Data Sheet
AD9744
Rev. C | Page 17 of 32
Figure 33. ICLKVDD vs. fCLOCK and Clock Mode
Output Configurations
The following sections illustrate some typical output configurations
for the AD9744. Unless otherwise noted, it is assumed that IOUTFS is set to a nominal 20 mA. For applications requiring the optimum
dynamic performance, a differential output configuration is
suggested. A differential output configuration may consist of
either an RF transformer or a differential op amp configuration.
The transformer configuration provides the optimum high
frequency performance and is recommended for any application
that allows ac coupling. The differential op amp configuration is
suitable for applications requiring dc coupling, a bipolar output,
signal gain, and/or level shifting within the bandwidth of the
chosen op amp.
A single-ended output is suitable for applications requiring a
unipolar voltage output. A positive unipolar output voltage
results if IOUTA and/or IOUTB are connected to an appro-
priately sized load resistor, RLOAD, referred to ACOM. This
configuration may be more suitable for a single-supply system
requiring a dc-coupled, ground referred output voltage. Alter-
natively, an amplifier could be configured as an I-V converter,
thus converting IOUTA or IOUTB into a negative unipolar
voltage. This configuration provides the best dc linearity since
IOUTA or IOUTB is maintained at a virtual ground.
DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING USING A
TRANSFORMER
An RF transformer can be used to perform a differential-to-single-
ended signal conversion, as shown i
n Figure 34. A differentially
coupled transformer output provides the optimum distortion
performance for output signals whose spectral content lies
within the transformer’s pass band. An RF transformer, such as
the Mini-Circuits T1–1T, provides excellent rejection of
common-mode distortion (that is, even-order harmonics) and
noise over a wide frequency range. It also provides electrical
isolation and the ability to deliver twice the power to the load.
Transformers with different impedance ratios may also be used
for impedance matching purposes. Note that the transformer
provides ac coupling only.
Figure 34. Differential Output Using a Transformer
The center tap on the primary side of the transformer must be
connected to ACOM to provide the necessary dc current path
for both IOUTA and IOUTB. The complementary voltages
appearing at IOUTA and IOUTB (that is, VOUTA and VOUTB)
swing symmetrically around ACOM and should be maintained
with the specified output compliance range of th
e AD9744. A
differential resistor, RDIFF, may be inserted in applications where
the output of the transformer is connected to the load, RLOAD,
via a passive reconstruction filter or cable. RDIFF is determined
by the transformer’s impedance ratio and provides the proper
source termination that results in a low VSWR. Note that approx-
imately half the signal power will be dissipated across RDIFF.
DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING USING AN OP AMP
An op amp can also be used to perform a differential-to-single-
configured with two equal load resistors, RLOAD, of 25 Ω. The
differential voltage developed across IOUTA and IOUTB is
converted to a single-ended signal via the differential op amp
configuration. An optional capacitor can be installed across
IOUTA and IOUTB, forming a real pole in a low-pass filter. The
addition of this capacitor also enhances the op amp’s distortion
performance by preventing the DAC’s high slewing output from
overloading the op amp’s input.
Figure 35. DC Differential Coupling Using an Op Amp
The common-mode rejection of this configuration is typically
determined by the resistor matching. In this circuit, the differential
additional signal gain. The op amp must operate off a dual supply
since its output is approximately ±1 V. A high speed amplifier
capable of preserving the differential performance of th
e AD9744while meeting other system level objectives (such as cost or
power) should be selected. The op amp’s differential gain, gain
setting resistor values, and full-scale output swing capabilities
should all be considered when optimizing this circuit.
50
100
150
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
10
fCLOCK (MSPS)
I CLKV
DD
(mA)
250
200
0
SE
02913-030
PECL
DIFF
RLOAD
AD9744
MINI-CIRCUITS
T1-1T
OPTIONAL RDIFF
IOUTA
IOUTB
22
21
02913-031
AD9744
IOUTA
IOUTB
COPT
500
225
225
500
25
25
AD8047
02913-032
22
21