Date: 22/05/2012

SAR analog to digital converter from TI with SPICE model

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) has introduced a successive-approximation-register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with a downloadable TINA-TI SPICE model, enabling system designers to simulate and characterize the full analog signal chain in software for the first time. The model is available for the new 12-bit, 1-MSPS, 8-channel ADS8028, a highly-integrated SAR ADC featuring a low-drift internal voltage reference, wide external analog voltage reference range, wide analog and digital supply ranges, and an internal temperature sensor.

Designers could previously only simulate, model and test up to the SAR ADC, requiring them to invest time and resources building the ADC circuit in hardware. With a downloadable TINA-TI SPICE model available for all new SAR ADCs, designers will be able to fully verify ADC driving circuitry, enabling them to speed product development.

Features of the ADS8028:

1. TINA-TI reference design and product evaluation module (EVM) include the OPA836 driver amplifier for fast software simulation and hardware evaluation.
2. Integrates an internal 2.5-V reference, +1 degree Celsius accurate temperature sensor and internal multiplexer with sequencer
3. Eliminates the need for an external decoupling capacitor
4. Analog supply range of 2.7 V to 5.25 V
5. Digital supply range of 1.65 V to 5.25 V
6. External reference range of 1 V to 5 V
7. Consumes 36 microWatts in power-down mode
8. Operating temperature range of -40 C to 125 C
9. 4 x 4 mm QFN package

The key applications include portable consumer electronics, wireless infrastructure and industrial equipment.

In addition to the TINA-TI SPICE model, an IBIS model is available to verify board signal integrity requirements. The ADS8028EVM-PDK is available to expedite evaluation of the new ADC. It can be ordered for US$199.

The ADS8028 is available at a price of US$3.25 in 1,000 unit quantities.