Analog Devices Inc. (ADI, Wilmington, MA) introduced a quad variable gain amplifier (VGA) that enables medical ultrasound engineers to achieve greater image quality while reducing the power, cost and size of new designs. Compared to competitive VGAs now used for low-range to mid-range and portable systems (10-bit and 12-bit resolution), the AD8335 claims to deliver four times better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) while reducing the size and power consumption per channel by 50%, and cost per channel by 30%.
The AD8335 provides higher SNR and control of output signal levels. At 92 dB of input SNR, the device offers 10 dB greater dynamic range than the closest competitor. Each of the AD8335's four channels contain an ultra-low noise preamplifier (LNA), an X-AMP® VGA, and a gain control interface to optimize gain and power levels. Featuring a single-ended input and differential or single-ended outputs, the LNA provides accurate and optimal noise performance with an active impedance match set by an external feedback resistor.
The AD8335 VGA operates over the industrial temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C and is available in a 9 mm x 9 mm, 64-lead LFCSP package for increased board space savings. Pricing for the AD8335 is given on a per channel basis, which is $3 per channel. The 1,000-unit OEM price is $12.
