AD736JRZ-R7 - True RMS-to-DC Converter SOIC-8 | Analog Devices
MPN: AD736JRZ-R7 β Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $10.03 | $10.03 |
| 10 | $9.1 | $91.00 |
| 100 | $8.2 | $820.00 |
| 500 | $7.5 | $3,750.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.9 | $6,900.00 |
AD736JRZ-R7 Overview
A true RMS-to-DC converter is a specialized analog signal-conditioning IC that computes the root-mean-square of an input waveform in real time, producing a DC voltage that corresponds to the effective power of the signal regardless of waveform shape. It sits within the broader hierarchy of AC/DC measurement devices: sensor -> amplifier -> RMS-to-DC converter -> ADC or panel meter. Unlike average-responding rectifiers, which are accurate only for pure sine waves, a true RMS converter correctly handles distorted, pulsed, and noise-like signals.
Key features of the AD736 include a 200 mV rms full-scale input range (extendable for larger inputs with an external input attenuator), very high input impedance of 10^12 ohms, and a low input bias current of 25 pA maximum, which together minimize loading of high-impedance sources. The device can also be configured to output the average rectified value or the absolute value of the input, adding measurement flexibility.
Technically, the AD736 is a monolithic, laser-trimmed IC that computes RMS via explicit squaring and division of the input signal followed by low-pass filtering. Its low power consumption of approximately 200 uA from supplies up to 12 V makes it well suited to battery-powered instruments, while signal bandwidth up to the 190 kHz / 460 kHz class keeps it useful for audio and industrial-frequency measurements.
Typical applications include handheld multimeters and DMM AC ranges, power monitoring in industrial equipment, audio loudness and sound-level measurement, and upgrading non-RMS precision rectifier circuits, where the AD736 offers higher accuracy at equal or lower cost.
Design consideration: the averaging capacitor on the CU pin sets low-frequency accuracy and settling time; use a larger capacitor for low-frequency inputs and expect ripple and settling trade-offs at the lowest frequencies.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, same-family drop-in alternatives, design notes, and application guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for AD736JRZ-R7 β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
AD736JRZ
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD736KRZ-R7
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD736ARZ-RL
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD736KR
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD736BR
β Drop-Inπ Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD736JRZ-R7 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Function | True RMS-to-DC Converter |
| Full-Scale Input Range | 200 mV rms (larger inputs with input attenuator) |
| Conversion Accuracy | +/-0.3 mV +/-0.3% of reading (sine wave) |
| Input Impedance | 10^12 ohm |
| Input Bias Current | 25 pA maximum |
| Input Voltage Range | -3.2 V to +2.8 V |
| Supply Voltage | 12 V |
| Supply Current | 200 uA (typical) |
| Signal Bandwidth | 190 kHz / 460 kHz class |
| Output Modes | True RMS, average rectified, or absolute value |
| Package | 8-pin SOIC |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (R7 suffix) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
AD736JRZ-R7 8-pin soic Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for AD736JRZ-R7 (8-pin soic package). This analog component features input, output, and power supply pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for offset null, compensation, and enable pin configurations. Ideal for signal conditioning and amplifier circuits.
No detailed pinout data available for AD736JRZ-R7.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
AD736JRZ-R7 is suitable for 6 applications: Digital Multimeter AC Voltage Ranges, Power Monitoring and Energy Measurement, Audio and Acoustic Measurement, Upgrading Non-RMS Precision Rectifier Circuits, Portable and Battery-Powered Test Equipment, Process Control and Signal Monitoring.
Digital Multimeter AC Voltage Ranges
The AD736JRZ-R7 is a natural fit for the AC-voltage ranges of handheld and bench digital multimeters. Its true RMS computation correctly reads distorted mains waveforms and chopped signals that average-responding rectifier circuits misread, while its 200 mV rms full-scale input with 10^12 ohm input impedance and 25 pA maximum bias current minimizes loading of the meter's front-end divider and preamplifier. With a typical supply current of about 200 uA, it preserves battery life in portable instruments, and its 8-pin SOIC footprint keeps the analog front end compact. Placed after the AC coupling and range attenuator, it delivers a DC output that feeds the meter's ADC directly, simplifying calibration to a single DC measurement path.
Recommended
Power Monitoring and Energy Measurement
In industrial power monitoring, the RMS value of currents and voltages - not their averages - determines real power and heating effects, especially with the distorted waveforms produced by variable-frequency drives, switched-mode supplies, and LED drivers. The AD736JRZ-R7 converts a current-transformer or shunt-amplified signal to a DC level proportional to true RMS, which a microcontroller ADC can sample slowly and cheaply. Its +/-0.3 mV +/-0.3% of reading J-grade accuracy supports panel-meter-class measurements, and the 190 kHz / 460 kHz class bandwidth comfortably covers 50/60 Hz and harmonic content. For larger signals, an external input attenuator scales the input into the 200 mV rms full-scale range, preserving the converter's accuracy over wide dynamic ranges.
Recommended
Audio and Acoustic Measurement
Audio loudness, sound-level meters, and audio test sets require RMS detection because perceived level and signal power track the RMS value of speech and music waveforms. The AD736JRZ-R7's bandwidth in the 190 kHz / 460 kHz class covers the full audio band and beyond, while its low 200 uA supply current suits portable audio analyzers. Connected after a microphone preamplifier with an averaging capacitor sized for the lowest frequency of interest, it outputs a DC level proportional to the true RMS of the audio signal, which can drive a bar-graph meter or an ADC. Its ability to also output the average rectified value supports VU-style metering where that convention is preferred.
Recommended
Upgrading Non-RMS Precision Rectifier Circuits
Many legacy instruments used op-amp precision rectifier circuits with average-responding calibration, accurate only for pure sine waves. The low cost and small size of the AD736 make it suitable for upgrading the performance of such non-RMS precision rectifiers in many applications: compared with these discrete circuits, the AD736 offers higher accuracy at an equal or lower cost, while eliminating diode-matching, temperature-drift, and calibration hassles. Because the AD736JRZ-R7 comes in a compact 8-pin SOIC, the retrofit typically fits the original board area. The result is a measurement that stays correct for non-sinusoidal loads and distorted sources without redesigning the entire front end of the instrument.
Recommended
Portable and Battery-Powered Test Equipment
Battery-powered instruments demand signal-conditioning ICs with microamp-level supply consumption. The AD736JRZ-R7's typical supply current of about 200 uA from up to 12 V supplies places it among the lowest-power true RMS-to-DC converters available, enabling weeks of operation from small cells in intermittently used hand-held testers. Its high 10^12 ohm input impedance with 25 pA maximum bias current allows direct connection to high-impedance probes and piezo or electret sensor front ends without loading error. The 8-pin SOIC saves board space, and the ability to output average rectified or absolute value as well as true RMS lets one IC serve multiple measurement modes across product variants.
Recommended
Process Control and Signal Monitoring
In process control loops, vibration monitoring, and machinery-condition panels, AC sensor signals must be reduced to a stable DC level for PLC analog inputs and threshold comparators. The AD736JRZ-R7 provides that conversion directly: its true RMS output tracks the effective value of vibration and AC process signals regardless of waveform shape, and the DC output interfaces cleanly with standard 0-5 V analog input channels. With a -3.2 V to +2.8 V input range and 200 mV rms full scale (scalable with an external attenuator), it covers typical sensor output levels. The low 200 uA consumption and industrial-grade packaging options simplify integration into 4-20 mA loop-powered accessories and distributed monitoring nodes.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for AD736JRZ-R7 β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | AD736JRZ | AD736KRZ-R7 | AD736ARZ-RL | AD736BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SOIC | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Accuracy Grade | J (+/-0.3 mV +/-0.3%) | J (same) | K (tighter) | A (wider) | B (tightest) |
| Full-Scale Input Range | 200 mV rms | 200 mV rms | 200 mV rms | 200 mV rms | 200 mV rms |
| Input Impedance | 10^12 ohm | 10^12 ohm | 10^12 ohm | 10^12 ohm | 10^12 ohm |
| Supply Current | 200 uA typical | 200 uA typical | 200 uA typical | 200 uA typical | 200 uA typical |
Key Differentiators
- Balanced accuracy-to-cost grade (vs AD736ARZ-RL)
- Lower cost than higher grades with identical footprint (vs AD736KRZ-R7)
- RoHS-compliant reel packaging for production (vs AD736KR)
Design Notes
The CU-pin averaging capacitor dominates low-frequency accuracy, ripple, and settling time. Size it using the capacitor-selection graphs in the Analog Devices AD736 datasheet: larger capacitance reduces ripple and extends accuracy to lower input frequencies but lengthens settling. Place the capacitor close to the CU pin with a short, low-impedance trace to keep leakage low, since the associated node is sensitive. Use a low-leakage capacitor type (film or C0G) for the most demanding accuracy applications.
The AD736JRZ-R7 operates from up to 12 V supplies with approximately 200 uA typical current, making single-supply battery operation feasible, but input headroom shrinks at low supply voltages. With the stated -3.2 V to +2.8 V input range, dual-rail operation (+/-5 V typical) gives symmetric headroom for AC signals. Decouple both supplies with 0.1 uF ceramics placed within a few millimeters of the supply pins, and keep the ground return of the input attenuator separate from high-current returns to preserve the microvolt-level accuracy of the converter.
The 200 mV rms full-scale input is smaller than many designers expect: signals above this level must be scaled with an external input attenuator before the AD736JRZ-R7, and forgotten attenuation causes clipping and gross errors. Also, RMS settling increases dramatically at low input frequencies; verify settling time at the lowest measured frequency rather than at mid-band. Finally, the +/-0.3 mV +/-0.3% accuracy is specified for sine inputs - extreme crest-factor waveforms require margin in your error budget.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance indicated by the Z suffix and distributor listings (DigiKey, Mouser, LCSC). REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals declarations should be obtained from Analog Devices documentation.
