Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe

Fujitsu Announces World's Fastest CMOS 14-bit DAC

Increased versatility offers true platform solutions

Maidenhead, UK, 5 December, 2006 — Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) announces the MB86065 14-bit 1.3GSa/s digital-to-analogue converter (DAC). This single-channel device is a derivative of the successful, prize winning ⁽¹⁾ MB86064 dual 14-bit 1GSa/s DAC.

The MB86065 is the second Application Specific Standard Product (ASSP) based on Fujitsu's 2nd generation DAC technology, and builds on the superior high direct-IF architectures enabled by the MB86064. It excels either where there is no second transmit or diversity channel, or for cost-effective multi-sector systems.

The significant increase in conversion rate to 1.3GSa/s enables direct-IF frequencies to be pushed - and guaranteed - above 400MHz, widening the resulting spurious-free generating region and relaxing subsequent filtering requirements. A significant benefit of these higher direct-IF architectures is increased versatility, compared to direct conversion, enabling true platform solutions capable of rapid retargeting to different market and frequency plan requirements. The commercial impact of this on end-applications is significant. Through reduced overall design effort, the total cost of ownership (TCO) is lowered, and the acknowledged benefit of faster time-to-market (TTM) realised.

"This latest announcement is a demonstration of Fujitsu's sustained lead in DAC technology and its application to support the increasing commoditisation of communications infrastructure equipment", said Neil Amos, FME’s Senior Director of Engineering.

The device is backwards compatible with the 'DAC A' channel of MB86064 and integrates the same pioneering Waveform Memory Module (WMM). The WMM enables waveforms to be downloaded and executed on-chip, which for device test & evaluation alleviates the need for a high-speed data generator.

Similarly, the MB86065 continues to offer the best solution to system partitioning when combined with digital pre-processing implemented using the latest 65nm ASIC or FPGA technology. In particular, reprogrammable implementations enable flexibility without impacting the system performance-defining mixed signal component. "A system that does not require substantial re-design of analogue circuitry and any associated calibration algorithms, such as I&Q gain & phase compensation, to address different frequency & carrier requirements, delivers significant development savings across a product portfolio and ultimately lowers total cost of ownership," commented Paul Maddox, Technical Marketing Manager for FME's Mixed Signal Division.

Fujitsu also provides a wide range of system design solutions from its Mixed Signal Division in Maidenhead, UK, where the product was developed. The development of this market-leading device reflects the company’s position as the technology leader in high performance digital to analogue converters.

The MB86065 is housed in a Fujitsu enhanced fine-pitch ball grid array (EFBGA) package. This 120-ball variant measures 12 x 12mm. Customer development kits and sample devices will be available at the beginning of 2007. Mass Production is scheduled for April 2007. Budgetary pricing is US$ 34 for 10kpcs.

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About Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe

Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe (FME) is a major supplier of semiconductor and plasma display products. The company provides advanced systems solutions to the automotive, digital TV, mobile telephony, networking and industrial markets. Engineers from design centres dedicated to microcontrollers, graphics controllers, mixed-signal, wireless, FRAM, multimedia ICs and ASIC products work closely with FME's marketing and sales teams throughout Europe to help satisfy customers' system development requirements.
This solutions approach is supported by a broad range of advanced semiconductor devices, IP and building blocks as well as leading-edge plasma display panels.
For more information, please see: http://emea.fujitsu.com/microelectronics