Texas Instruments ADS6242IRGZT

Overview

ADS6242IRGZT from Texas Instruments is a dual-channel, 14-bit, 65 MSPS analog-to-digital converter with serial LVDS outputs, simultaneous sample-and-hold architecture, and internal reference. It delivers 74.3 dBFS SINAD at 10 MHz input (0 dB gain), 84 dBc SFDR at 170 MHz (3.5 dB coarse gain), and operates from 3.3-V analog/digital supplies in industrial temperature range (–40°C to 85°C). It is used in medical imaging front-ends requiring high dynamic range and low power.

For engineers reviewing the ADS6242IRGZT datasheet, ADS6242IRGZT pinout, ADS6242IRGZT application, or ADS6242IRGZT equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated pin functions, confirmed application roles, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts for signal chain design in IF receivers, test equipment, and embedded data acquisition systems.

Technical Context

The ADS6242IRGZT implements a dual 14-bit pipeline ADC architecture with simultaneous sampling per channel and integrated 3.5 dB coarse gain plus programmable 1-dB-step fine gain (up to 6 dB) to optimize SFDR/SNR trade-offs. Its internal PLL multiplies the input clock to generate bit/frame clocks for serialization.

It supports both 1-wire and 2-wire LVDS output interfaces - the 2-wire mode halves serial data rate to <1 Gbps - and offers configurable data format (MSB/LSB first, 2's complement/offset binary), internal/external reference selection, and parallel or serial register programming via CFG pins or SPI-like interface.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADS6242IRGZT is housed in a 48-pin QFN package (RGZ) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined per TI SLAS542B Rev. December 2013, Figure 1 and Table 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-channel, 14-bit, serial-output ADC applications.

Compared with ADS6242IRGZT, ADS6243IRGZT trades 35 mW extra power for 15 MSPS higher sampling rate and marginally better SFDR at high frequencies, while ADS6222IRGZT sacrifices 2 bits of resolution and 3.8 dB SINAD to cut power by 30% and reduce system cost - making each viable depending on whether speed, precision, or efficiency dominates the design constraint.

Availability

ADS6242IRGZT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical imaging systems, portable test equipment, and wireless infrastructure requiring stable component supply, long-term production continuity, and industrial-temperature-grade performance.

Supply support for ADS6242IRGZT includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-performance data converters for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The ADS62xx family was designed specifically for high-density, low-power IF digitization in communications infrastructure and medical imaging - emphasizing LVDS serialization, simultaneous dual-channel sampling, and flexible gain/programming to replace bulky parallel-output ADCs.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling frequency supported by ADS6242IRGZT?

The ADS6242IRGZT supports a maximum sampling frequency of 65 MSPS, as specified in TI's SLAS542B datasheet. This rate is guaranteed across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to 85°C) with AVDD = LVDD = 3.3 V and proper clock conditioning. At this rate, the device achieves 74.3 dBFS SINAD and 84 dBc SFDR at 170 MHz input with 3.5 dB coarse gain. Sampling above 65 MSPS is not characterized or supported.

Does ADS6242IRGZT require external decoupling capacitors for its reference circuitry?

No, ADS6242IRGZT does not require external decoupling capacitors for its internal reference - TI explicitly states "No External Decoupling Required for References" in the Features section of SLAS542B. The internal reference (1.0 V bottom / 2.0 V top) is fully self-contained and stable under all operating conditions. External reference mode remains supported but also requires no additional decoupling beyond standard AVDD/LVDD bypassing.

Can ADS6242IRGZT operate with an external reference, and what is the required voltage range?

Yes, ADS6242IRGZT supports external reference mode via the SEN pin configuration. When enabled, the external reference must be applied differentially across REFP and REFM pins with a common-mode voltage of 1.45 V to 1.55 V (nominal 1.50 V) and a full-scale range of 1.0 V to 2.0 V, as specified in the Recommended Operating Conditions table. This allows calibration-grade accuracy using precision external references like REF5025.

What LVDS interface modes does ADS6242IRGZT support, and how do they affect data rate?

ADS6242IRGZT supports both 1-wire and 2-wire LVDS output interfaces, selected via CFG1 pin. In 2-wire mode (default), each channel's 14-bit data is serialized across two differential pairs, halving the bit clock rate to <1 Gbps - easing FPGA capture. In 1-wire mode, all data is transmitted on a single pair, doubling the bit rate but reducing pin count. Both modes support DDR clocking and programmable data format.

Is ADS6242IRGZT pin-compatible with other devices in the ADS624x family?

Yes, ADS6242IRGZT is pin-compatible with ADS6243IRGZT, ADS6244IRGZT, and ADS6245IRGZT - all share identical 48-pin QFN (RGZ) packaging, pinout, and footprint per Table 1 and PACKAGE/ORDERING INFORMATION in SLAS542B. This allows drop-in upgrades (e.g., ADS6242 → ADS6243) for higher sample rates without PCB redesign, provided power delivery and thermal management accommodate the increased current draw.