Abstract: Many digital devices incorporate analog circuits. For instance, microprocessors, applicationspecificintegrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) may have internalvoltage references, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) or digital-to-analog converters (DACs). However,there are challenges when you integrate more analog onto a digital design. As with all things in life, inelectronics we must always trade one parameter for another, with the application dictating the propertrade-off of analog function. In this application note, we examine how the demand for economy of spaceand cost pushes analog circuits onto digital substrates, and what design challenges emerge.
Abstract: This application note describes a new generation of digital-input Class D audio amplifiers that achieve high PSRRperformance, comparable to traditional analog Class D amplifiers. More importantly, these digital-input Class D amplifiersprovide additional benefits of reduced power, complexity, noise, and system cost.
Abstract: This application note describes the essential workings of an electrocardiogram (ECG). It discussesfactors that disrupt the ECG signals and make reliable, highly-accurate electrical characterization difficult. Theindustry-standard solution for ECG electrical characterization, which uses an analog front-end and ADCcombination, is explained. The article then introduces the MAX11040 simultaneous-sampling, sigma-deltaADC as a compelling, highly integrated solution that eliminates the need for the AFE, and saves both spaceand cost for the application.
Abstract: This application note describes how to design boost converters using the MAX17597 peakcurrent-mode controller. Boost converters can be operated in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) orcontinuous conduction mode (CCM). This operating mode can affect the component choices, stress levelin power devices, and controller design. Formulas for calculating component values and ratingsare alsopresented.
Abstract: This application note describes how sampling clock jitter (time interval error or "TIE jitter") affectsthe performance of delta-sigma digital-to-analog converters (DACs). New insights explain the importanceof separately specifying low-frequency (< 2x passband frequency) and high-frequency or wideband (> 2xpassband frequency) jitter tolerance in these devices. The article also provides an application example ofa simple highly jittered cycle-skipped sampling clock and describes a method for generating a properbroadband jittered clock. The document then goes on to compare Maxim's audio DAC jitter tolerance tocompetitor audio DACs. Maxim's exceptionally high jitter tolerance allows very simple and low-cost sampleclock implementations.
The MAX2870 ultra-wideband phase-locked loop (PLL) and voltagecontrol oscillator (VCO) can operate in both integer-N and fractional-Nmodes, similar to the Analog Devices ADF4350 wideband synthesizer.This application note compares the MAX2870 and ADF4350 registers andloop filter design in detail. Users who already familiar with ADF4350 canuse this application note as a quick design reference.
Abstract: A digital RF modulator, an integrated solution that satisfies stringent DOCSIS RF-performancerequirements, takes advantage of modern technologies like high-performance wideband digital-to-analogconversion and CMOS technology scaling. This application note describes the concept and advantages ofa digital quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulator that uses the direct-RF architecture to enablea cable access platform (CCAP) system.
Abstract: This application note describes how to improve the speed of modular exponentiation by more than 50% whenusing MAXQ® microcontrollers that have a modular arithmetic accelerator (MAA).
A MEMS microphone IC is unique among Analog Devices, Inc., products in that its input is an acoustic pressure wave. For this reason, some specifications included in the data sheets for these parts may not be familiar, or familiar specifications may be applied in unfamiliar ways. This application note explains the specifica-tions and terms found in MEMS microphone data sheets so that the microphone can be appropriately designed into a system.
Abstract: A perfect voltage reference produces a stable voltage independent of any external factors. Real-world voltagereferences, of course, are subject to errors caused by many external factors. One causeof these major errors istemperature. Without care, it is easy to operate a voltage reference outside its operating temperature range. Thisapplication note describes how references respond to temperature changes, and how self-heating can cause a voltagereference to operate outside its recommended temperature range. Once understood, this knowledge can then be used toavoid making this design error.
