Analog Devices Inc. has unwrapped a family of 14-bit and 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that offer high performance tailored for wireless infrastructure applications. The flagship device, the AD9246, is the first 14-bit, 125 mega samples per second (Msps) ADC to achieve spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) of 85 dBc at a 70 MHz input, claimed ADI. A critical specification for wireless communications, SFDR expands the dynamic range of base station receivers by capturing weak signals in the frequency band of interest, despite the presence of strong, interfering signals. In addition, the AD9246 provides signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 72.25 dBfs at a 70 MHz input and 395 mW of power, enabling high-quality conversion of the most demanding 3G wireless standards at the lower voltage levels required to reduce power consumption. This combination of speed, resolution, IF (intermediate frequency) performance, and power makes the AD9246 suitable for smaller wireless infrastructure systems, such as micro and pico cell base stations.

The 14-bit, 125 Msps AD9246 is the flagship product in ADI's new 1.8-V core family of 12- and 14-bit, 105- and 125-Msps ADCs. In addition to the AD9246, this family includes the 14-bit, 105-Msps AD9246; the 12-bit, 125-Msps AD9233; and the 12-bit, 105-Msps AD9233.

The AD9246 features a high-performance sample-and-hold amplifier (SHA) and on-chip voltage reference. The patented SHA maintains excellent performance for input frequencies up to 280 MHz, can be configured for single-ended or differential operation, and has a selectable input voltage range. To maximize system performance, the AD9246 can be used with ADI's AD8139 and AD8351 differential amplifiers, AD6636 digital downconverter and AD951x family of clocking devices.

The 14-bit, 125-/105-Msps AD9246 and 12-bit, 125-/105-Msps AD9233 ADCs are sampling now with production quantities available in first quarter of 2006. The devices are specified over the extended industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C and are each available in a 7 mm x 7 mm lead frame chip scale package (LFCSP). The 125-Msps AD9246, 105-Msps AD9246, 125-Msps AD9233 and 105-Msps AD9233 are respectively priced at $48.50, $39.95, $26.95 and $22.75 per unit in 1,000-piece quantities.