Milpitas, CA. Linear Technology Corp. has introduced the LTC2387-18, an ultrafast 15-MS/s, 18-bit successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with no cycle latency and no pipeline delay. The LTC2387-18 digitizes wideband analog signals up to the Nyquist frequency with very low distortion. Applications ranging from communications, high speed imaging, and instrumentation that traditionally utilize fast-throughput pipelined ADCs can now achieve 20-dB SNR improvement compared to pipelined ADC architectures.

The LTC2387-18 achieves an SNR of 95.7 dB and realizes -101-dB total harmonic distortion (THD) while digitizing a 1-MHz analog input signal. The high SNR and low-distortion performance, combined with fast digitizing throughput, enable the ADC to measure very low signal levels with greater precision and accuracy, thus improving image contrast and definition in high-end imaging applications.

In addition, the no latency operation enables use in data-acquisition systems that require fast control loops. To limit noise introduced from the digital outputs, the sampled data of this ADC is communicated via single- or dual-lane serial LVDS outputs to the host processor, providing good noise immunity for noise-sensitive applications.

The LTC2387-18 is the lead product in a pin-compatible family of 18- and 16-bit SAR ADCs with sampling rates ranging from 5 MS/s to 15 MS/s, releasing through 2015. The LTC2387-18 is now available in a 32-lead 5mm x 5mm plastic QFN package, specified over the commercial and industrial temperature ranges, priced starting at $38.95 in 1,000-piece quantities. Samples and demo boards may be requested.

www.linear.com/product/LTC2387-18