Texas Instruments has introduced two new RF-sampling transceivers that are the first to integrate four analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and four digital-to-analog converters (DACs) in a single chip. With operation at an RF of up to 6 GHz, this device enables direct RF sampling into the C-band frequency range without the need for additional frequency conversions stages. This improvement in density and flexibility enables high-channel-count, multimission systems. It has a wide frequency range, high instantaneous bandwidth and 75 percent smaller design footprint than a discrete solution. The quad-channel AFE7444, and dual-channel AFE7422 transceivers help engineers more easily achieve multiantenna, direct RF sampling for radar, software defined radio and wireless 5G applications.
Key Features of the Transceivers:
- High instantaneous bandwidth (IBW): Offering the high instantaneous bandwidth, the AFE7444 and AFE7422 enable engineers to achieve up to 600 percent more data throughput. While sampling up to 9 gigasamples per second (GSPS) per DAC and up to 3 GSPS per ADC, the AFE7444 receives and transmits up to 800 MHz of information from each of the four antennas, and the AFE7422 receives and transmits 1.2 GHz from each of the two antennas.
- Wide frequency range: The new RF-sampling wideband transceivers give engineers the flexibility to design applications covering any frequency from 10 MHz to 6 GHz.
- Reduced component count: The AFE7444 and AFE7422 enable engineers to support up to eight antennae and 16 RF bands with only one device. The AFE7444 and AFE7422 also allow engineers to directly sample input frequencies into C-band without the need for additional frequency conversion stages, eliminating local oscillators, mixers, amplifiers, and filters in designs. Additionally, the two transceivers' architecture allows for greater programmability than traditional RF solutions, and flexible decimation options enable optimization of data bandwidth.
- Reduced design cycles: With four ADCs and four DACs in one chip, the AFE7444 and AFE7422 help engineers significantly reduce design cycles that are associated with the manufacturing and testing phases required when designing with discrete components.
- Smaller design footprint: Measuring 17 mm x 17 mm, TI's RF-sampling transceivers help save engineers 75 percent of board space when compared to using discrete RF-sampling data converters.
- Board placement flexibility: The integration and small size of the AFE7444 and AFE7422 enable engineers to optimize transceiver proximity to the antenna, enabling digital beamforming in high-frequency and high-density antenna arrays.
The AFE7444 and AFE7422 join TI's RF-sampling transceiver portfolio that meets engineers' performance, bandwidth and power needs with high integration.
The new transceivers can be evaluated with the AFE7444EVM and AFE7422EVM evaluation modules, available today from the TI store and authorized distributors. The evaluation modules are priced at US$2,499 and US$1,999 respectively.
Engineers can jump-start their designs using the AFE7444 or AFE7422 with the Multichannel RF transceiver clocking reference design for radars and wireless 5G testers. TI's new RF-sampling transceivers are available in production quantities through the TI store and authorized distributors.
