Overview
The AFE7950IABJ from Texas Instruments is a high-performance, wide-bandwidth multi-channel transceiver designed for advanced RF applications. This device integrates four RF sampling transmitter chains, four RF sampling receiver chains, and two RF sampling feedback chains, totaling six RF sampling ADCs. It operates up to 12 GHz, enabling direct RF sampling in the L, S, C, and X-band frequency ranges without the need for additional frequency conversion stages. This architecture enhances density and flexibility, making it suitable for high-channel-count, multi-mission systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| RF Frequency Range | TX: 600 MHz - 12 GHz, RX/FB: 600 MHz - 12 GHz | 600 MHz - 12 GHz |
| RF Sampling ADCs | Quad RF sampling 3-GSPS receive ADCs, Dual RF sampling 3-GSPS feedback ADCs | 3 GSPS (each) |
| RF Sampling DACs | Quad RF sampling 12-GSPS transmit DACs | 12 GSPS (each) |
| Signal Bandwidth | Up to 1200 MHz for four TX or 2400 MHz for two TX, Up to 1200 MHz for RX without FB, 600 MHz with FB | 1200 MHz / 2400 MHz / 600 MHz |
| Digital Step Attenuators (DSA) | TX: 40 dB range, 0.125-dB steps; RX/FB: 25 dB range, 0.5-dB steps | 40 dB / 25 dB |
| Package | 17-mm × 17-mm FCBGA, 0.8-mm pitch, 400 pins | 17-mm × 17-mm FCBGA |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +110°C | -40°C to +110°C |
| Thermal Resistance | Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance: 16.2 °C/W | 16.2 °C/W |
| Interface | JESD204B and JESD204C compatible SerDes, up to 29.5 Gbps | JESD204B/C, up to 29.5 Gbps |
Key Features
- Direct RF sampling in L, S, C, and X-band frequency ranges without additional frequency conversion stages.
- Support for interpolation and digital up-conversion options delivering up to 1200 MHz or 2400 MHz signal bandwidth.
- 12-GSPS DAC with mixed-mode output option to enhance 2nd Nyquist operation.
- Digital step attenuators (DSA) with 40 dB range and 0.125-dB steps for TX, and 25 dB range with 0.5-dB steps for RX/FB.
- Single or dual-band DUC or DDCs for TX and RX.
- 16x NCOs per TX or RX and FB.
- Optional internal PLL or VCO for DAC or ADC clocks or external clock at DAC or ADC sample rate.
- Flexible decimation options to optimize data bandwidth.
- Analog peak power detectors and various digital power detectors for gain control and RF overload protection.
Applications
- Radar systems
- Seeker front ends
- Defense radio systems
- Tactical communications infrastructure
- Wireless communications test equipment
Q & A
- What is the operating frequency range of the AFE7950IABJ?
The AFE7950IABJ operates in the frequency range of 600 MHz to 12 GHz for both TX and RX/FB paths.
- How many RF sampling ADCs and DACs does the AFE7950IABJ have?
The device has four RF sampling 3-GSPS receive ADCs, two RF sampling 3-GSPS feedback ADCs, and four RF sampling 12-GSPS transmit DACs.
- What is the maximum signal bandwidth supported by the AFE7950IABJ?
The device supports up to 1200 MHz signal bandwidth for four TX or 2400 MHz for two TX, and up to 1200 MHz for RX without FB or 600 MHz with FB.
- What type of digital step attenuators (DSA) does the AFE7950IABJ have?
The device features DSAs with a 40 dB range and 0.125-dB steps for TX, and a 25 dB range with 0.5-dB steps for RX/FB.
- What is the package type and size of the AFE7950IABJ?
The device is packaged in a 17-mm × 17-mm FCBGA with a 0.8-mm pitch and 400 pins.
- What are the operating temperature limits for the AFE7950IABJ?
The device operates within a temperature range of -40°C to +110°C.
- What interface standards does the AFE7950IABJ support?
The device supports JESD204B and JESD204C compatible SerDes interfaces up to 29.5 Gbps.
- What are some common applications of the AFE7950IABJ?
Common applications include radar systems, seeker front ends, defense radio systems, tactical communications infrastructure, and wireless communications test equipment.
- Does the AFE7950IABJ support internal or external clock options?
Yes, the device supports both internal PLL or VCO for DAC or ADC clocks and external clock options at the DAC or ADC sample rate.
- What kind of gain control and protection features does the AFE7950IABJ have?
The device includes analog peak power detectors and various digital power detectors for gain control and RF overload protection.
