Analog Devices announced the release of the AD9816, a 12-bit, 6 MSPS Analog-Front-End (AFE) that integrates an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with the analog circuitry needed for three-channel (RGB) image conditioning and sampling. The AD9816 can be programmed through a serial interface, and also includes an input pin for offset adjustment that will give users greater flexibility to use any type of CIS sensor currently on the market. The AD9816 will perform all the signal processing necessary for applications such as mid- to high-end desktop scanners, digital still cameras, medical x-rays, security cameras and any instrumentation applications that "read" images from CCD and CIS sensors.

The signal chain of the AD9816 consists of an input clamp, correlated double sampler (CDS), offset adjust DAC, programmable-gain amplifier and a 12-bit CMOS ADC core.

The AD9816 has been designed to run at 6 MSPS with good linearity and noise performance and to guarantee no missing codes at maximum conditions - while running at 6 MHz in 3-channel CDS mode.

The AD9816 has a DNL of +/-0.33 LSB. At gain = 1x noise is only 0.5 LSB rms. In fact, even at gain = 6x, the noise is only 0.8, which is far superior to the AD9816's closest competitor (which, even at gain = 1x has noise greater than 2 LSB rms). Crosstalk on the AD9816 is less than 1 LSB.

The AD9816 operates from a 5-V supply and typically consumes just 500 mW of power.

Analog is not, of course, the first company in this market but in this case -- with a market that is growing wildly -- it may actually benefit them from being a little tardy with such a good solution; this product will put most of the other suppliers a generation behind and although those next products are under development I would be surprised to see them within the next three months. What is really notable here is the excellent noise performance which, as Analog point out is about 6 dB better than the competition; that number needs to be compared, however, with the crosstalk performance between channels which may well negate some of the improvement. I also like the provision for offset adjustment and the fact that they have thought to include a decent clamp at the input.

Overall this product is a fine example of developed performance and it will sell in the medium to high quality color markets where the performance will be appreciated. The price excludes it from most of the lower end markets where scanners, for example, have become consumer products with prices considerably less than $100. Analog are, however, introducing a version of the part, AD9816-80010, which has lower tolerances and will be lower priced.

The AD9816 is in a 44-pin MQFP and is priced at $9.50 in 1000-piece lots.