Linear Technology Corp. (LTC, Milpitas, CA) introduced a new 850 MHz programmable gain, broadband amplifier, the LT5514, which exhibits an output third-order intercept (OIP3) of 49 dBm at 70 MHz, and has second and third order distortion products lower than -87 dBc, while delivering 2 V peak-to-peak output into a 200 Ohm load.
The combination of low noise and high spurious-free output capability makes it suitable for 12-bit and 14-bit, 65 Msps or faster analog-to-digital converters (ADC) in high-performance communications systems. The LT5514 is suitable for a range of applications, including ADC drivers, IF amplifiers for cellular basestation receivers, amplifier/drivers for basestation transmitter distortion correction loops, and amplifiers for cable headend upstream receivers.
The LT5514 has a differential input and output topology, providing a balanced drive to an ADC, while preserving low distortion characteristics. Even with 50 Ohm loads, the amplifier output can swing more than 3 Vp-p to match any ADC's input-voltage range. As an amplifier, the LT5514 has a gain flatness of ±1 dB over a 450 MHz bandwidth.
The LT5514 comes in a 20-pin, plastic TSSOP package. The price is $5.20 for 1,000-piece quantities. The product is available from stock.
