Editorial Contacts:
Gerry Ziegler, PR Manager
(408) 721-4319

Reader Information:
World Wide Web:
http://www.national.com

NEW LOW-COST 12-BIT ADC FROM NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR SAMPLES AT 1.4MHZ

September 23, 1996 - A 12-bit ADC (analog-to-digital converter) that samples at a high 1.4MHz while typically consuming 170mW on a single +5V supply is now available from National Semiconductor Corporation® for $12.20 in quantities of 1,000. The ADC12762 incorporates on-chip sample-hold, one- or two-channel multiplexer operation and other efficient design features for high-performance system applications.

In CCD (charge-coupled device) imaging scanner designs, for example, the ADC12762 guarantees no missing codes over temperature for optimum performance. This is due to the device's excellent differential non-linearity specification of +/-0.95 LSB.

For high-speed, wireline data communications designs, the ADC12762's performance meets the high speed ADC requirements for modulation schemes mandated by several protocols. In process control applications, the very attractive price opens up designs where the device's fast data acquisition rate helps multiplexed systems that capture many analog inputs in short time periods. Other targeted applications include digital signal processor front ends, instrumentation, disk drives, mobile telecommunications and wave form digitizers.

Aiding such design-ins are such other key specifications as a conversion rate of 593ns (typical), an SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) of 67.5dB (at 100kHz), a SINAD (SNR plus distortion ratio) of 67dB (at 100kHz) and a standby mode that cuts power consumption to only 250 mW.

The ADC12762 performs 12-bit conversions in three lower-resolution flash conversions, achieving a fast analog-to-digital conversion without the cost and power dissipation of other flash approaches. It tracks and holds an analog input voltage by an internal sampling circuit that allows high-frequency input signals to be accurately digitized without an external sample-and-hold circuit. In fact, the device uses a pipelining technique employing two sample-and-hold/flash comparator sections that increases conversion speed without sacrificing performance. As one section acquires a new sample, the other converts the previous.

Price and Availability

Available now in a 44-lead PLCC (plastic leadless chip carrier) package, the ADC12762 is priced at $12.20 each (1000-unit quantity). It is designed to operate from 0 to +70 degrees C.

National Semiconductor Corporation® designs, develops and markets semiconductor Technologies For Moving and Shaping Information®. The company focuses on strategic markets within the communications, personal systems, industrial and consumer markets. National Semiconductor is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and has 20,000 employees worldwide. In fiscal year 1996, the company reported sales of $2.6 billion.

A96006DA