MAX1181
Dual 10-Bit, 80Msps, 3V, Low-Power ADC
with Internal Reference and Parallel Outputs
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The 22pF CIN capacitor acts as a small bypassing
capacitor.
Using Transformer Coupling
An RF transformer (Figure 6) provides an excellent
solution to convert a single-ended source signal to a
fully-differential signal, required by the MAX1181 for
optimum performance. Connecting the center tap of the
transformer to COM provides a VDD / 2 DC level shift to
the input. Although a 1:1 transformer is shown, a step-
up transformer may be selected to reduce the drive
requirements. A reduced signal swing from the input
driver, such as an op amp, may also improve the over-
all distortion.
In general, the MAX1181 provides better SFDR and
THD with fully-differential input signals, than a single-
ended drive, especially for high input frequencies. In
differential input mode, even-order harmonics are lower
as both inputs (INA+, INA- and/or INB+, INB-) are bal-
anced, and each of the ADC inputs only require half the
signal swing compared to single-ended mode.
Single-Ended AC-Coupled Input Signal
Figure 7 shows an AC-coupled, single-ended applica-
tion. Amplifiers, like the MAX4108, provide high-speed,
high bandwidth, low-noise, and low distortion to main-
tain the integrity of the input signal.
Typical QAM Demodulation Application
The most frequently used modulation technique for digi-
tal communications application is the Quadrature
Amplitude Modulation (QAM). QAMs are typically found
in spread-spectrum based systems. A QAM signal rep-
resents a carrier frequency modulated in both amplitude
and phase. At the transmitter, modulating the baseband
signal with quadrature outputs, a local oscillator fol-
lowed by subsequent up-conversion can generate the
QAM signal. The result is an in-phase (I) and a quadra-
ture (Q) carrier component, where the Q component is
90 degrees phase-shifted with respect to the in-phase
component. At the receiver, the QAM signal is divided
down into its I and Q components, essentially represent-
ing the modulation process reversed. Figure 8 displays
the demodulation process performed in the analog
domain, using the dual-matched, 3V, 10-bit ADCs,
MAX1181 and the MAX2451 quadrature demodulators,
to recover and digitize the I and Q baseband signals.
Before being digitized by the MAX1181, the mixed-down
signal components may be filtered by matched analog
filters, such as Nyquist or pulse-shaping filters which
remove any unwanted images from the mixing process,
enhances the overall signal-to-noise (SNR) perfor-
mance, and minimizes intersymbol interference.
Grounding, Bypassing,
and Board Layout
The MAX1181 requires high-speed board layout design
techniques. Locate all bypass capacitors as close to
the device as possible, preferably on the same side as
the ADC, using surface-mount devices for minimum
inductance. Bypass VDD, REFP, REFN, and COM with
two parallel 0.1µF ceramic capacitors and a 2.2µF
bipolar capacitor to GND. Follow the same rules to
bypass the digital supply (OVDD) to OGND. Multilayer
boards with separate ground and power planes, pro-
duce the highest level of signal integrity. Consider the
use of a split ground plane arranged to match the phys-
ical location of the analog ground (GND) and the digital
output driver ground (OGND) on the ADCs package.
The two ground planes should be joined at a single
point, such that the noisy digital ground currents do not
interfere with the analog ground plane. The ideal loca-
tion of this connection can be determined experimental-
ly at a point along the gap between the two ground
planes, which produces optimum results. Make this
connection with a low-value, surface-mount resistor (1Ω
to 5Ω), a ferrite bead, or a direct short. Alternatively, all
ground pins could share the same ground plane, if the
ground plane is sufficiently isolated from any noisy, dig-
ital systems ground plane (e.g., downstream output
buffer or DSP ground plane). Route high-speed digital
signal traces away from the sensitive analog traces of
either channel. Make sure to isolate the analog input
lines to each respective converter to minimize channel-
to-channel crosstalk. Keep all signal lines short and
free of 90 degree turns.