Analog Devices' Data Converters Deliver Key Specs for Wireless Infrastructure Applications; ADI's new ADCs combine high SFDR and SNR with low-power operation for wireless infrastructure communications systems.

NORWOOD, Mass. -- Analog Devices Inc. (NYSE: ADI), the world leader in data conversion technology, is introducing a family of 14-bit and 12-bit ADCs (analog-to-digital converters) that offer low-power operation ideal for wireless infrastructure applications. The flagship device, the AD9246 is the first 14-bit, 125-MSPS (million samples per second) ADC to achieve SFDR (spurious-free dynamic range) of 85 dBc at a 70 MHz input. 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 to the highest SFDR in its class, the AD9246 provides SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) of 72.25 dBfs at a 70 MHz input and 395 mW of power, enabling high-quality conversion of the most demanding third-generation 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 ideal for smaller wireless infrastructure systems, such as micro and pico cell base stations.

"Many evolving applications that use data converters are not driven by the ultimate in resolution and speed," said Kevin Kattmann, product line director, High Speed Signal Processing group, Analog Devices. "Innovating for low power and ease of use, without compromising historical performance metrics is critical. The fact that this new family of ADCs is pin-compatible, allows designers to easily trade off speed and resolution for system cost."

Family of Low-Voltage, High-Speed Converters

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.

More about the AD9246

In addition to SFDR performance of 85 dBc at an input frequency of 70 MHz, the AD9246 provides SFDR of 75 dBc and SNR of 70.2 dBfs at an input frequency of 280 MHz. The AD9246's high IF sampling and high sampling rate simplify system design and reduce cost making it ideal for third-generation communications receivers like CDMA2000, UMTS and TD-SCDMA. The AD9246 can also be used in the digital pre-distortion observation path where high-sampling rates enable the digitization of higher order inter-modulation distortion products.

The AD9246 features a high-performance SHA (sample-and-hold amplifier) 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 down-converter and AD951x family of clocking devices.

Pricing and Availability

The 14-bit, 125-/105-MSPS AD9246 and 12-bit, 125-/105-MSPS AD9233 ADCs are sampling now with production quantities available in February 2006. The devices are specified over the extended industrial temperature range of -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C and are each available in a 7 mm x 7 mm LFCSP (lead frame chip scale package). 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. For more information, please visit www.analog.com/AD9246 and www.analog.com/AD9233.

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.