Norwood, Mass. — Analog Devices developed the AD9271, which integrates an eight-channel (octal) ultrasound receiver on a single chip. This allows medical equipment designers to reduce the size of the signal path for mobile ultrasound systems by 50% and lower power requirements by 25%. The AD9271 analog front end (AFE) replaces previous multi-chip discrete solutions for interconnect and package space with a single chip that combines a low-noise amplifier (LNA), a variable-gain amplifier (VGA), an anti-aliasing filter (AAF) and a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

The chip operates from 10 MSPS (megasamples per second) to 50 MSPS using 115-mW to 175-mW-per-channel respectively. It includes a crosspoint switch, allowing multi-channel configuration options that can be enabled with the CW (continuous wave) Doppler mode. This makes possible the powering down of individual channels to save battery life. Each channel features a variable gain range of 30 dB and has 70 dB SNR (signal-to-noise ratio). Other features include a programmable clock, data alignment and digital-test-pattern generation. The AD9271 was designed to interface with the AD8339, a quad programmable I&Q demodulator with phase shifter that is suited for CW Doppler ultrasound systems.

Availability: Samples available
Pricing: Begins at $40.00 in 1,000-piece quantities
Data Sheet: AD9271

Analog Devices, 800-262-5643, www.analog.com