Mixed Signal/Analog
Low Noise Fully Differential 1.6GHz Buffer from Linear
Linear has unveiled the LTC6417, a fully differential buffer amplifier with only 1.5nV/√Hz output-referred noise. The LTC6417 is capable of driving a differential 50Ohm load and is optimized for driving 14- and 16-bit pipeline ADCs. It can be DC- or AC-coupled at its inputs, and achieves excellent distortion performance for signals up to and beyond 600MHz. At 140MHz, OIP3 is 46dBm, and HD3 is -69dBc with 2.4 VP-P output swing into a 50Ohm load.
In aBecause its input impedance is 18.5kOhm, additional gain can be achieved by applying a 1:4 or 1:8 transformer at the inputs.
Its low impedance output helps manage the capacitive charge injection common to pipeline ADCs. Fast output clamps can be programmed with a single pin to prevent ADC overrange conditions. An overrange pin signals when the clamps limit the output voltage. An output common mode pin makes it easy to match the LTC6417 output swing to the input range of the ADC.
The LTC6417 operates from a single 5V supply. A PWRADJ pin enables the designer to trade off power consumption for HD3 performance. This feature dynamically lowers supply current from 123mA to 74mA, and a shutdown mode further reduces current consumption to 24mA.
The LTC6417 is available in a 3mm x 4mm 20-lead QFN package with an easy to use flow-through pinout. It is fully specified for 0°C to 70°C and -40°C to 105°C (case temperature) operation ranges. Pricing starts at $3.89 each in 1,000 piece quantities.