Date: 06/03/2009

Differential ADC buffer/driver with class noise performance

The new ADC driver amplifier LTC6416 from Linear Technology with a low 1.8nV/vHz output referred noise at high frequencies offers excellent noise figure and distortion performance at high frequencies.

This device also features programmable output voltage clamps to limit the maximum voltage levels applied to the ADC inputs.

The LTC6416 is made for higher resolution ADCs. This buffer can be used with a transformer at its input to achieve additional low noise system gain in high bandwidth applications. The buffer's inputs and outputs can be AC- or DC-coupled. The LTC6416 output common mode voltage is set by the VCM pin to match the ADC's input range. The LTC6416 maintains -72.5dBc of third-order intermodulation distortion and -74dBc/-67.5dBc second- and third-harmonic distortion, respectively.

The other key features are,

2GHz -3dB Small Signal Bandwidth
300MHz ±0.1dB Bandwidth
46.25dBm Equivalent OIP3 at 140MHz
40.25dBm Equivalent OIP3 up to 300MHz
-81dBc/-72dBc HD2/HD3 at 140MHz, 2VP-P
-84.5dBc IM3 at 140MHz, 2VP-P Output Composite
-74dBc/-67.5dBc HD2/H3 at 300MHz, 2VP-P Output
-72.5dBc IM3 at 300MHz, 2VP-P Output Composite
Programmable High Speed, Fast Recovery Output Clamping
DC-Coupled Signal Path
Operates on single 2.7V to 3.9V supply
Low Power consumption: 150mW on 3.6V

Package: 2mm x 3mm 10-lead DFN package
Operating Temp Range: Both 0°C to 70°C and industrial -40°C to +85°C temperature ranges.
Price: Each $3.50 for 1K pieces