e2v First to Introduce a Reconfigurable Multi-channel 8-bit 5 Gsps ADC

World’s first 4-channel Gigahertz ADC, incorporating data conversion rates of 5 Gsps, 2.5 Gsps and 1.25 Gsps with 8-bit resolution from a single chip at 1Watt per channel

e2v has announced the launch of the industry’s first commercially available multi-channel 8-bit analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) capable of data conversion rates from 1.25 Gsps to 5 Gsps using e2v’s unique data converter ‘multi-channel platform’ architecture for Gigahertz applications. The EV8AQ160CTPY ADC is a monolithic chip featuring four separate digitally programmable 8-bit 1.25 Gsps ADC channels that when interleaved via an industry standard SPI (serial peripheral interface) and on-chip components; provide 2 channel x 2.5 Gsps or 1 channel x 5 Gsps data conversion rates.

Commercially available 8-bit Gigahertz ADCs are limited today to on-chip interleaving of 2 channels. Many 8-bit data converter applications however, incorporate 4 channels forcing designers to use off-chip components and programming to interleave two ADCs. The new ADC’s ‘multi-channel platform’ architecture sets a new standard in the industry by integrating on-chip interleaving adjustments of gain, offset and phase of 2×2 or 1×4 channels thus eliminating the added complexity and short-comings of interleaving multiple ADCs to provide higher data rates. It offers a unique feature of selecting the analogue input bandwidth (4 settings available from 600 MHz to 2.5 GHz). In fact, this latest ADC from e2v offers over 1000 operating modes, allowing designers unprecedented flexibility.

The benefits to designers include unbeatable flexibility in receiver design, seamless upgrades using the same ADC (and board lay-out) and impressive Gigahertz performance for applications such as test & measurement equipment, digital oscilloscopes, defence, satellite modems, wireless telecom and medical applications.

1, 2 or 4 analogue inputs are digitized via e2v’s unique on-chip 4×4 cross-point switch (analogue MUX), independent ADC cores and selectable ratio DMUXs to offer dynamic performances of 52 dBc SFDR, 48dB SNR and 7.5 bit ENOB operating in 4-channel mode (at 1.25 Gsps) and 51 dBc SFDR, 44 dB SNR and 7.1 bit ENOB (effective number of bits) operating in 1-channel mode (at 5Gsps). BER (bit error rate) of 10-16 (at full date rate of 1.25 Gsps) and channel to channel isolation of 70 dB. All ADC modes of operation are using a single source 2.5 GHz differential symmetrical clock input.

Power consumption is a modest 980mW per channel with 3.3V (analogue) and 1.8V (outputs, digital) power supplies. Inputs are differential (50 Ohm) DC coupled with a selectable analogue input voltage swing (500 or 625 mVpp) relaxing the input amplifier requirements. Outputs are differential (50 Ohm) LVDS compatible with DDR (double data rate) for output clock speed flexibility.

“This new ADC pushes the boundaries in terms of design flexibility, user-friendly digital programming and market leading performance” said Andrew Benn, Product Marketing Manager for e2v’s Broadband Data Conversion product line. “This ADC reaffirms e2v’s commitment to enabling designers to maximize system performance while lowering system design complexity and cost”.

The EV8AQ160CTPY is the first in a family of multi-channel ADCs; delivered in a EBGA380 RoHS plastic package and offered in Commercial temperature range. Samples and evaluation boards are available now with production quantities available in Q2 2008.

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e2v Press contact:
Sylvie Mattei, Communications Manager
Phone: +33 4 76 58 30 25
Email: sylvie.mattei@e2v.com

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

e2v technologies plc

e2v is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of specialised components and subsystems, falling within two product groups:

• Electronic tubes
•  Sensors and Semiconductors

These products enable some of the world”s leading OEMs to deliver innovative systems for medical and science, aerospace and defence, and industrial and commercial applications.

For the year ended 31 March 2006, e2v achieved sales of £112m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange (e2v.l).  In July 2006 e2v plc acquired a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of specialised electronic components and sub-systems, based in Grenoble, France and in May of 2007 e2v plc acquired MiCS Microchemical Systems SA a designer and manufacturer of semiconductor based gas sensors.  These acquisitions strengthen the Group”s position as a major global provider of specialised electronic components and sub-systems.

e2v”s products are supplied into three core market areas:

•    Medical & Science: Sensor technology includes imaging sensors for intra-oral and panoramic dental X-ray, mammography, life science applications and X-ray microscopy. Electronic tubes are the enabling technology behind radiotherapy cancer treatments, microwave medical therapy and high-energy physics.
•     Aerospace & Defence: Sensor technology includes military surveillance, targeting and guidance, space-based imaging and astronomy and radar & electronic warfare and broadband data converters and microprocessors for aerospace applications.  Electronic tubes provide the enabling technology behind radars, electronic countermeasures (ECM), electronic warfare and satellite communications.
•    Commercial & Industrial: Sensor technology includes marine radars, industrial safety sensors, automotive radars and alarms, thermal imaging cameras used by fire fighters, CCD and CMOS high resolution area scan cameras for industrial inspection. Electronic tubes provide enabling technology behind TV broadcast, satellite communications, marine radar and food & industrial processing.

The overall purpose of the business is to grow sustainable shareholder value whilst appropriately meeting the expectations of customers, people, partners, suppliers and the wider community.  e2v”s vision is to create value through bright ideas in technology and materials science. The Company”s mission is to place customers at the heart of the business, providing enabling products of premium quality that extend technical barriers and enhance the competitive position of our partners.

e2v has approximately 1,800 employees worldwide with three UK based manufacturing sites in Chelmsford, Lincoln and High Wycombe, one in Grenoble, France and one in Corcelles, Switzerland.  In addition e2v has sales offices in the UK, USA, Germany, France and Hong Kong, as well as a network of distributors and representatives covering other key territories.

Further information on e2v technologies plc is available from its website, www.e2v.com