Maxim introduces the MAX19692, a 12-bit, 2.3Gsps digital-to-analog converter (DAC) directly synthesizes signals with up to 1GHz bandwidth in the frequency range from DC to more than 2GHz. The part offers superior dynamic performance, including 68dBc spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) at an output frequency of 1,200MHz (operating in 3rd Nyquist). Operating from 3.3V and 1.8V supplies, the MAX19692 is a current-steering DAC with 4:1 multiplexed LVDS inputs and a 12-bit converter core. The frequency response of the DAC can be configured to optimize signal synthesis in each of the first three Nyquist zones. As a result, the device has higher SNR in 2nd and 3rd Nyquist and improved gain flatness compared to that of conventional DAC architectures, which are optimized for the 1st Nyquist zone.

The MAX19692 allows system engineers to design instruments and communications transmitters that directly synthesize wideband signals in the frequency range from DC to more than 2GHz. The 2.3Gsps update rate allows generation of signals up to 1GHz in bandwidth. The 68dBc SFDR performance and the giga-sample-per-second update rate relax anti-aliasing image filter requirements for a given signal bandwidth, thereby reducing system cost and complexity. The ability to synthesize signals directly in 2nd and 3rd Nyquist allows to eliminate upconversion stages. The MAX19692 is in full production. Evaluation kits are also available.