Date: 22/03/2011
16 bit, 1.25-GSPS DAC consumes 250 mW per channel
Texas Instruments Inc. has introduced what it calls the industry's most power-efficient 4-channel, 16-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter). At 1.25 GSPS, the DAC3484 is 25 percent faster than the next fastest quad DAC while consuming as little as 250 mW per channel - 65 percent less than the closest competitor, and 40 percent smaller than alternative quad DAC, claims TI.
The DAC3484 designed to enable wideband power amplifier linearization of up to 250 MHz. The wider input bus DAC34H84 or the 2-channel DAC3482 are available to support a linearization bandwidth up to 500 MHz.
"Wireless base station manufacturers are challenged to deliver systems that push the limits of bandwidth and performance while keeping power consumption in check," said Steve Anderson, senior VP of TI's High Performance Analog business. "The DAC3484 and its two related DACs can help customers designing 3G, LTE and WiMAX base stations, wideband repeaters and software defined radios optimize their systems for energy efficiency in a smaller footprint."
The other key features of this DAC include:
16-bit interleaved 1.25-GSPS input halves the I/O count.
9-mm x 9-mm Multi-row QFN package
Low-jitter 2x to 32x phase locked loop eliminates the need for an external, low-jitter clock multiplier to match the interpolated rate.
2x to 16x interpolation and two independent 32-bit NCOs (numerically controlled oscillators)
Offset, gain, group delay and phase control for system calibration significantly improve sideband suppression for wideband signals when interfacing with IQ modulators, such as the TRF372017, in direct up-conversion radios.
Price and Availability:
The DAC3484 and DAC3482 are sampling today in a 9-mm x 9-mm Multi-row QFN package. Production quantities will be available in 2Q11 for a suggested retail price of $58.60 for the DAC3484 and $33.50 for the DAC3482 in 1,000 unit quantities.
The DAC34H84 is also sampling now in a 12-mm x 12-mm BGA package. Production quantities will be available in 2Q11 for a suggested retail price of $60 in 1,000 unit quantities.