Maxim MAX5881 DAC optimised for synthesising RF signals

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX5881, what it describes as the industry's first 12-bit, 4.3Gsps DAC that can directly synthesize multichannel QAM signals in the 50MHz to 1000MHz cable downstream band.

The device meets the requirements of DOCSIS 3.0 for up to four contiguous channels per RF port. In addition to enabling a fully digital cable upconversion solution, states Maxim, the MAX5881 simplifies the RF portion of the design, thus achieving a lower cost per QAM channel than analog solutions.

According to Maxim, this simplification eliminates the need for many of the components used in the traditional analog solution, such as an upconversion modulator or mixer, a downconversion mixer, fixed and agile frequency synthesizers, amplifiers, and filters.

It is targeted at DOCSIS 3.0-compliant edge QAM devices and cable modem termination systems (CMTS).

The MAX5881 operates from 3.3V and 1.8V supplies, and consumes 1.2W at 4.0Gsps.

Fully specified over the 0 degrees Celsius to +70 degrees Celsius commercial temperature range, it is offered in a compact, 11mm x 11mm, RoHS-compliant, 169-ball CSBGA package.

See www.maxim-ic.com