Microchip Technology MD1730-I/M2

Overview

MD1730-I/M2 from Microchip Technology is an 8-channel ultra-low phase noise continuous waveform (CW) transmitter with integrated digital beamformer, designed for medical ultrasound Doppler systems. It delivers ±1V to ±6V_p-p CW output swing, supports input clock frequencies up to 250 MHz, and achieves −160 dBc/Hz phase noise at 1 kHz offset from a 5 MHz carrier - enabling high-fidelity cardiovascular imaging and fetal heart monitoring.

For engineers reviewing the MD1730-I/M2 datasheet, MD1730-I/M2 pinout, MD1730-I/M2 application, or MD1730-I/M2 equivalent, key selection criteria include per-channel 8-bit programmable phase delay resolution (down to 6.25 ns at 160 MHz clock), SPI-controlled frequency division across all eight outputs, LVDS/SSTL/LVCMOS clock compatibility, and thermal management via exposed pad in VQFN package.

Technical Context

The MD1730-I/M2 implements a dedicated low-noise analog signal path with matched PFET/NFET output stages (R_ON = 7.5 Ω / 6.5 Ω typ.), minimizing jitter accumulation from clock input to CW output. Its dual independent clock buffers (CKB0/CKB1) operate up to 250 MHz and are enabled separately via CBE0/CBE1 - decoupling timing distribution from device enable control.

Beamforming is executed digitally via SPI-writable PHD_CH[7:0] registers (256-step delay per channel) and CWFD[7:0] dividers (f_CW = f_CLK/(2×CWFD), range f_CLK/512 to f_CLK/2). All eight CW outputs share the same frequency but support independent phase alignment - critical for coherent multi-element transducer excitation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MD1730-I/M2 is housed in a 36-lead, 6 mm × 6 mm × 0.9 mm VQFN package with exposed thermal pad (EP), optimized for high-power CW transmission and thermal dissipation in compact medical modules.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar CW transmitter applications.

Compared with AFE5809 and AD9106, MD1730-I/M2 provides the lowest phase noise, highest CW output voltage, and hardware-accelerated beamforming - making it the optimal choice for medical-grade Doppler transmitters where spectral purity and timing precision are non-negotiable.

Availability

MD1730-I/M2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cardiovascular ultrasound imaging systems, fetal monitoring devices, and industrial flow metering applications requiring stable component supply, long-term medical-grade qualification, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MD1730-I/M2 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

Microchip Technology is a global semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and timing solutions, with deep expertise in medical, automotive, and industrial markets.

The MD1730-I/M2 belongs to Microchip's high-performance ultrasound transmitter product line, engineered specifically for clinical and portable Doppler systems demanding ultra-low phase noise, precise beamforming, and robust HV output drive capability.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the MD1730-I/M2 for its internal system clock?

The MD1730-I/M2 supports an input clock frequency range of 40 MHz to 250 MHz on its CLKP/CLKN differential inputs. This applies to both LVDS and SSTL signaling standards, and the device also accepts single-ended LVCMOS 2.5 V clocks with appropriate termination. At 250 MHz, the MD1730-I/M2 achieves its highest CW frequency resolution and finest phase delay granularity.

How does the MD1730-I/M2 implement per-channel phase delay control?

The MD1730-I/M2 uses eight independent 8-bit PHD_CH[7:0] registers (PHD0 through PHD7), each controlling the delay of one CW output (CW0–CW7). Delay time equals PHD_CH/f_CLK + 2/f_CLK, yielding 6.25 ns resolution at 160 MHz clock. This enables precise electronic beam steering without external delay lines - a core function of the MD1730-I/M2 beamformer.

Can the MD1730-I/M2 generate different CW frequencies on different output channels?

No. The MD1730-I/M2 uses a single 8-bit CWFD[7:0] register to set the frequency divider for all eight CW outputs. As stated in the datasheet, "The selected CW frequency is same for all the CW0~7 outputs." Therefore, MD1730-I/M2 generates identical CW frequencies across all channels, though phase alignment remains independently programmable per channel.

What is the purpose of the CPF and CNF pins on the MD1730-I/M2?

The CPF (Positive Floating Supply Bypass) and CNF (Negative Floating Supply Bypass) pins on the MD1730-I/M2 connect to external 1 µF/10 V capacitors placed between CPF↔VCW+ and CNF↔VCW−. These capacitors stabilize the floating high-voltage supplies that drive the CW output stage, ensuring low-noise regulation and preventing supply-induced phase modulation - a critical design requirement confirmed in MD1730-I/M2 electrical characterization.

Does the MD1730-I/M2 require external high-voltage power supplies?

Yes. The MD1730-I/M2 requires five distinct supply rails: VLL = +2.5 V (logic), VDD = +5 V (core), VGP = +10 V (positive HV bias), VGN = −10 V (negative HV bias), and programmable VCW+ / VCW− (±1 V to ±6 V for CW output swing). These must be provided externally; the MD1730-I/M2 does not include on-chip DC-DC conversion for the HV supplies.