There are many applications where amplification in the 1 MHz to 100 MHz region is desired. In this range falls the broadcast spectrums of FM radio, VHF television, citizen's band radio, and video processing in general. The bulk of general-purpose op amps exhibit $$f_{unity'}$$s in the 1 MHz to 10 MHz range. Also, slew rates tend to be below 20 V/$$\mu$$s. These characteristics make them wholly unsuitable for higher frequency applications. Even standard “fast” op amps like the LM318 offer$$f_{unity'}$$s of no more than 20 MHz with 50 V/$$\mu$$s slew rates.
In contrast to general-purpose devices, “ultra fast” op amps exhibit gain bandwidth products in excess of 50 MHz and slew rates over 100 V/$$\mu$$s. Devices are available with slew rates greater than 1000 V/$$\mu$$s and others boast gain bandwidth products around 1 GHz. In order to optimize performance, these devices are normally of the uncompensated variety. In this way, the largest possible bandwidth is produced for any given gain.
The MAX4030/4031 family from Maxim are low-cost dual and triple high speed op amps. They boast typical specs of 115 V/$$\mu$$s for slew rate and 144 MHz for gain bandwidth product. The devices run from a 5 volt supply. As with any high frequency device, power supply bypass capacitors are required. As an example a basic 75 $$\Omega$$ video line driver is shown in Figure $$\PageIndex{1}$$. Another example is the AD847 from Analog Devices which boasts a 300 V/$$\mu$$s for slew rate with a 50 MHz gain-bandwidth product.
Figure $$\PageIndex{1}$$: Video driver. Reprinted courtesy of Maxim Integrated