Poing, December 9th, 2008

Avnet Memec, the highly specialised semiconductor distributor of Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, introduces the MAX11043 quad, 16-bit, simultaneous-sampling ADC for sensor applications from Maxim Integrated Products. Designed for continuous-wave (CW) chirp radar systems, this device provides a complete solution for conditioning and digitizing the IF signals from a 24GHz or 77GHz radar front-end for a DSP or microprocessor.

To minimize cost and save board space, the device integrates four discrete analog filters; four high-precision, simultaneous-sampling ADCs; and a 12-bit control DAC into a small, 6mm x 6mm package. The MAX11043's unprecedented integration makes it ideal for automotive radar applications, industrial control applications that use radar signals for level sensing or flow-rate measurements, power-grid monitoring, and other applications that require simultaneous sampling.

To maximize flexibility, the MAX11043 contains a versatile filter block and PGA on each of its four channels. The filter consists of seven cascaded 2nd-order programmable filter sections, allowing the construction of a 14th-order filter. Each 2nd-order filter is configurable as lowpass, highpass, or bandpass with optional rectification. Each PGA is programmable for a gain of 1 to 64 and includes an equalizer function to provide gain-versus-frequency characteristics for CW chirp radar. The signal path of each ADC can be customized and configured individually for optimal flexibility.

Other features include an internal or external reference, power-saving modes, and a two-stage, 12-bit DAC. The integrated DAC provides the VCO control voltage to the RF mixer in the radar front-end. With its adjustable DAC output range, this control voltage can be matched to the VCO's input-voltage range. Additionally, scan mode allows the ADC's results to be read while simultaneously updating the DAC to increase communications efficiency.

The MAX11043 operates from a 3.0V to 3.6V supply. It is available in a space-saving, 6mm x 6mm, 40-pin TQFN package and is fully specified over the -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range.

• Quiet control of brushed DC motors (15 kHz PWM frequency)
• Reference Design Kit includes Mabuchi RS-555PH-5255 Brushed DC Motor (rated 5000 RPM, 12 V, 3 A)
• Two options for Speed control
• Industry-standard R-C servo type (PWM) interface
• Controller Area Network (CAN) interface
• CAN communication
• Full configurability of module options
• Real-time monitoring of current, voltage and speed
• Load firmware over CAN
• Quadrature encoder input (QEI) and Analog input
• Easy to customize using tools supporting the MDL-BDC from Keil, IAR, Code Sourcery, or Code Red (using a Stellaris evaluation kit or preferred ARM® Cortex™-M3 debugger)

Avnet Memec, an independent business unit of Avnet Electronics Marketing EMEA, is a highly specialised semiconductor distributor, operating on a pan-European basis and employing a significant number of engineers to support customers’ design efforts. Avnet Memec specialises in highly innovative suppliers and technologies, which will help a variety of customers to differentiate their designs. Its area of specialisation extends from Analog and Microcontrollers to RF, Datacom and Networking. The company operates from 30 offices in 17 European countries and represents major semiconductor franchises on a pan-European basis. Its many major supplier partners include Cirrus Logic, Lattice, Marvell, NEC, and Silicon Laboratories. www.avnet-memec.eu