The ADL5306 is a low cost micro-miniature logarithmic converter optimized for the determination of optical power in fiber-optic systems. It uses an advanced implementation of a classic translinear (junction-based) technique to provide a large dynamic range in a versatile and easily-used form. A single supply voltage of between 3 V and 5.5 V is adequate; dual supplies may optionally be used. The low quiescent current (typically 5 mA) permits use in battery-operating applicationsThe input currentIPDof 100 nA to 100 µA applied to theINPTpin is the collector current of an optimally-scaled NPN transistor, which converts this current to a voltage (its VBE) with a precise logarithmic relationship. A second such converter is used to handle the reference current, IREF, applied to pinIREF. These input nodes are biased slightly above ground (0.5 V). This is generally acceptable for photodiode applications where the anode does not need to be grounded. Similarly, this bias voltage is easily accounted for in generating IREF. The output of the logarithmic front-end is available at pinVLOG.