May 20, 2014 – Analog Devices ( www.analog.com , NASDAQ: ADI), a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal processing applications, has begun sales of the AD9680 A/D converter, a dual-channel, 1.25V, 14-bit, 1GSPS model. The AD9680 enables direct RF sampling in communications, instrumentation, and aerospace/defense applications by providing best-in-class dynamic range and noise performance. Notably, its noise density is -154 dBFs/Hz, the lowest in the industry. Due to the innovative performance, bandwidth, and integrated functionality of ADI's broadband RF data acquisition technology, it can deliver enhanced signal extraction performance in complex wireless environments with wider bandwidths than existing products. The AD9680 is interoperable with FPGA products from major manufacturers and supports existing configurations. Combined with the recently unveiled 12-bit 2GSPS AD9625 A/D converter, the AD9680 contributes to the activation of direct RF sampling, demonstrating ADI's innovative commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology.

Using the AD9680 A/D converter expands the options available to system designers who must consider the balance between signal bandwidth, noise, and linearity. This is because the AD 9680 can digitize DC to a 2 GHz input signal with dynamic range performance that was impossible with existing products. Implementing a direct RF sampling architecture eliminates the need for an analog down-conversion step, enabling noise and cost reduction, and allowing for full front-end configuration and tuning in the digital domain. With the AD9680, designers can use modern, reconfigurable data acquisition/wireless platforms while increasing signal sensitivity and bandwidth data rates. The newly released A/D converter is sold with an evaluation board design environment and reference designs for rapid system prototyping and board-level design and layout.

The AD9680 is designed to sample broadband analog signals up to 2 GHz and boasts industry-leading dynamic range and noise performance within its rated band range. When converting a 1 GHz input, the AD9680 converter provides a spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) of 80 dBc and an SNR of 61.5 dBFS, with a total power consumption of 1.65 W per channel. Including digital signal processing blocks and a configurable JESD204B interface, it enables designers to develop modern, reconfigurable wireless platforms that meet the bandwidth and cost requirements of various systems. Analog Devices plans to release higher-speed products soon as well.

Each GSPS A/D converter is supported by an evaluation board equipped with an FMC (FPGA Mezzanine Card) connection, software, tools, an SPI controller, and a reference design. ADI’s VisualAnalog™ software package combines powerful simulation and data analysis tools with a user-friendly graphical interface, enabling designers to analyze input signals and data as they see fit. Using the high-speed A/D converter SPI controller tool, users can control enhanced functions through SPI performance. A data capture board supporting JESD205B lanes at 12.5 Gbps speeds—an industry first—is also available for purchase.