One of the biggest challenges for designers using high speed a/d converters is finding suitable amplifiers to drive them. Until recently, a/d converter driver choice has been limited. RF amplifiers are typically single ended, large and power hungry, requiring a 5 to 12V power supply. Whilst fully differential amplifiers have been developed, many are optimised for a narrow input signal bandwidth, require a higher voltage supply, or limit the a/d converter’s speed, noise and/or distortion performance.
However, a family of amplifiers from Linear Technology should help designers get the a/d converter performance for which they’ve paid, whilst simplifying high frequency board design.
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