Analog Devices' High-Speed Converters Set New Power Efficiency Benchmark for Communications Applications; New ADC cuts power consumption by more than 40%.

NORWOOD, Mass. -- Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI), a global leader in high performance semiconductors for signal processing applications and the market leader in data conversion technology, is introducing a family of high-speed 10- and 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) targeted for 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 percent, is available in a package 20 percent smaller than competitive ADCs, and maintains superior signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) at high intermediate frequencies (IFs).

"The AD9230 is the only 12-bit, 250-MSPS ADC that has been able to bring power consumption below the 500 mW threshold, thus increasing power efficiency, decreasing system size and minimizing thermal management costs--attributes which are extremely important for today's high-performance wireless and wired applications," said Kevin Kattmann, product line director, High Speed Signal Processing Group. "The AD9230, used in the transmit path of picocell or microcell base stations to optimize power amplifier linearization, also facilitates more rapid system deployment by enabling smaller-sized end-systems. In cable termination systems, growing demand for digital cable services is placing greater emphasis on bandwidth, calling for low-power ADCs that allow higher channel density."

Family of Low-Power, High-Speed Converters

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 volt supply, dissipates only 425 mW of power and is capable of maintaining 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 radio frequency (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).

Availability and Pricing

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 x 8 mm LFCSP (lead frame chip scale package), the devices are fully specified over the industrial temperature range (-40 degrees C to +85 degrees C). 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). For more information, please visit www.analog.com/AD9230.

ADI's Data Conversion Technology: Critical Bridge Between Analog and Digital

Analog Devices is the world leader in data conversion technology. ADI's longstanding leadership in data conversion technology stems from an engineering culture that emphasizes deep understanding of the customer's system challenge, aggressive research and development investing and unmatched mixed-signal design expertise. From application-specific solutions designed to lower system cost to the broadest selection of speed, accuracy, size and power consumption in DACs and ADCs, Analog Devices provides the products, technology and support customers need to successfully bridge between real-world analog signals and the digital world of electronic equipment. ADI's data converters are used widely in consumer electronics, broadband and wireless communications, automotive systems, industrial equipment and medical electronics, as well as a host of other emerging market applications.

About Analog Devices

Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices has built one of the most long-standing, high-growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers around the world, representing virtually all types of electronics equipment. Celebrating 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications, Analog Devices, Inc. is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, and employs approximately 8,900 people worldwide. It has manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts, California, North Carolina, Ireland, and the Philippines. Analog Devices' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and ADI is included in the S&P 500 Index.