Dual-Channel µModule Receiver Subsystem Combines High-Speed ADCs & Drivers in Compact Package

The integrated receiver significantly reduces the board space and development time for wireless base stations implementing I/Q receivers, direct conversion receivers or multi-channel configurations including diversity receivers. The LTM9002 harnesses years of applications experience and wraps it into an easy-to-use 11.25mm × 15mm µModule® package.

Extensive hands-on applications experience is a prerequisite for any designer hoping to take full advantage of an ADC's capabilities when sampling high dynamic range signals in high-speed communications receivers, communications test equipment or instrumentation. Multichannel applications have several unique requirements, such as channel matching and channel-to-channel isolation. The LTM9002 pays careful attention to these design considerations to provide the optimal connection between the RF and digital domains. Designers no longer need to perform the time consuming tasks of component selection, input impedance matching, filter design and layout, while also eliminating the long hours of troubleshooting and thereby reducing time to market.

For multichannel applications, channel-to-channel matching and isolation are important considerations. The LTM9002 achieves 90dB isolation at 140MHz input frequency despite the small form factor. The overall gain is typically 26 dB and varies less than 0.1 dB between the two channels. A thoughtful addition, a dual 12-bit auxiliary DAC offers the flexibility to adjust the span and perfectly balance the two channels using an SPI-compatible serial port.

The LTM9002 is packaged in a space-saving 11.25mm x 15mm LGA package, utilizing a multi-layer substrate that shields sensitive analog lines from the digital traces to minimize digital feedback. Supply and reference bypass capacitance is placed inside the module tightly coupled to the die, providing a space, cost and, more significantly, a performance advantage over traditional packaging. With no external capacitance required, the LTM9002 consumes approximately one-fourth the space of the discrete implementation.