Further results from a 4.5GSps digital to analog converter capable of direct microwave synthesis of radar signal up to X band

Abstract

The ability of the new generation of Digital to Analog Converter (DAC)s to convert from a digital signal directly into high frequency bands can be seen as a large leap in capability allowing greater system flexibility, reduction in component footprint and power consumption. This paper presents a new high speed, high bandwidth Digital to Analog Converter with high sample rate and high output bandwidth which enables the direct conversion of signals to frequencies up to band X. The component features a number of innovative design features which enable the optimization of performance in the different Nyquist zones. These include various output shaping schemes and interface methods. Results will be presented which show the performance of the circuit at output frequencies greater than 8GHz. The component's performance can result in highly flexible and waveform agile Radar signal generation systems.