April 26, 2012 – Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-kwak) announced the launch of the LTM9012, a quad 14-bit, 125 Msps µModule® ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) that integrates a fixed-gain driver, passive filtering, and bypass capacitance. This integrated µModule converter can dramatically reduce board space in various high-channel-count applications, such as medical imaging systems and MIMO (multiple input multiple output) 4G base stations. Characterized by high integration, this product enables high-density yet compact board fabrication while eliminating costly layout iterations that often require driver-ADC interface optimization. Consequently, it can drastically reduce design and debug times as well as time-to-market. While similar products typically require five devices and dozens of passive components, the LTM9012 is available in a convenient 15mm x 11.25mm BGA µModule package.
By integrating the ADC and driver, high-speed design is simplified regardless of whether the signal originates from the CMOS logic output of an image sensor or from the RF signal chain. CMOS image sensors are used in high-end medical devices, such as blood cell or molecular telescope cameras, as well as in industrial imaging equipment used to detect voids in metallic objects. Depending on the sensor, filtering and amplifiers are required to translate the sensor output to the ADC input, along with many channels of a high-speed digitizer. In some cases, filter and amplifier circuitry occupies more than twice the board space of the ADC circuitry itself and can be the biggest obstacle to achieving maximum camera resolution. The LTM9012 amplifier converts these levels into differential inputs for a high-performance ADC, allowing it to easily accommodate single-ended CMOS sensor outputs and maximize dynamic range.
Ideal for digitizing high-speed digital signals for video applications, the LTM9012 also delivers superior performance in baseband receiver applications such as cellular infrastructure. The dual receiver architecture is utilized in base station designs such as direct conversion and IF sampling. With the capability to support baseband frequencies up to approximately 90 MHz, the LTM9012 is suitable for both types. Direct conversion demodulates the RF signal and down-converts it to DC. Therefore, a 20 MHz low-pass filter supports a 40 MHz signal bandwidth. Low IF sampling below 90 MHz is also available with four channels for next-generation compact base station designs. With a gain of 20 dB, the LTM9012 provides a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 68.3 dB and a spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) of 78 dB.
Compared to the previous generation product (LTM9002), the LTM9012 features many improvements. Density has doubled, increasing the number of channels from two to four within the same package size. Additionally, by utilizing serial LVDS, it requires only one-third of the digital data lines. Power consumption is reduced to one-quarter, averaging just 318mW per channel, allowing the ADC core to operate at 1.8V and the amplifier at 3.3V. The LTM9012 is available in a space-saving 15mm x 11.25mm BGA package and utilizes a multilayer substrate that protects sensitive analog lines from digital traces to reduce digital feedback. Supply and reference bypass capacitances are placed within the module and closely coupled to the die, offering significant advantages in terms of space, cost, and performance compared to conventional packages.
LTM9012-AB is currently available for mass production and costs about $149 per unit based on 1,000 units. Demo boards and samples are available for purchase at www.linear.com or through your local Linear office. For detailed product information, please refer to www.linear.com/product/LTM9012 .

Image caption: Quad 14-bit, 125Msps ADC with integrated driver

Product Features: LTM9012

• Fully integrated 4-channel digitizer
• 14-bit, 125Msps low-power ADC
• Differential ADC driver with fixed gain, 10V/V, or 20dB gain (suitable for single-ended signals)
• 68.3dB SNR
• 78dB SFDR
• Low Power: 318mW per channel
• 15mm x 11.25mm BGA package