AFE7958IALK [Texas Instruments]

The AFE7958 is a high performance, wide bandwidth multi-channel transceiver, integrating four (4T) RF sampling transmitter (TX) chains and a total of six (6R) RF sampling receivers. With operation up to 12GHz, the AFE enables direct RF sampling in the L, S, C and X-band frequency ranges without the need for additional frequency conversions stages. This high density and configurability enables high-channel-count, multi-mission systems.

The TX and RX interface data rates can be chosen based on signal bandwidths, and is limited by the JESD204B/C interface speed. The data streams are matched to the DAC update rate or to the ADC conversion rate using interpolation in the DUC or decimation in the DDC.

The DAC runs at a maximum rate of 12GSPS, and has a mode to operate in the 2nd Nyquist, enabling the generation of RF signals up to 12GHz. A variable gain amplifier (termed as TDSA) enables changing the power output from the transmitter.

Each receive chain has a Digital Step Attenuator (RDSA) followed by a 3GSPS ADC which can convert higher Nyquist zones to digitize RF signals up to a maximum of 12GHz. Digital peak detectors at the ADC output can be configured to assist an external Automatic Gain control (AGC) loop to control LNA (external) gain and DSA (internal) attenuation.

The AFE7958 can be programmed using the SPI interface. The device also has several GPIOs that can be configured to provide interrupts and to achieve a fast control of functions like NCO switching.