The ADC12DJ5200 is a high
performance multi giga sample per second (GSPS) ADC and is sensitive to
noise and spurious contents that result from high current in the switching
elements, output capacitor ESL, and the magnetics involved when using a
standard DC/DC converter. Utilizing the TPS62913 low-ripple, low-noise
converter enables a significant reduction in noise and ripple without using
a post-regulation LDO through the converters' unique low-ripple and
low-noise design features.
The converter’s analog and clock inputs often get most of the
scrutiny when it comes to addressing low noise on their inputs. Keep
in mind that power supplies are inputs too. Because we think of them
as DC biasing circuits we often don’t think of them as relating to
RF performance. However, this is not true. When designing power
supply domains for any high-speed converter, here are some useful
tips in maximizing power supply noise immunity:
- Decouple all
power supply rails and bus voltages as they come onto the
system board and near/at the ADC itself.
- Remember that
approximately 20 dB/decade noise suppression is gained for
each additional filtering stage.
- Decouple for both
high and low frequencies, which might require multiple
capacitor values.
- Series ferrite
beads are commonly used at the power entry point. just
before the decoupling capacitor to ground. This should be
done for each individual supply voltage coming in on the
system board whether it comes from an LDO or switcher
regulator.
- For added
capacitance, use tightly stacked power and ground plane
pairs (≤4 mil spacing) this adds inherent high-frequency
(>500MHz) decoupling to the PCB design.
- Keep supplies
away from sensitive analog circuitry such as the front-end
stage of the ADC and clocking circuits if possible.
- Some components
could be located on the opposite side of the PCB for added
isolation.
- Follow the IC
manufacture recommendations; if they are not directly stated
in the application note or data sheet, then study the
evaluation board. These are great vehicles to learn from.
Applying these points
above can help provide a solid power supply design yielding
datasheet performance in many applications.