TI pushes speed threshold with industry's fastest 16-bit digital-to-analog converter at 1.5 GSPS

New DAC cuts power consumption 50 percent while running 50-percent faster than alternative 16-bit DACs

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Feb 23, 2012, 11:02 ET

DALLAS, Feb. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing to push the limits of data converter performance, Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today introduced the industry's fastest 16-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The quad DAC34SH84 is 50-percent faster and uses 50-percent less power than the closest 16-bit DAC alternative, clocking in at 1.5 GSPS and consuming just 362 mW per channel. The DAC34SH84 provides an easy, pin-compatible upgrade from the 1.25-GSPS DAC34H84 for customers wanting to maximize speed in 3G, LTE, GSM and WiMAX wireless base stations and repeaters; microwave point-to-point radio; software defined radio; and waveform generation systems. For more information and to order samples, visit www.ti.com/dac34sh84-pr.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120223/DA58643)

Key features and benefits of the DAC34SH84

Increased bandwidth: 750-MSPS-per-DAC input rate supports up to 600-MHz complex bandwidth for fifth order linearization of 120 MHz – three times wider than the competition when running at maximum sample rates.
Frequency agility: 2x to 16x interpolation and two independent, 32-bit numerically controlled oscillators lower the interface rate and cost of FPGAs while providing flexibility in frequency planning.
RF sideband image suppression: On-chip calibration of complete RF transmit path suppresses sideband and local oscillator feed-through while driving IQ modulators, such as the new TRF3705.
Fastest 16-bit DACs available: The DAC34SH84 joins the DAC3484 family, which includes the industry's next-fastest 16-bit DACs: the quad, 1.25-GSPS DAC3484 and DAC34H84, and the dual, 1.25-GSPS DAC3482. In addition to speed, the family helps designers maximize the power efficiency of their designs.

Tools and support
The DAC34SH84EVM evaluation module can be purchased today for US$499. It includes transformer-coupled IF outputs to evaluate the DAC34SH84 directly.

For complete bits-to-RF transmitter prototyping, the TSW30SH84EVM includes the DAC34SH84 in addition to the TRF3705 IQ modulator; LMK04800 ultra-low jitter clock cleaner; TI power management devices, such as DC/DC converters and low-noise LDOs; and a power amplifier. The TSW30SH84EVM is available today for a suggested retail price of US$499.

For sourcing patterns at high speeds into the DAC34SH84EVM, the new TSW1400EVM pattern generation module, also announced today, features a high-speed, double-data rate LVDS (low-voltage differential signaling) output bus that provides 16 bits of data at 1.5 GSPS per bit. When combined with the DAC34SH84EVM or TSW30SH84EVM, the TSW1400EVM enables modulated pattern generation with a large on-board memory while offering a flexible evaluation environment. The TSW1400EVM is available today for a suggested retail price of US$649.

The new TSW1406EVM pattern generation module provides a lower-cost alternative for simple pattern generation up to 1 GSPS per bit. It will be available in March for a suggested retail price of US$99.

An IBIS model to verify board signal integrity requirements is also available.

Availability, packaging and pricing
The DAC34SH84 is sampling now in a small 12-mm x 12-mm BGA package. Production quantities are expected in 2Q 2012 for a suggested retail price of US$78 in 1,000-unit quantities.

TI at Mobile World Congress
Going to Mobile World Congress (MWC)? Visit TI at Booth 8A84 (Hall 8) to hear the latest analog, embedded processing, wireless, and DLP® news. While there, check out a broad range of TI-based demos for the wireless infrastructure and mobile device markets, including the DAC34SH84. For more information and to follow TI's MWC activities virtually, visit www.ti.com/mwc2012-pr.

Learn more about TI's data converter portfolio by visiting the links below:

Order DAC34SH84 samples: www.ti.com/dac34sh84s-pr.
Buy the DAC34SH84EVM: www.ti.com/dac34sh84evmbuy-pr.
Buy the TSW30SH84EVM: www.ti.com/tsw30sh84evmbuy-pr.
Download the data sheet: www.ti.com/dac34sh84ds-pr.
Ask questions, help solve problems in the High Speed Data Converter forum in the TI E2E™ Community: www.ti.com/e2ehsdc-pr.
Follow what our signal chain experts have to say on our E2E blog: www.ti.com/analogwire-pr.
Download a news release graphic at: www.ti.com/newscenterphotos-pr.

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SOURCE Texas Instruments Incorporated