Analog Devices Inc., (ADI) a global leader in high-performance semiconductors for signal-processing applications and leading supplier of RF ICs, announced the introduction of two VGA products that feature new levels of integration and performance for designers of broadband communications systems. With unprecedented levels of integration, the ADRF6516 VGA incorporates dual-channel, programmable, 6-pole low pass filters and VGAs in a single chip. Also today, Analog Devices introduced the ADL5336 VGA, which for the first time integrates two IF (intermediate frequency) VGAs and a pair of programmable rms (root-mean-square) detectors.
“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.
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.
