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AD9734 DATACLK_OUT

Hello,

I'm considering using two AD9734 DACs for I/Q modulation.  Througout the datasheet, much is made of using DATACLK_OUT to generate DATACLK_IN.  For example, on page 35 the data sheet says, "Using the DATACLK_OUT signal to generate the data allows most of the internal process, temperature, and voltage delay variation to be cancelled."

Since the incoming LVDS data is sampled with DATACLK_IN, and transferred via FIFO to the DACCLK domain, I don't see why this is so important.  Everything should be OK if I guarantee that DATACLK_IN is frequency locked to DACCLK, especially if I use the LVDS Controller in AUTO mode to maintain a good phase on the Data Sampling Signal (DSS).

We do intend to use the DAC's internal FIFO even though we will have both an I DAC and a Q DAC.  At startup, we plan to feed the DAC outputs back to our FPGA through ADCs and run an algorithm to align them.

Does Analog Devices agree that I can avoid using DATACLK_OUT in this system?  The main reason I want to avoid it is that I have two DACS, and therefore two DATACLK_OUTs, but I want to clock the entire I/Q LVDS bus with a single clock.

Thanks,

Keith

  • The comment highlights the convenience of using DATACLK_OUT, but you are not limited to only using it. As you have mentioned, when not using DATACLK_OUT, more care must be taken to properly align input data with input clock and with the DAC clock. Your application adds an additional layer of complexity with the need to synchronize two DACs. Your use of external means to align the two DACs' inputs is a reasonable approach.

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