Wideband IF receiver offers 70% board space saving

2nd December 2014

Analog Devices

Barney Scott

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Datasheet

Allowing communications and instrumentation equipment designers to simultaneously reduce receiver complexity and achieve frequency planning flexibility, Analog Devices has introduced the AD6676 single chip wideband IF receiver subsystem.

The technology behind the performance of the AD6676 is a programmable Continuous-Time BandPass Sigma Delta (CTBPSD) A/DC converter topology, which combines highly programmable analogue filtering functionality with high dynamic range conversion. The implementation in deep sub-μm CMOS allows the advantages of oversampling by providing digitised bandwidth of up to 160MHz. This provides a combination of features that enables ‘reconfigurable radio’ architectures for high-performance heterodyne systems.

The subsystem can be configured to achieve a noise figure of 13dB, and noise spectral density as low as -160dBFS/Hz. The receiver can also be configured for IF frequencies from 70 to 450MHz, IF bandwidths from 2 to 160MHz and input full scales from -14 to +10dBm. A unique profile feature allows the AD6676 to switch between up to four different IF and bandwidth configurations within 1μs.

CTBPSD architecture removes the need for IF SAW filters and gain blocks, significantly simplifying the interface to an RF mixer. The input provides a programmable digital attenuator, allowing gain control functionality with an easy-to-drive resistive interface. The AD6676 also includes a fully integrated clock synthesiser, digital down converter, and JESD204B serial interface. The net result is a receiver solution offering up to 70% board space savings.

Analog Devices is also providing a comprehensive set of tools to ease adoption of this advanced technology. In addition to datasheets, evaluation boards and online technical support, ADI has created a live remote hardware drive capability that allows customers to run experiments on the AD6676 in real time.