?

What if all resistors are 0.01% or 0.1%?
R2 25k

0.01%

0.01%

Worse performance
than all of our DAs

R1 150k

R2 150k

0.1%

0.1%
+

R3 25k

R4 25k

0.01%

0.01%

Vout

R3 150k
+

R1 25k

0.1%

R4 150k

Vout

0.1%

Vcm

-81.93

-60.84

Gain (dB)

-100.84

Gain (dB)

Vcm

-93.35

-125.86

-119.74
10.00

1.00k
Frequency (Hz)

100.00k

10.00

1.00k
Frequency (Hz)

100.00k

29

Why not make our own DA?

0.5%: 52dB (calc), 53.64dB (sim)
T

1.0%: 46dB (calc), 46.85dB (sim)

-40.00

-40.00

-60.00
Gain (dB)

-80.00

-80.00
-100.00

-120.00

-100.00
10.00

1.00k
Frequency (Hz)

100.00k

10.00

1.00k
Frequency (Hz)

100.00k

5.0%: 32dB (calc), 33.34dB (sim)

T

-20.00

-40.00
Gain (dB)

Gain (dB)

-60.00

-60.00

-80.00

-100.00
10.00

1.00k
Frequency (Hz)

100.00k

30

Why not make our own DA?

80dB: Lowest cost of one 0.01%, 10ppm/C resistor (1k pricing)

1206 package:
0805 package:
0603 package:
0402 package:

$0.45 ($1.80 total cost)

$0.53 ($2.12 total cost)
$0.53 ($2.12 total cost)
$0.50 ($2.00 total cost, 10k pricing!)

60dB: Lowest cost 4-pack 0.1%, 25ppm/C resistor (1k pricing)

SO-8 package: $0.98 ($0.98 total cost)

Footprint size comparison:

1 required
(need op amp)

4 required

31

Why not make our own DA?

Now that we understand how the resistor matching can affect CMRR and
the related cost, what about an integrated solution?
TI can trim resistors to within 0.01% relative accuracy
INA152

CMR(min)=80dB
GE=10ppm/C (max)
On-chip resistors will drift together
MSOP-8
1k price on www.ti.com: $1.20
Includes amplifier!

Some DAs can give CMR(min)=74dB @ $1.05!

Customer will require 2 suppliers (1 for OA, 1 for precision resistors)

Op amp included!

32

DA Gain
We learned that the gain of a difference amplifier is set by R2 and R1.
What if we wanted variable gain?
We would have to adjust 2 resistors due to the topology.
To retain good CMR they would have to be tightly matched, too.
This is difficult and expensive

Alternately, you could use an external operational amplifier (with very low
output impedance so as not to degrade CMR) to drive the reference pin as
shown below [4]

R2 RG
v2 v1
vo
R1 R3
33

DA Gain
But, R3 should be a precision resistor. Its error will be seen as a gain error.
You also need to purchase an external operational amplifier and potentiometer.
If you need variable gain, there are better options
Instrumentation amplifiers (IAs) usually have an external resistor that can be used to
set the gain
Programmable Gain Amplifiers (PGAs) can be programmed (either with pin settings
or digitally) with a particular gain

In summary, difference amplifiers are typically manufactured with a set gain so

as to preserve CMR and since there are alternate (better) solutions for variable
gain
Since difference amplifiers come with a fixed gain, you will only see 1 CMR
curve in the datasheet

34

Difference Amplifiers-Summary
Pros:

Difference amplifiers amplify differential signals and reject common-mode signals

The common-mode rejection is based mainly resistor matching
Making your own difference amplifier will not yield the same performance
Difference amplifiers can be used to protect against ground disturbances

Cons:
Externally changing the gain of a difference amplifier is not worthwhile
The input impedance is finite
This means that a difference amplifier will load the input signals
If the input signal sources impedances are not balanced, CMR could be degraded

Is there a way we can amplify differential signals, change the gain, retain high
CMR, and not load our source?
Yes! Buffer the inputsthis creates an Instrumentation Amplifier (IA).

35

Instrumentation Amplifier
There are 2 common types of
instrumentation amplifiers
2 op-amp (e.g. INA122)
3 op-amp (e.g. INA333)

36

Instrumentation Amplifier
Notice both have gain equations so you can vary the gain
Notice the input impedance is that of the non-inverting terminal of a
non-inverting amplifier
High-Z Nodes

Difference Amp

High-Z Nodes

Variable Gain

37

IA CMRR
So, what is the CMRR of an instrumentation amplifier?
Instrumentation amplifiers reject common-mode signals (Acm->0)
Recall

Adm
CMRR
Acm

CMRR is directly related to differential gain. Since we can change the

differential gain of an IA, we also change the CMRR.

38

INA826 CMRR Model Verification

V1 15

Rg

Rg 1k

Ref

Rg
+
+

U1 INA826

+
-

160

Vout

G1000
140
G100

Vcm

120

G10

G1

+V 15

Gain (dB)

100

80

60

40

20

0
10

215

5k

100k

Frequency (Hz)

39

INA826-Effects of Rg Tolerance on CMRR

Now that we see our INA826 model is accurate, lets look at the effects
of Rgs tolerance on CMRR
Set G=100, 6 resistors, 100 cases.
Note that due to the number of cases, no post-processing was performed
Normally this would be Gain/Waveform. Therefore we have to mentally
subtract 20dB from this cluster of waveforms.
T -74.19

T -74.19

1% Resistor

-81.16

Gain (dB)

-87.97dB<CMR<-88.13dB
Adjusted for gain:
-107.97dB<CMR<-108.13dB

T -74.19

-88.13
10.00

1.00k
Frequency (Hz)

-88.04dB<CMR<-88.07dB
Adjusted for gain:
-108.04dB<CMR<-108.07dB

-81.13

-88.08
10.00

100.00k

1.00k
Frequency (Hz)

100.00k

0.1% Resistor
Gain (dB)

Gain (dB)

5% Resistor

-88.065531dB<CMR<-88.06869dB
Adjusted for gain:
-108.065531dB<CMR<-108.06869dB

-81.13

-88.07
10.00

1.00k
Frequency (Hz)

100.00k

Notice the gain setting

resistor tolerance does
not significantly affect the
CMR.

40

2-OA Instrumentation Amplifiers

What are the properties of 2-OA
Instrumentation Amplifiers?
Pros
Lower cost (only 2 op-amps), less trimming
High impedance input
Can be placed in a smaller package

Cons
Compare signal path to Vo for Vin+ and Vin Vin+ has a shorter path than V This delay does not allow the common-mode
components to cancel each other as well as
frequency increases
Therefore CMR degradation occurs earlier in
frequency than the 3-OA designs
Since we can change the
differential gain, the CMR also
changes.

41

Hybrid Difference Amplifiers

Some devices have unique topologies (e.g. INA321).
How do we determine whether CMRR will change with the gain of this
device?
Op-amp (has
fixed differential
gain)

2OA
Instrumentation
Amp
42

Hybrid Difference Amplifiers

Depends on what gain youre talking about.
With respect to CMRR, its all about the differential gain since the
common-mode gain of all differential amplifiers is ideally 0.
When you place resistors for R1 and R2, are you changing the
differential gain?

43

Hybrid Differential Amplifiers

No. The differential gain of the device is set internally!

If you cant change the differential gain of the device, the CMRR will not change
with gain.
Remember the differential gain of an op-amp (A3) is fixed (its the open-loop gain)

44

Real IA CMR Competitive Analysis

45

Summary
A differential amplifier amplifies differential signals, not common-mode
signals
Examples include operational amplifiers, difference amplifiers, and
instrumentation amplifiers

CMRR is defined as the ratio of differential gain to common-mode gain

All differential amplifiers have an ideal common-mode gain of 0
To determine if a circuits CMRR is going to change with gain, you must
look at the differential gain. Remember an op-amps differential gain is
fixed.
If you can change the differential gain of the device/circuit, the CMRR
will also change

46

References
[1] Franco, Design with Operational Amplifiers and Analog Integrated Circuits,
3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2002.
[2] Tobey, Graeme, Huelsman, Operational Amplifiers: Design and
Applications, McGraw-Hill, 1971.
[3] Karki, Understanding Operational Amplifier Specifications, White Paper:
SLOA011, Texas Instruments, 1998.
[4] Razavi, Design of Analog CMOS Integrated Circuits, McGraw-Hill, 2001.

47

Questions?

48