Analog Devices’ Radio Frequency ICs Reduce Component Count, Board Space in Broadband Communications Applications

“The ADRF6516 dual-channel, programmable low-pass filters and VGAs, and the ADL5336 VGAs with rms detectors are the latest examples of how Analog Devices’ detector, programmable filter and amplifier technologies are helping designers of next-generation radio equipment manage component count and system cost while continuously improving performance,” said Peter Real, vice president, Linear and RF products, Analog Devices. “Whether they are addressing point-to-point microwave radios, wireless base stations, communications test equipment or other applications, RF system designers can take advantage of the high level of integration and still achieve breakthrough levels of performance when compared to traditional discrete RF designs.”



ADRF6516 Dual Programmable Filters and VGA Key Features



The ADRF6516 is a highly-flexible, single-chip, matched pair of variable gain amplifiers with programmable low pass filters ideal for baseband A/D converter driver applications. The 65-dB amplifier gain-control range is split between a 15-dB digital VGA input stage and a 50-dB analog VGA output stage. Using SPI control, system designers can select the corner frequency of the 31-MHz, 6-pole Butterworth filter in 1-MHz resolution. The integration of the programmable filter reduces the board space and discrete components required to implement a discrete filter. The flexibility in gain setting and filter programming allows the ADRF6516 to support a receiver with a variable signal bandwidth and gain requirements. The ADRF6516 is designed to support a single 3.3-V supply and the device is packaged in a compact 32-lead, 5 mm × 5-mm LFCSP.



• Continuous gain control range: 50 dB

• Digital gain control range: 15 dB

• 6-pole, 1 MHz to 31 MHz programmable Butterworth low pass filter

• IMD3 > –65 dBc for 1.5-Vpp composite output

• HD2, HD3 > –65 dBm for 1.5-Vpp output



ADL5336 IF VGA Key Features



The highly integrated ADL5336 is a cascadable analog dual IF VGA with two integrated rms detectors that can replace up to four discrete RF components plus additional passive discrete components. The ADL5336 can operate independently or as two cascaded amplifiers, while the rms detectors can be programmed for independent gain control for each VGA. When the ADL5336 is configured in a cascaded VGA mode, the device provides a continuous gain control range of 48 dB. Individually, each VGA provides a gain control range of 24 dB. The maximum gain for each amplifier can be programmed via SPI control.



The setpoint for each integrated detector is also programmed via the SPI in 3-dB steps. An additional switch has been integrated to allow the second VGA to toggle between two input sources. The ADL5336’s excellent linearity and noise figure performance allows the device to be used in applications requiring high dynamic-range such as point-to-multipoint radios and instrumentation and medical equipment.



• 3-dB bandwidth = 1 GHz

• IMD3 > –62 dBc for 1 Vpp composite output at 140 MHz

• Noise figure = 6.8 dB at 140 MHz

• Detector output set point range: –24 dBV to –3 dBV

• Single supply operation: 4.5 V to 5.5 V

• Exposed paddle 5-mm × 5-mm, 32-lead LFCSP package



The ADRF6516 can be used to drive outputs from ADI’s family of RF demodulators such as the ADL5382, ADL5387 and ADL5380. The ADL5336 is well suited to drive IF output signals from ADI’s broad portfolio of RF mixers.



ADI’s RF IC Portfolio Covers Entire RF Signal Chain



Using a unique combination of design skills, system understanding and process technologies, Analog Devices offers the broadest portfolio of RF ICs covering the entire RF signal chain from industry-leading high-performance RF function blocks to highly integrated WiMAX and short-range, single-chip transceiver solutions. The RF function blocks include PLL, integrated PLL/VCO and DDS synthesizers; TruPwr™ RMS power detectors and logarithmic amplifiers; variable gain amplifiers; power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers and other amplifiers; RF mixers and direct conversion modulator and demodulator products. These products are supported by a wide range of design resources to ease the development of RF systems, including free design tools, Circuits from the Lab™ reference circuits and the EngineerZone™ technical forums.