Linear Technology Introduces 8-Channel Micromodule ADC

L0504-Murata muRata common mode inductor 90Ω 150mA

Linear Technology Corporation introduces the 8-channel micromodule (μModule?) ADC family of low-power 14-bit, 80Msps, 105Msps and 125Msps. These devices offer excellent AC performance and low power consumption in a small form factor. The LTM9011 -14 is an 8-channel, 14-bit, 125Msps ADC that provides 73.1dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and 88dB spurious free dynamic range (SFDR) at baseband. The device consumes only 140mW per channel. The 80Msps LTM9009-14 and 105Msps LTM9010-14 consume 94mW and 113mW per channel, respectively. The LTM9011 family of devices operates from 1.8V analog and digital supplies and has a sleep mode that reduces power consumption to only 2mW. Whether operating at full speed or in sleep mode, this ADC dramatically reduces the power budget of high-speed multi-channel designs such as Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) WiMAX/LTE, Remote RF Front End (RRH), and military anti-jamming Equipment, radar, medical imaging and ultrasound applications.

Data is output from the LTM9011 in serial LVDS format to minimize the number of data lines. At 125Msps sample rate, each channel outputs two bits at a time, with two lanes per ADC. When the sampling rate is lower than 62Msps, the option to output one bit at a time is provided. The LTM9011 provides serial data communication and eight simultaneous sampling ADCs in a flat 140-pin 11.25mm x 9mm BGA μModule package. In addition, the device integrates a bypass capacitor and provides a straight-through pinout configuration that reduces the board area required to route data I/O lines and simplifies layout.

The LTM9011 includes an SPI-compatible interface that allows the user to choose among a variety of data settings to reduce digital feedback and simplify design. Options include a data output random function generator to reduce digital feedback, 7 programmable LDVS output current levels, internal 100Ω LVDS output termination resistors, and digital output test patterns. These settings can be set via SPI or hardwired to streamline the combination of operating modes.

The LTM9011 is the first device in the pin-compatible 8-channel ADC family to provide 14-bit and 12-bit resolution from 25Msps to 125Msps. The 14-bit 125Msps device starts at $191.45. Demonstration boards and free software for fast device evaluation are available for all devices and are available at and For more information, please visit