A new family of high-speed 10- and 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) from Analog Devices targets broadband communications and wireless infrastructure applications—-such as cable modem termination systems, third- and fourth-generation microcell and picocell base stations, and fixed point-to-point radios—-where low power consumption is required to accommodate smaller form factors, but high-quality conversion performance cannot be sacrificed. The flagship device is a 12-bit, 250 million samples per second (MSPS) ADC that cuts power consumption by more than 40%, is available in a package 20% smaller than competitive ADCs, and maintains a superior signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) at high intermediate frequencies (IFs).

The 12-bit, 250-MSPS AD9230 is the flagship device in a family of pin-compatible, low-power converters being introduced today. The device operates from a single 1.8 V supply, dissipates only 425 mW of power and is capable of maintaining an excellent SNR (65.5 dBfs) and SFDR (82 dBc) with a 70-MHz input. The AD9230 features an on-chip reference and track-and-hold, two parallel low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) output modes (ANSI-644 and IEEE 1596.3 reduced range link) to ease the interface to FPGAs, and a double data rate (DDR) mode, which halves the number of parallel outputs required. The DDR, combined with the IEEE 1596.3 reduced range link LVDS option, further reduces power consumption to 385 mW.

To maximize system performance, the AD9230 can be used with ADI’s AD8368, AD8369 and AD8370 RF variable gain amplifiers. The family includes the 12-bit AD9230 offered in three speed grades (250 MSPS, 210 MSPS, 170 MSPS) and the 10-bit AD9211 also offered in three speed grades (250 MSPS, 200 MSPS, 170 MSPS).

The 12-bit AD9230 will be sampling in May 2006, and the 10-bit AD9211 will be sampling in June 2006. Full production quantities of both devices are scheduled for September 2006. Available in a Pb-free 8 mm × 8 mm LFCSP (lead frame chip scale package). The 12-bit AD9230 is priced per unit in 1000-piece quantities at $59 (250 MSPS), $42 (210 MSPS) and $35 (170 MSPS). The 10-bit AD9211 is priced per unit in 1000-piece quantities at $39 (250 MSPS), $32 (200 MSPS) and $25 (170 MSPS).