Analogue to Digital Converter suits Wireless Infrastructure Applications

This combination of high SFDR, low power consumption and small packaging (7 mm x 7 mm 48-lead LFCSP) makes the device well suited for a range of wireless infrastructure applications, including WiMAX and pico cell base station receivers, as well as ultrasound and handheld instrumentation equipment.

The low power consumption of the AD9254 simplifies the deployment of cellular receivers and saves design and electricity costs by eliminating the need for separate cooling devices. WiMAX and instrumentation designers also benefit from improved performance without having to sacrifice battery life. Furthermore, the 150 MSPS sample rate eases analogue filtering in the receiver path and enables a wider continuous bandwidth up to 75 MHz, which is necessary to support the 20 MHz bandwidth requirements of a WiMAX base station receiver. The high sample rate also allows designers to realise the benefits of the lower noise floor and simplified AGC loop.

The AD9254 achieves SFDR of 83 dBc with a 70 MHz input. An important specification for wireless infrastructure applications, high SFDR expands the dynamic range of base station receivers by capturing weak signals in the frequency band despite the presence of stronger signals. In addition to achieving the highest SFDR in its class, the AD9254 provides SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) of 72.7 dBFS at 70 MHz input. This enables high-quality conversion of third-generation wireless standards including CDMA2000, W-CDMA and TD-SCDMA, reducing power consumption by adhering to the lower voltage levels of each standard. The AD9254’s SHA (sample-and-hold amplifier) maintains excellent performance for input frequencies up to 200 MHz. The device is pin-compatible with the AD9246 and AD9233 ADCs and can be used with ADI’s AD8352 driver IC.


The AD9254 is sampling now. It is priced at $55 per unit in 1,000-piece quantities and is packaged in a 7 mm x 7 mm 48-lead LFCSP (lead-free chip scale package). The device is specified over the industrial temperature range (–40 degrees C to +85 degrees C).