National Semiconductor's New 12-Bit ADCs for WiMAX Provide the Industry's Highest SFDR of 84.1 dB at 250 MHz Input Frequency


12- and 14-Bit Devices Targeted at Wireless Infrastructure Applications Enable New Architectures with Decreased Component Count and Increased Power Efficiency

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 20 /-- National Semiconductor Corporation (NYSE:NSM) today introduced two 12-bit 170 mega-sample per second (MSPS) analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and a 14-bit, 155 MSPS ADC, each with a full-power bandwidth of 1.1 GHz. Available in dual data rate, low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) and CMOS output options, the ADCs are targeted at demanding WiMAX and 3G wireless communications applications. In high intermediate frequency (IF) sampling receiver applications, the 1.1 GHz bandwidth capability of these ADCs provides high spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance that extends well beyond 250 MHz input frequencies. This enables the system designer to digitize the signal at the first IF, thereby eliminating a down conversion stage, which reduces component count and system power.

The 12-bit ADC12C170 with parallel CMOS outputs and 12-bit ADC12V170 with dual data rate, parallel LVDS outputs offer the industry's highest SFDR above 250 MHz input frequencies. Compared to competitive devices, the ADC12C170 at 84.1 dB offers 5.5 dB better SFDR and the ADC12V170 at 83 dB offers 3.8 dB better SFDR at an input frequency of 250 MHz.

At 1.1 GHz, the ADC14V155 delivers 57 percent higher full-power bandwidth than competing 14-bit ADCs. The device also provides an industry-leading SFDR of 85 dB and SNR of 69.5 dB at an input frequency of 238 MHz. The ADC14V155, with dual data rate, parallel LVDS outputs is the latest addition to National's high-speed 14-bit ADC family, joining the ADC14155, with CMOS outputs, introduced in mid-2006.

These ADCs are well-matched to work with National's high-speed op amps and highly-integrated clock conditioners, such as the single-chip LMK03000, to provide a complete signal-path system solution.

Key Features - ADC12C170 and ADC12V170
The ADC12C170 and ADC12V170 employ a differential, pipelined architecture and operate in single-ended or differential clock modes. At an input frequency of 70 MHz, the ADC12C170 provides 85.4 dB SFDR and 67.2 dB SNR, while the ADC12V170 provides 85.8 dB SFDR and 67.2 dB SNR. The ADC12C170 operates from a 3.3V supply and typically consumes 715 mW, while the ADC12V170 typically consumes 781 mW. Both ADCs include a power-down feature to reduce power consumption to 5 mW. The combination of high SFDR performance and low power makes them well suited for digital pre-distortion techniques to improve power amplifier efficiency in base station applications. The ADC12C170 and ADC12V170 are supplied in a 48-pin LLP(R) package and are pin-equivalent to the 14-bit ADC14155 and ADC14V155, respectively.

Key Features - ADC14V155
The ADC14V155 employs a differential, pipelined architecture and operates in single-ended or differential clock mode. Its superior dynamic performance and linearity at high IF allows for the consolidation of signal paths, enabling the migration from a single carrier architecture to a multi-carrier approach where a single ADC digitizes several carriers. The device's low-jitter front-end allows the digitization of high frequency inputs up to 450 MHz, providing flexibility in system frequency planning. The ADC14V155 operates from a 3.3V supply and typically consumes 951 mW. It offers a power-down feature to reduce power consumption to 15 mW, while a separate 1.8V supply for the digital interface allows low-power operation with reduced noise. The ADC14V155 is supplied in a 48-pin LLP package.

About National's Data Conversion Portfolio
National Semiconductor is a leading provider of high-speed and general-purpose data converters. Based on current World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) market data, National has doubled its data conversion market share over the past three years. National's portfolio is rich in differentiated products that offer a unique set of value-added features, including the fastest 8-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with speeds up to 3 GSPS, 12- and 14-bit ADCs featuring high input bandwidth of 1.1-GHz at speeds up to 170 MSPS, and the easiest-to-use family of pin- and function-compatible 8-, 10- and 12-bit general-purpose ADCs and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) with speeds up to 1 MSPS. National's products offer the optimal performance at the lowest power consumption for communications infrastructure, medical imaging, test and measurement, and other applications. For more information about National's data conversion products, visit www.national.com/adc.

Pricing and Availability
Available now and priced in 1000-unit quantities, the 12-bit ADC12C170 and 12-bit ADC12V170 are $39.20, and the 14-bit ADC14V155 is priced at $67.10. For more information and easy-to-order samples and evaluation boards, visit www.national.com/pf/DC/ADC12C170.html, www.national.com/pf/DC/ADC12V170.html, and www.national.com/pf/DC/ADC14V155.html.

About National Semiconductor
National Semiconductor, the industry's premier analog company, creates high-value analog devices and subsystems. National's leading-edge products include power management circuits, display drivers, audio and operational amplifiers, interface products and data conversion solutions. National's key analog markets include wireless handsets, displays, communications infrastructure, medical, automotive, industrial, and test and measurement applications. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., National reported sales of $1.93 billion for fiscal 2007, which ended May 27, 2007. Additional company and product information is available at www.national.com/.

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