REV. B
AD9764
–14–
APPLYING THE AD9764
OUTPUT CONFIGURATIONS
The following sections illustrate some typical output configura-
tions for the AD9764. Unless otherwise noted, it is assumed
that IOUTFS is set to a nominal 20 mA. For applications requir-
ing 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 opti-
mum high frequency performance and is recommended for any
application allowing for ac coupling. The differential op amp
configuration is suitable for applications requiring dc coupling, a
bipolar output, signal gain and/or level shifting.
A single-ended output is suitable for applications requiring a
unipolar voltage output. A positive unipolar output voltage will
result if IOUTA and/or IOUTB is connected to an appropriately
sized load resistor, RLOAD, referred to ACOM. This configura-
tion may be more suitable for a single-supply system requiring a
dc coupled, ground referred output voltage. Alternatively, an
amplifier could be configured as an I-V converter, thus convert-
ing IOUTA or IOUTB into a negative unipolar voltage. This con-
figuration provides the best dc linearity since IOUTA or IOUTB is
maintained at a virtual ground. Note, IOUTA provides slightly
better performance than IOUTB.
DIFFERENTIAL COUPLING USING A TRANSFORMER
An RF transformer can be used to perform a differential-to-
single-ended signal conversion as shown in Figure 33. A
differentially coupled transformer output provides the optimum
distortion performance for output signals whose spectral content
lies within the transformer’s passband. An RF transformer such
as the Mini-Circuits T1-1T provides excellent rejection of com-
mon-mode distortion (i.e., 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. Trans-
formers with different impedance ratios may also be used for
impedance matching purposes. Note that the transformer
provides ac coupling only.
RLOAD
AD9764
22
21
MINI-CIRCUITS
T1-1T
OPTIONAL RDIFF
IOUTA
IOUTB
Figure 33. 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 appear-
ing at IOUTA and IOUTB (i.e., VOUTA and VOUTB) swing sym-
metrically around ACOM and should be maintained with the
specified output compliance range of the AD9764. A differential
resistor, RDIFF, may be inserted in applications in which 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 approxi-
mately half the signal power will be dissipated across RDIFF.
DIFFERENTIAL USING AN OP AMP
An op amp can also be used to perform a differential-to-single-
ended conversion as shown in Figure 34. The AD9764 is con-
figured with two equal load resistors, RLOAD, of 25
. The
differential voltage developed across IOUTA and IOUTB is con-
verted to a single-ended signal via the differential op amp con-
figuration. 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 perfor-
mance by preventing the DAC’s high slewing output from over-
loading the op amp’s input.
AD9764
22
IOUTA
IOUTB 21
COPT
500
225
500
25
AD8047
Figure 34. 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 differ-
ential op amp circuit using the AD8047 is configured to provide
some additional signal gain. The op amp must operate from a
dual supply since its output is approximately
±1.0 V. A high
speed amplifier capable of preserving the differential perform-
ance of the AD9764 while meeting other system level objectives
(i.e., cost, power) should be selected. The op amps differential
gain, its gain setting resistor values and full-scale output swing
capabilities should all be considered when optimizing this circuit.
The differential circuit shown in Figure 35 provides the neces-
sary level-shifting required in a single supply system. In this
case, AVDD, which is the positive analog supply for both the
AD9764 and the op amp, is also used to level-shift the differ-
ential output of the AD9764 to midsupply (i.e., AVDD/2). The
AD8041 is a suitable op amp for this application.
AD9764
22
IOUTA
IOUTB 21
COPT
500
225
1k
25
AD8041
1k
AVDD
Figure 35. Single-Supply DC Differential Coupled Circuit
SINGLE-ENDED UNBUFFERED VOLTAGE OUTPUT
Figure 36 shows the AD9764 configured to provide a unipolar
output range of approximately 0 V to +0.5 V for a doubly termi-
nated 50
cable since the nominal full-scale current, I
OUTFS, of
20 mA flows through the equivalent RLOAD of 25
. In this case,
RLOAD represents the equivalent load resistance seen by IOUTA or
IOUTB. The unused output (IOUTA or IOUTB) can be connected to
ACOM directly or via a matching RLOAD. Different values of