Electronica: 11GSample/s ADC supports direct sampling in 26GHz Ka band

At Electronica, Grenoble-based Teledyne e2v revealed a 12bit 11Gsample/s ADC proof-of-concept “able to deliver performance parameters that are beyond the scope of anything currently on the market”, it claimed, “It can achieve SHF [super-high frequency] direct sampling, reaching all the way into the Ka frequency band.

Called EV12PS640, it was demonstrated alongside the recently announced EV12DD700 12bit 12GSample/s (26GHz bandwidth) dual channel DAC.

It is aimed at direct sampling microwave signal generation, eliminating the need for frequency translation and allowing software-defined radio operation up to Ka band at 26GHz.

“This means that systems are much easier to optimise for different application scenarios, as well as providing a platform for them to be re-configured on-the-fly,” according to the company. “Through a direct microwave sampling approach, it is possible to streamline data conversion hardware significantly.”

Clock and analogue inputs to the device are single-ended 50Ω – a first for Teledyne, it said – suppressing the need for a balun.

Applications are foreseen in avionics, military, space, test and measurement.