The MAX108 PECL-compatible, 1.5Gsps, 8-bit ultra high-speed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) allows accurate digitizing of analog signals with bandwidths to 2.2GHz. Fabricated on Maxim's proprietary advanced GST-2 bipolar process, the MAX108 integrates a high-performance track/hold (T/H) amplifier and a quantizer on a single monolithic die.

The innovative design of the internal T/H, which has an exceptionally wide 2.2GHz full-power input bandwidth, results in high performance (typically 7.5 effective bits) at the Nyquist frequency. A fully differential comparator design and decoding circuitry reduce out-of-sequence code errors (thermometer bubbles or sparkle codes) and provide excellent metastable performance. Unlike other ultra high-speed ADCs that can have errors resulting in false full- or zero-scale outputs, the MAX108 limits the error magnitude to 1 LSB.

The analog input is designed for either differential or single-ended use with a ±250mV input voltage range. Dual, differential, positive-referenced emitter-coupled logic (PECL)-compatible output data paths ensure easy interfacing and include an 8:16 demultiplexer feature that reduces output data rates to one-half the sampling clock rate. The PECL outputs can be operated from any supply between +3V to +5V for compatibility with +3.3V or +5V referenced systems. Control inputs are provided for interleaving additional MAX108 devices to increase the effective system sampling rate.

The MAX108 is packaged in a 25mm x 25mm, 192-contact Enhanced Super Ball-Grid Array (ESBGA™) and is specified over the commercial (0°C to +70°C) temperature range. For pin-compatible, lower speed versions of the MAX108, see the MAX104 (1Gsps) and the MAX106 (600Msps) data sheets.