12bit digitizers deliver 350MHz analog bandwidth

From DynamicSignals LLC comes the CompuScope 1250X, claimed to be the highest-fidelity, high-speed digitizer. The CompuScope models 12501 and 12502 are one- and two-channel, 12bit, 500MSps digitizers with 350MHz of input analog bandwidth.

Both digitizers provide an effective number of bits (ENOB) of just over 10 at the standard 10MHz signal frequency, which persists almost undiminished to signal frequencies of hundreds of MHz. The CS1250X's ENOB is over 9.5 at a 200MHz signal frequency. This is a full 2 ENOBs higher than the performance of comparable competitive 12bit digitizers under the same conditions, says the manufacturer.

The correctly-calculated ENOB is derived from the SINAD (the ratio of Signal-to-Noise and Distortion) and not from only the SNR. The CS1250X provides six separate input ranges, choice of AC/DC coupling, user-selectable 70MHz low-pass filters and user DC offset control.

The CS1250X front-end features a low-noise conversion of input single-ended signals to carefully balanced on-board differential signals in addition to innovative clocking distribution and phase alignment. It includes on-board AC and DC calibration reference sources that are used to perform a seven-parameter calibration of the front-end. Up to eight CS1250X cards may be configured in a Master/Slave system for up to 16 simultaneous channels at 500MSps.

The CS1250X is completely compliant with RoHS standards. Unlike the CS12400, which acquires at 400MSps on one channel but at only 200MSps on two channels, the CS12502 acquires at 500MSps on either one channel or simultaneously on two channels.

The CS1250X may be optionally-equipped with auxiliary Input/Output connectors. The functionality of these connectors may be modified for custom requirements, in the case of OEMs.

As with most other CompuScope models, the CS1250X can be optionally equipped with eXpert signal averaging. Custom firmware may be created for potential OEMs.

- Juilen Happich
EE Times Europe