ADC delivers 68dB SNR, 75dB SFDR at 250MSPS sample rate

The new 13bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) from Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) promises best-in-class dynamic performance at high input frequencies. The ADS5444 offers 68dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and 75dB spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) at the maximum sample rate of 250MSPS and an input frequency of 230MHz. According to TI, these features make the ADC ideal for a variety of wideband applications, including software-defined radios, base station receivers, and test and measurement systems.

The ADS5444 provides a complete solution by including a high-bandwidth input buffer, linear track-and-hold stage and internal reference, simplifying system design requirements. It operates from a 5V supply, while providing LVDS-compatible digital outputs from a 3.3V supply. The device is specified over the industrial temperature range of -40°C to 85°C.

The ADS5444 is optimized to work with TI's high-performance TMS320C6x DSP platform. The company also has a range of high-speed amplifiers, such as the THS4509 and OPA847, and digital-to-analog converters, such as the DAC5687, which are well suited to work with the ADS5444 to provide a truly advanced signal chain for wideband applications.

The ADS5444 is already sampling, with volume production scheduled for Q4 of 2005. This product comes in an 80-pin TQFP PowerPad package, and has a suggested resale pricing of $95 in 1,000-piece quantities. Evaluation modules are also available.