Low Noise Buffer Drives 50 Ω Load

The LTC6417 from Linear Technology is a 1.6 GHz fully differential buffer amplifier with 1.5 nV/√Hz output-referred noise. Capable of driving a differential 50 Ω load, the buffer is optimized for driving 14- and 16-bit pipeline ADCs. It can be dc- or ac-coupled at its inputs and is configured internally as a unity gain buffer. At 140 MHz, OIP3 is 46 dBm, and HD3 is -69 dBc with 2.4 VP-P output swing into a 50 Ω load. The buffer operates from a single 5 V supply, while a PWRADJ pin enables the designer to trade off power consumption for HD3 performance, lowering supply current from 123 mA to 74 mA. A shutdown mode further reduces current consumption to 24 mA. The LTC6417 is available in a 3 mm x 4 mm 20-lead QFN package with a flow-through pinout, and is fully specified for 0°C to 70°C and -40°C to 105°C operation ranges. Pricing starts at $3.89 each/1,000. LINEAR TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION