LTC2246HLX - 14-Bit 25Msps Low Power 3V ADC | Analog Devices
MPN: LTC2246HLX ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22.52 | $22.52 |
| 10 | $21.39 | $213.90 |
| 100 | $19.14 | $1,914.00 |
| 500 | $17.95 | $8,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $16.55 | $16,550.00 |
LTC2246HLX Overview
An ADC (analog-to-digital converter) is a mixed-signal integrated circuit that samples continuous analog voltages and converts them into discrete digital codes for downstream digital signal processing. ADCs sit in the signal chain between analog front-ends (amplifiers, filters, mixers) and digital processors (FPGAs, DSPs, microcontrollers). Within the converter family, the LTC2246HLX uses a pipelined multi-stage architecture that delivers high sample rates at moderate resolution (14-bit) with low power consumption, making it a member of the high-speed-ADC class. Pipelined ADCs trade latency for throughput, ideally suited to streaming applications such as imaging and communications.
Key features include ±1LSB INL (typical), ±0.5LSB DNL (typical), no missing codes over the full automotive temperature range, and 1LSB transition noise. The part operates from a single 3V supply and supports a clock-duty-cycle stabilizer to ease timing-source constraints. It is pin-compatible with the 12-bit LTC2226H, allowing system designers to migrate between resolution grades without PCB rework. According to the LTC2246H datasheet, the device achieves 75 dB SNR and 90 dB SFDR for demanding communications signal chains.
The pipelined architecture uses multiple low-resolution flash stages with inter-stage residue amplification and digital error correction, achieving high sampling rates with low latency compared to successive-approximation (SAR) ADCs of similar resolution. The flexible 1V P-P to 2V P-P input range (selectable via internal PGA) and 575MHz input bandwidth allow the part to directly digitize IF signals in communications receivers or high-impedance sensor outputs in imaging systems. Single-ended or differential analog inputs are supported.
Typical applications include portable and benchtop ultrasound imaging front-ends, communications receivers (IF sampling, software-defined radio), industrial non-destructive test (NDT) equipment, automotive driver-assistance sensors, and high-speed data acquisition cards for instrumentation. The automotive temperature grade (-40C to +125C) makes the LTC2246HLX particularly suited to in-cabin and chassis-mounted electronics.
When designing with this part, provide a low-jitter clock source (typically < 1ps RMS) to preserve SNR at high input frequencies, and route analog and digital grounds with separate planes joined under the ADC. The shutdown and nap modes enable significant power savings in pulsed or duty-cycled applications, reducing dissipation from the typical 75mW to under 1mW in shutdown.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for LTC2246HLX — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with LTC2246HLX (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Resolution, Number of Input Channels, Sample Rate, Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
LTC2246HLX#PBF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LTC2246H
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LTC2226H
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LTC2247
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
LTC2246HLX Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 14 bit |
| Sample Rate | 25 Msps (25,000 kSamples/sec) |
| Number of Input Channels | 1 |
| Architecture | Pipelined |
| Supply Voltage | 3 V (single supply) |
| Input Voltage Range | 1 V P-P to 2 V P-P (selectable) |
| Full-Power Input Bandwidth | 575 MHz |
| SNR | 74.5 dB |
| SFDR | 90 dB |
| INL (Typical) | ±1 LSB |
| DNL (Typical) | ±0.5 LSB |
| Transition Noise | 1 LSB |
| Missing Codes | None over temperature |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +125C (Automotive H-grade) |
| Package | 48-pin LQFP (7mm x 7mm) |
| Pin Compatibility | Pin-compatible with LTC2226H (12-bit) |
| Power-Down Modes | Shutdown and Nap modes |
| Clock Duty Cycle Stabilizer | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (PBF suffix) |
LTC2246HLX Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | OGND — Output driver ground (digital) |
| Pin 2 | DNC — Do not connect |
| Pin 3 | OE — Output enable (active high) |
| Pin 4 | SENSE — Reference mode select (ground for internal reference) |
| Pin 5 | VREF — Reference voltage bypass |
| Pin 6 | REFT — Top reference decoupling |
| Pin 7 | REFB — Bottom reference decoupling |
| Pin 8 | AIN+ — Differential analog input positive |
| Pin 9 | AIN- — Differential analog input negative |
| Pin 10 | GND — Analog ground |
| Pin 11 | VDD — 3V analog supply |
| Pin 12 | ENC+ — Encode (clock) input positive |
| Pin 13 | ENC- — Encode (clock) input negative |
| Pin 14 | GND — Analog ground |
| Pin 15 | VDD — 3V analog supply |
| Pin 16 | D13 — Data output bit 13 (MSB) |
| Pin 17 | D12 — Data output bit 12 |
| Pin 18 | D11 — Data output bit 11 |
| Pin 19 | D10 — Data output bit 10 |
| Pin 20 | D9 — Data output bit 9 |
| Pin 21 | D8 — Data output bit 8 |
| Pin 22 | OGND — Output driver ground (digital) |
| Pin 23 | OVDD — Output driver supply (digital) |
| Pin 24 | D7 — Data output bit 7 |
| Pin 25 | D6 — Data output bit 6 |
| Pin 26 | D5 — Data output bit 5 |
| Pin 27 | D4 — Data output bit 4 |
| Pin 28 | D3 — Data output bit 3 |
| Pin 29 | D2 — Data output bit 2 |
| Pin 30 | D1 — Data output bit 1 |
| Pin 31 | D0 — Data output bit 0 (LSB) |
| Pin 32 | OVDD — Output driver supply (digital) |
| Pin 33 | OGND — Output driver ground (digital) |
| Pin 34 | DNC — Do not connect |
| Pin 35 | DNC — Do not connect |
| Pin 36 | CLKOUT — Clock output (echo of ENC+/-) |
| Pin 37 | OF — Output overflow flag |
| Pin 38 | NAP — Nap mode (active high) |
| Pin 39 | SHDN — Shutdown mode (active high) |
| Pin 40 | MODE — Output mode select (CMOS/LVDS) |
| Pin 41 | GND — Analog ground |
| Pin 42 | VDD — 3V analog supply |
| Pin 43 | VCM — Common-mode voltage output (mid-scale bias) |
| Pin 44 | REFT — Top reference decoupling |
| Pin 45 | REFB — Bottom reference decoupling |
| Pin 46 | GND — Analog ground |
| Pin 47 | PGA — PGA select (selects 1V or 2V input range) |
| Pin 48 | VDD — 3V analog supply |
Typical Applications
LTC2246HLX is suitable for 7 applications: Portable Ultrasound Imaging, Communications IF Sampling / Software-Defined Radio, High-Speed Data Acquisition Systems, Automotive Driver-Assistance Sensors, Medical Imaging Front-Ends, Industrial Test and Measurement, Set-Top Box and Digital Video Broadcast.
Portable Ultrasound Imaging
The LTC2246HLX is well-suited to portable and handheld ultrasound imaging front-ends where its 25Msps sample rate, 74.5 dB SNR, and 90 dB SFDR enable high-resolution beamforming of return echoes. The pipelined 14-bit architecture at low ~75 mW power dissipation (versus higher-power flash or sigma-delta alternatives) is critical for battery-powered probes and cart-based systems. The 575 MHz analog input bandwidth allows direct IF-sampling of the received ultrasonic RF without an external mixer, simplifying the analog front-end. Designers typically place the LTC2246HLX after a low-noise TGC amplifier and use its shutdown mode to duty-cycle the converter between transmit pulses, reducing average power by 80%+. The pin-compatible LTC2226H (12-bit) can be used for lower-cost systems where 12-bit dynamic range is sufficient.
Recommended
Communications IF Sampling / Software-Defined Radio
The LTC2246HLX's 575 MHz full-power input bandwidth and 25Msps sample rate make it ideal for IF-sampling software-defined radio (SDR) receivers that digitize intermediate frequencies up to ~100 MHz. The 90 dB SFDR ensures that large blocking signals do not mask weaker in-band signals, critical for cellular base-station receivers and broadband wireless infrastructure. Its 1V-2V flexible input range allows direct interface to differential IF amplifiers without external level shifting. The clock duty-cycle stabilizer reduces sensitivity to upstream clock jitter, simplifying PLL design. In typical use, the LTC2246HLX digitizes a 70 MHz IF at 25Msps with a 14-bit output feeding an FPGA digital down-converter.
Recommended
High-Speed Data Acquisition Systems
The LTC2246HLX is a strong fit for multi-channel PCI/PCIe data-acquisition cards used in instrumentation, vibration analysis, and non-destructive test (NDT) equipment. Its 14-bit resolution and 25Msps sample rate allow per-channel sampling of wideband signals (DC to ~10 MHz) while the automotive -40C to +125C temperature grade supports chassis-mounted industrial cards with limited cooling. The 1LSB transition noise and no-missing-codes spec ensure measurement integrity across the full temperature range. Multiple LTC2246HLX devices can be time-interleaved for higher effective sample rates, with the 48-pin LQFP footprint allowing dense PCB placement. Designers should provide a low-jitter clock and isolated analog/digital ground planes per the LTC2246H datasheet layout guidelines.
Recommended
Automotive Driver-Assistance Sensors
The LTC2246HLX's -40C to +125C automotive temperature range (H-suffix) and 48-pin LQFP package suit it for in-cabin and chassis-mounted ADAS sensor modules such as surround-view camera digitizers, radar IF samplers, and lidar receiver boards. The 14-bit resolution captures the dynamic range of photodiode arrays and radar returns, while the 25Msps rate is sufficient for baseband radar I/Q sampling after mixer down-conversion. The shutdown and nap power modes reduce standby power when the vehicle is off, important for always-on sensors that draw from the battery. AEC-Q100 automotive qualification status should be confirmed with the specific part number when designing safety-critical (ASIL) systems.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Front-Ends
The LTC2246HLX delivers the SNR, SFDR, and sample-rate combination needed for medical imaging front-ends beyond ultrasound, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal microscopy detector digitizers. Its 74.5 dB SNR ensures low-noise digitization of photomultiplier or avalanche-photodiode outputs, while the 575 MHz analog bandwidth preserves edge fidelity of fast detector pulses. The pipelined architecture's fixed per-sample latency is acceptable for most imaging pipelines. In typical OCT designs, the LTC2246HLX digitizes the interference fringe signal at 25Msps with 14-bit depth, feeding a DSP for Fourier-domain reconstruction. The 48-pin LQFP simplifies hand-soldered prototyping versus BGA alternatives.
Recommended
Industrial Test and Measurement
The LTC2246HLX fits benchtop and rack-mounted test and measurement equipment such as digital oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and protocol analyzers that need 14-bit dynamic range at 25Msps. The wide automotive temperature range allows the converter to be deployed in outdoor or industrial-cabinet test equipment without derating. The shutdown and nap modes support power-conscious portable instruments. Designers often pair the LTC2246HLX with an FPGA for real-time DSP and a precision reference like the LTC6655 for accurate full-scale calibration. The pin-compatible 12-bit LTC2226H and 40Msps LTC2247 allow manufacturers to release multiple performance tiers from a single PCB design.
Recommended
Set-Top Box and Digital Video Broadcast
The LTC2246HLX's 25Msps and 14-bit resolution make it suitable for digitizing baseband or low-IF video signals in set-top box receivers and digital video broadcast (DVB) demodulators. The 74.5 dB SNR supports QAM demodulation with low bit-error-rate, while the 1V-2V flexible input range accommodates direct interface to tuner IC outputs. The shutdown mode is useful for power-saving compliance with Energy Star standby requirements. While modern DVB designs often use dedicated demodulator ICs, the LTC2246HLX remains in legacy and high-performance broadcast test equipment where its wide input bandwidth and pipelined latency profile are valued.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for LTC2246HLX — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | LTC2246HLX#PBF | LTC2226H | LTC2245IUH | LTC2247 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Analog Devices (Linear Technology) | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Package | 48-pin LQFP (7mm x 7mm) | 48-pin LQFP (7mm x 7mm) - same | 48-pin LQFP (7mm x 7mm) - same | 32-pin QFN (5x5 mm) - smaller | 48-pin LQFP (7mm x 7mm) - same |
| Resolution | 14 bit | 14 bit | 12 bit | 14 bit | 14 bit |
| Sample Rate | 25 Msps | 25 Msps | 25 Msps | 10 Msps | 40 Msps |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +125C (Automotive) | -40C to +125C | -40C to +125C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +125C |
| SNR | 74.5 dB | 74.5 dB | 71 dB (typical, 12-bit) | 74.5 dB | 73.5 dB |
| SFDR | 90 dB | 90 dB | 85 dB | 90 dB | 88 dB |
| Input Range | 1V-2V P-P (selectable) | 1V-2V P-P | 1V-2V P-P | 1V-2V P-P | 1V-2V P-P |
| Input Bandwidth | 575 MHz | 575 MHz | 575 MHz | 250 MHz | 575 MHz |
| RoHS / Pb-Free | Compliant (LX suffix tape & reel) | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-compatible 14-bit and 12-bit family in same 48-LQFP package (vs LTC2226H)
- Wide input bandwidth enables direct IF-sampling (vs LTC2245IUH)
- 25Msps sweet spot for imaging and communications (vs LTC2247)
Design Notes
Estimated: Provide separate analog and digital ground planes joined only under the ADC's GND pins. Route the 25Msps encode clock (ENC+/ENC-) as a 100-ohm differential pair with length matching to within 1mm. Place the 0.1uF ceramic bypass capacitors on each VDD pin within 2mm of the pad to suppress switching noise on the analog supply. Following the LTC2246H datasheet's recommended PCB layout (PCB layout section) typically yields within 1 dB of datasheet SNR. Use a four-layer board with continuous ground plane on layer 2 beneath the ADC to provide a low-impedance return path.
Clock jitter is the dominant SNR-limiting factor at high input frequencies. Estimated: at 100 MHz analog input, the SNR degrades by 6 dB for every doubling of total RMS jitter. Use an AD9516 or similar sub-ps clock generator and avoid sharing the encode clock with high-current digital signals. Exceeding the absolute maximum analog input of -0.3V to VDD+0.3V will permanently damage the ADC - add external clamping diodes if the input can see transients from cable ESD. The shutdown (SHDN) and nap pins must be driven logic-high to enter low-power mode, not left floating.
Drive the LTC2246HLX differentially using an AD8138, AD8139, or LT6600-15 to realize the datasheet 74.5 dB SNR; single-ended drive typically loses 5-10 dB. The common-mode voltage (VCM pin) should bypass-filtered to the ADC's analog ground. Estimated: a 10uF X7R plus 0.1uF NP0 cap pair on VCM reduces spurious tones by 3-5 dB. The MODE pin selects CMOS or LVDS output mode; for high-speed data capture, LVDS mode (MODE = OVDD) reduces digital switching noise coupled back into the analog front-end. Enable the clock duty-cycle stabilizer for best SNR with non-50% clocks.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance indicated by the #PBF suffix in the part number LTC2246HLX#PBF. The H temperature grade (-40C to +125C) is industrial-automotive, but the part is not explicitly AEC-Q100 qualified in the public datasheet - confirm with the manufacturer for safety-critical automotive use. Reach SVHC declaration available from Analog Devices.
