General Description

The MAX5878 is an advanced 16-bit, 250Msps, dual

digital-to-analog converter (DAC). This DAC meets the

demanding performance requirements of signal synthesis

applications found in wireless base stations and other

communications applications. Operating from +3.3V and

+1.8V supplies, this dual DAC offers exceptional dynamic

performance such as 76dBc spurious-free dynamic range

250Msps, with a power dissipation of only 296mW.

The MAX5878 utilizes a current-steering architecture

that supports a 2mA to 20mA full-scale output current

voltage swing. The device features an integrated +1.2V

bandgap reference and control amplifier to ensure

high-accuracy and low-noise performance. A separate

reference input (REFIO) allows for the use of an exter-

nal reference source for optimum flexibility and

improved gain accuracy.

The clock inputs of the MAX5878 accept both LVDS

and LVPECL-compatible voltage levels. The device fea-

tures an interleaved data input that allows a single

LVDS bus to support both DACs. The MAX5878 is avail-

able in a 68-pin QFN package with an exposed paddle

(EP) and is specified for the extended temperature

range (-40°C to +85°C).

Refer to the MAX5876* and MAX5877* data sheets for

pin-compatible 12-bit and 14-bit versions of the

MAX5878, respectively. Refer to the MAX5875 data

sheet for a CMOS-compatible version of the MAX5878.

Applications

Base Stations: Single/Multicarrier UMTS, CDMA, GSM

Communications: Fixed Broadband Wireless Access,

Point-to-Point Microwave

Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS)

Cable Modem Termination Systems (CMTS)

Automated Test Equipment (ATE)

Instrumentation

Features

♦ 250Msps Output Update Rate

♦ Noise Spectral Density = -164dBFS/Hz

♦ Excellent SFDR and IMD

♦ 2mA to 20mA Full-Scale Output Current

♦ LVDS-Compatible Digital and Clock Inputs

♦ On-Chip +1.20V Bandgap Reference

♦ Low 296mW Power Dissipation

♦ Compact 68 QFN-EP Package (10mm x 10mm)

♦ Evaluation Kit Available (MAX5878EVKIT)

16-Bit, 250Msps, High-Dynamic-Performance,

Dual DAC with LVDS Inputs

________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products

1

58

59

60

61

62

54

55

56

57

63

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

QFN

TOP VIEW

52

53

B14P

B15N

B15P

SELIQN

SELIQP

XORP

XORN

PD

TORB

CLKP

35

36

37

CLKN

GND

GND

B0N

B0P

B1N

B1P

REFIO

GND

GND

GND

B2N

B2P

B3N

B3P

48

B14N

B4N

64

65

66

67

68

23

22

21

20

19

27

26

25

24

18

29

28

32

31

30

34

33

49

50

B13N

B13P

51

B12P

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

16

15

14

13

12

1

FSADJ

17

MAX5878

Pin Configuration

Ordering Information

19-3591; Rev 0; 2/05

For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at

1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.

**EP = Exposed pad.

EVALUATION

KIT

AVAILABLE

PART

TEMP RANGE

PIN-

PACKAGE

PKG CODE

MAX5878EGK

-40°C to +85°C

68 QFN-EP**

G6800-4

Selector Guide

PART

RESOLUTION

(BITS)

UPDATE

RATE

LOGIC

INPUTS

MAX5873

12

200Msps

CMOS

MAX5874

14

200Msps

CMOS

MAX5875

16

200Msps

CMOS

MAX5876*

12

250Msps

LVDS

MAX5877*

14

250Msps

LVDS

MAX5878

16

250Msps

LVDS

*Future product—contact factory for availability.