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AD9174 Maximum Analog output frequency generation

Hi,

We are planning to use AD9174 for frequency generation upto 6GHz. The datasheet of AD9174 suggests that the part can generate waveform upto 6GHz with sampling frequency of 12.6GHz. However, the performance curves (SFDR, HD2, HD3 and IMD) are shown upto 5.75GHz only. We would like to understand the performance characteristics upto 6GHz. Will there be any limitations on analog frequency generation upto 6GHz. We are looking for a signal bandwidth of 10MHz at 6GHz.

Also please specify the DAC output filter constraints for analog output frequency generation upto 6GHz and to eliminate other alias components beyond 6.4GHz. Whether a single LPF with cutoff of 6GHz is sufficient or do we need to implement a filter bank for waveform generation from 10MHz to 6GHz.

What is the maximum SFDR possible with analog output frequency of 6GHz.

It may be noted that the virtual eval tool doesn't support the AD9174 part till date and remote eval web link shows that the hardware is not available.

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  • Hi MuniPrasad,

    The SFDR curves we have displayed are from the tests our engineering team conducted. Based on our results, the curves for generation for more than 4 GHz are consistent. Due to parasitic capacitances and inductances at the output, a constant 100 Ω termination impedance cannot be easily maintained across the full operating frequency range of the AD9174, which can be anywhere between dc and >6 GHz, depending on the application. The output impedance of each DAC can be determined through measurement. Generally, when matching the DAC output to a typical single-ended 50 Ω load, a 2:1 balun is recommended when operating below ~2 GHz. A 1:1 balun is recommended when operating above ~2 GHz, which also extends the 3 dB roll-off of the output beyond 4 GHz with proper PCB layout techniques. 

    For proper filter layout and component selection, which results in optimal performance for most applications, refer to the documentation of the AD9174- FMC-EBZ evaluation board. you may however customize the filter to fit a specific application, according to the PFD frequency, reference clock phase noise, and DAC output phase noise requirements. For example, to lower DACCLK jitter when using the PLL, a higher PFD frequency minimizes the contribution of in band noise from the PLL. Set the PLL filter bandwidth such that the in band noise of the PLL intersects with the openloop noise of the VCO to minimize the contributions of both blocks to the overall noise.

    Due to the current circumstances, the AD9174 eval tool is experiencing a slight delay as we look to resolve the issue soon. I hope this helps.

    Best regards,

    Zaid 

  • Hi,

    Thanks for your detailed response. I am looking for single channel waveform generation, since AD9174 has 2 channel, we can split the entire frequency range as 20MHz to 2GHz for ch-1 and 2GHz to 6GHz for ch-2.

    So the question now is with DAC sampling rate as 12.6GHz, will it be possible to generate waveform upto 6GHz. We are planning to have a external analog filter to filter out signals beyond 6GHz with rejection of 6.6GHz better than 50dB to eliminate the spur due to interpolation.

    With this configuration is it possible to generate waveform from 20MHz to 6GHz (with 2 baluns). Are there any further limitations which need to be understood.

    Also please do let us know whether the part can support DAC sampling clock of 12.6GHz, are there any limitations on JESD204 interface. The signal bandwidth is 80MHz (baseband) and interpolation rate of 64 is planned. With baseband datarate of 196.875MHz and 64x interpolation, is it possible to have DAC sampling rate of 12.6GHz and generate waveform upto 6GHz by programming the NCOs appropriately.

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  • Hi,

    Thanks for your detailed response. I am looking for single channel waveform generation, since AD9174 has 2 channel, we can split the entire frequency range as 20MHz to 2GHz for ch-1 and 2GHz to 6GHz for ch-2.

    So the question now is with DAC sampling rate as 12.6GHz, will it be possible to generate waveform upto 6GHz. We are planning to have a external analog filter to filter out signals beyond 6GHz with rejection of 6.6GHz better than 50dB to eliminate the spur due to interpolation.

    With this configuration is it possible to generate waveform from 20MHz to 6GHz (with 2 baluns). Are there any further limitations which need to be understood.

    Also please do let us know whether the part can support DAC sampling clock of 12.6GHz, are there any limitations on JESD204 interface. The signal bandwidth is 80MHz (baseband) and interpolation rate of 64 is planned. With baseband datarate of 196.875MHz and 64x interpolation, is it possible to have DAC sampling rate of 12.6GHz and generate waveform upto 6GHz by programming the NCOs appropriately.

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