How to read datasheets
Which is the correct way to treat the "Typical Characteristics" graphs in a datasheet?
- AThey show trends of representative samples and are not guaranteed values; design should be based on the min/max in the tables
- BEven values for conditions not given in the tables can be used directly as guaranteed values, as long as they are read from the graphs
- CThey show results calculated by simulation, so they have no relation to measured values of actual products
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. They show trends of representative samples and are not guaranteed values; design should be based on the min/max in the tables
Typical characteristics graphs show, as measured on representative samples, how characteristics change as temperature, supply voltage, load, frequency and so on are varied. Many graphs are annotated "typ" or "typical," and the spread is not shown. Base designs on the min/max in the tables, and use the graphs to understand trends with conditions or to get a rough idea of values under conditions not in the tables. For example, you might estimate a high-temperature value by correcting the 25 °C max value using the rate of change with temperature read from a graph.