Super-Low Distortion Digitally Programmable IF VGA Improves Signal Integrity Performance

Its gain is digitally controlled from 2dB to 18dB by a 7-bit parallel word, producing the finest 0.125dB steps gain control granularity of any amplifier available. The amplifier settles in less than 5ns from a gain change, producing low glitch noise and supporting very fast and accurate AGC (Automatic Gain Control) performance. Its output stage has robust capability to drive into 50Ω loads with low distortion and noise. Thus it enables high spurious-free dynamic range performance in ADC systems.

Unique to the LT5554 is its OIP3 performance, which remains consistently high over a wide varying signal level range. In contrast, the closest competing solution is limited to only a narrow ±1dB signal level range. With today’s new generation of wireless technology such as LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and WiMAX, which use modulated signals with 12dB crest-factor, the need to maintain linearity performance over wide operating levels is paramount for producing consistent basestation performance. Additionally the LT5554 has excellent gain accuracy of ±0.1dB from -40°C to 85°C, which is a five time improvement over the closest competing offering, which has accuracy of ±0.5dB over similar temperature range. Moreover, the LT5554 offers the finest 0.125dB gain control step granularity of any IF amplifier on the market.

The LT5554 is a full differential input and output amplifier. Its differential outputs can drive directly into 50Ω loads. The amplifier may be overdriven and can recover very quickly in less than 5ns. Additionally, the amplifier has excellent reverse isolation. These characteristics make the LT5554 an ideal amplifier to drive high speed, high resolution A/D converters, where the input sampling noise can couple back to the RF and IF circuits.

The LT5554 is powered from a single 5V supply. It draws a nominal supply current of 200mA. The chip can be shutdown via an ENABLE pin. When in shutdown the device draws a typical supply current of 4mA, and a maximum of 5.1mA. The device comes in a 32-lead, 5mm x 5mm plastic QFN surface mount package.