MAX5881:12-Bit, 4.3Gsps Cable Downstream Direct RF Synthesis DAC

RF-DAC Enables Fully Digital Upconverter for DOCSIS 3.0-Compliant Edge QAM Devices and CMTS

Status: Released and in full production The MAX5881 12-bit, 4.3Gsps digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is optimized for direct RF synthesis of multichannel downstream quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signals in cable modem termination systems (CMTS) and edge QAM (EQAM) devices. The MAX5881 provides excellent spurious, noise, and adjacent channel power (ACP) performance and can directly synthesize multiple channels in the 50MHz to 1000MHz cable downstream band, as defined by the Data-Over-Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS®). The MAX5881 includes four 12-bit multiplexed low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) input ports, each operating up to 1075MHz in double data rate (DDR) or quad data rate (QDR) mode. The device accepts a clock at 1/2 the DAC update rate, as conversion is triggered on both rising and falling clock edges. The input data rate is 1/4 the DAC update rate or 1/2 the clock rate. The MAX5881 is capable of operating with a clock rate of up to 2.15GHz, resulting in a DAC update rate of 4.3Gsps. The MAX5881 provides an LVDS data clock output to simplify interfacing to FPGA or ASIC devices. The MAX5881 is a current-steering DAC with an integrated, self-calibrated 50Ω differential output termination to ensure optimum dynamic performance. The MAX5881 operates from 3.3V and 1.8V power supplies and consumes 1.3W at 4.3Gsps. The device is specified over the commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C) and is available in an 11mm x 11mm, 169 CSBGA lead(Pb)-free (RoHS-compliant) package.

Key Features
  • 4.3Gsps Output Update Rate
    • Direct RF Synthesis from 50MHz to 1000MHz
  • Performance Supports Up to Four Contiguous QAM Channels
  • Industry-Leading Dynamic Performance
    • ACP = 67dBc at fOUT = 1000MHz (Four 6MHz QAM Channels, 6MHz Offset)
    • ACP = 68dBc at fOUT = 1000MHz (Four 6MHz QAM Channels, 12MHz Offset)
    • ACP = 69dBc at fOUT = 1000MHz (Four 6MHz QAM Channels, 18MHz Offset)
  • Low-Power Operation
    • 1260mW (fDAC = 4096Msps)
  • 4:1 Multiplexed LVDS Inputs
    • Up to 1075Mwps Each Port
    • Double Data Rate (DDR) Mode
  • Internal 50Ω Differential Output Termination
  • Input Register Scan Mode for In-Circuit Continuity Verification
  • Compact 11mm x 11mm, 169 CSBGA Lead(Pb)-Free Package
  • Evaluation Kit Available (Order MAX5881EVKIT)
Applications/Uses
  • Broadcast Video Modulators
  • Cable Modem Termination Systems (CMTS)
  • Edge QAM Devices
  • Video-on-Demand (VOD)
Parametrics
Part NumberResolution
(bits)
fCLK
(Msps)
ChannelsIOUT
(mA)
PDISS
(mW)
InterfaceVSUPPLY
(V)
Package/Pins
MAX58811243001281160Interleaved, LVDS1.8
3.3
CSBGA/169
Design kits & evaluation modules
Ordering Information
Part NumberStatusRecommended ReplacementPackageTempRoHS
MAX5881CXW+DCustom OrderCSBGA,;169 pin;123.2 mm²0°C to +70°CLead Free