Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc.

Fujitsu Microelectronics Adds to its Industry-Leading Digital-to-Analog Converter Offerings with New 14-bit DAC Technology

Provides conversion rates of 1GSa/s, High-Direct-IF for cellular infrastructure, test equipment, video applications

San Jose, CA, February 26, 2002 — Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA) today announced advanced Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) technology, providing a resolution of 14 bits and a minimum guaranteed conversion rate of 1GSa/s.

The new DAC technology has been developed using Fujitsu’s advanced mixed signal CS80 0.18µm process, featuring Fujitsu’s Triple-Well extension. Initial versions use an LVDS interface to drive the converter core directly and to allow full test and characterization. Applications for the technology include video systems, test equipment and the cellular infrastructure market, which requires DAC performance capable of supporting third generation (3G) systems. Cellular base-station design will also benefit from the technology because it enables the full multi-carrier implementation required by 3G and W-CDMA systems.

The prototype DAC comes in Fujitsu’s Enhanced Fine-pitch Ball Grid Array (EFBGA) package, which features optimized signal routing within the package and enables easy PCB tracking. The new technology also features excellent thermal properties assisted by a thermal ball array positioned under the device. Using the 120-ball variation, the package measures just 12 mm x 12 mm. Tests using Agilent Technologies’ 81250 test system fitted with a high-speed data-generation capability have demonstrated typical conversion rates approaching 1.5GSa/s.

Breakthrough Technology Complements Fujitsu's DAC Family
The new DAC technology builds on the family of digital-analog converters introduced by Fujitsu beginning in 2000. An original member of the family, Fujitsu’s MB86061 has been the industry’s fastest single-port 12-bit CMOS DAC since its introduction in 1999. The MB86061 delivers a minimum guaranteed conversion rate of 400MSa/s, still the industry’s highest, according to Keith Horn, FMA’s vice president of marketing. “Now, we are surpassing that performance standard with this next-generation technology, with its significant increases in resolution and conversion rates,᾿ he said. “This new DAC represents an unprecedented leap in the technology, moving to new, higher conversion rates and higher direct-IF capabilities.᾿

Supports Performance Improvements, Future Cost Reductions in Base-Station Designs
This development is critical to resolving a major challenge in the base-station transmit chain. The increased DAC performance enables full multi-carrier W-CDMA and GSM implementations while supporting the true wideband signal generation required for power amplifier pre-distortion techniques. In addition, the DAC technology enables a shift from generating signals at a sampling frequency over four (Fs/4), which typically has been used to minimize problems caused by spurious frequency products. Performance improvements come from the ability to adopt a higher conversion rate and increase the effective over-sampling ratio. Until now, doubling or even quadrupling the conversion rate has been inconceivable. However, the new DAC technology can enable higher direct-IF architectures, even with IFs at a sampling frequency over eight (Fs/8), to provide a single IF up-conversion. For example, 125 MHz IF with a sample rate of 1GSa/s is now achievable.

“Significantly higher direct-IF and PA linearization, using pre-distortion, are the key elements required to achieve definable cost reductions in future base-station designs,᾿ said Stephanos Thomopoulos, FMA’s product marketing manager for wireless products.

The technology enables designers to implement 4-carrier W-CDMA systems at significantly higher IF rates compared with today’s systems, with “double-digit᾿ dBs of margin in Adjacent Channel Power Ratios.

Customers Working with the Technology
Now The new DAC technology is available now through Fujitsu’s custom solution program. Fujitsu is currently working with key customers to develop solutions based on this technology.

Note to editors:
A photo relevant to this press release can be found by following the link:
http://www.fma.fujitsu.com/pr/dac.jpg

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About Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc.

Fujitsu Microelectronics America (FMA) designs, markets and supports a comprehensive portfolio of advanced semiconductor and electronic devices. For product information, please call 1-800-866-8608 or visit the web site at http://www.fma.fujitsu.com

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