Leveraging its innovative system in a package (SiP) technology called µModule, Linear Technology has readied an integrated receiver subsystem LTM9001. A first in a series of SiP signal chain receiver modules, this new family of integrated receiver subsystems is intended to bridge the gap between the RF world and digital domain. The LTM9001 is a semi-customizable IF/baseband receiver subsystem that includes a high performance 16-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) sampling up to 160 Msps, an anti-aliasing filter, and fixed gain differential ADC driver. The LTM9001 harnesses years of applications design experience to offer integration, ease of use with guaranteed high performance to enhance system performance in many communications and instrumentation applications, said the maker.

Sampling high dynamic range signals in RF applications requires extensive experience to maximize the full capabilities of the ADC. An intimate knowledge of the amplifier output stage and ADC front end is required to match the impedances, while careful attention to layout is required to minimize coupling of the digital outputs into the sensitive analog input. Degraded ADC performance can in many cases be attributed to bad layout. These considerations can challenge the engineer whose expertise lies in the RF or digital worlds. The LTM9001 transfers this burden of component selection, input impedance matching, filter design and layout from designer to device, shortening overall design time, system troubleshooting and ultimately improving time to market, according to Linear Technology.

Using pin-compatible product families, it can be configured for various sampling rates and the differential ADC driver can be substituted for fixed gain versions ranging from 8 dB up to 26dB. The anti-aliasing filters can also be configured as lowpass or bandpass filter versions, accepting input frequencies as high as 300 MHz. Its noise figure is as low as 5.9 dB, SNR is 72 dB and SFDR is rated at 82 dB at 162.5 MHz.

The digital outputs can be either differential LVDS or single-ended CMOS. There are two format options for the CMOS outputs: a single bus running at the full data rate or demultiplexed buses running at half data rate. A separate output power supply allows the CMOS output swing to range from 0.5V to 3.3V.

The LTM9001 is in production. And comes in a compact 11.25 mm × 11.25 mm LGA package, utilizing a multi-layer substrate that shields sensitive analog lines from the digital traces. The LGA pads are positioned on the bottom of the package so that input and clock signals are separated from the digital outputs, simplifying the layout for the designer. Bypass capacitance is placed inside the module and close to the die, providing a space, cost and, more significantly, a performance advantage over traditional packaging. With no external capacitance required, the LTM9001 consumes approximately half the space of the discrete implementation.

Unlike certain high-speed ADCs which require export license to certain countries, including China and Russia, the LTM9001 is classified as a receiver subsystem and does not require an export license, according to Linear Technology.

For more information, visit www.linear.com.

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