Texas Instruments VCA8500IRGCR
- Part No.:
- VCA8500IRGCR
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 64-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
VCA8500IRGCR.pdf
- Description:
- IC VARIABLE GAIN 8 CIRC 64VQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,164
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Product details
Overview
VCA8500IRGCR from Texas Instruments is an 8-channel ultralow-power variable gain amplifier (VGA) with integrated low-noise pre-amplifier (LNA), 46dB voltage-controlled attenuation, selectable PGA gain (20/25/27/30dB), second-order linear-phase LPF (10/15MHz), and CW Doppler switch matrix (8×10). It delivers 0.8nV/√Hz input-referred noise and ±0.25dB channel matching for medical ultrasound beamforming.
For engineers reviewing the VCA8500IRGCR datasheet, VCA8500IRGCR pinout, VCA8500IRGCR application, or VCA8500IRGCR equivalent, key selection criteria include TGC/CW dual-mode operation, 65mW/channel power consumption, differential 2VPP output swing, SPI-controlled clamp and filter bandwidth, and QFN-64 thermal performance in portable imaging systems.
Technical Context
The VCA8500IRGCR integrates two independent signal paths: a time-gain control (TGC) path comprising LNA (20dB fixed), voltage-controlled attenuator (0–1.2V, 46dB range), and programmable gain amplifier (PGA); and a continuous-wave (CW) path with eight LNA inputs routed via a 8×10 current-output switch matrix to ten CW outputs. Both paths share serial digital interface (SDI) control but operate independently under mode-select bit D5.
Its BiCOM process enables simultaneous high linearity (HD2 = –50dBc at 5MHz), fast overload recovery (80ns), and precision gain accuracy (±0.5dB absolute, ±0.25dB matching) across –40°C to +85°C. The device uses separate analog supplies (AVDD1 = 3.3V, AVDD2 = 5V) and internal bias generation (VBLx, VBx, VCM) to isolate noise-sensitive LNA stages from power-switching elements.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| LNA Gain | Fixed 20dB - sets baseline sensitivity before variable attenuation; enables 250mVPP linear input range. |
| Attenuation Range | 46dB (0V–1.2V VCNTL) - provides precise echo-depth compensation in ultrasound TGC applications. |
| PGA Gain Options | 20/25/27/30dB via SPI - selects final output amplitude without altering attenuation slope or noise floor. |
| LPF Bandwidth | 10MHz or 15MHz (SPI-selectable) - matches system sampling rate and suppresses out-of-band harmonics. |
| Input Noise Density | 0.8nV/√Hz @ 2MHz - ensures minimal degradation of weak echo signals in low-SNR environments. |
| Channel Matching | ±0.25dB gain error - maintains beam coherence across all 8 channels during dynamic focusing. |
| Power per Channel | 65mW (TGC mode) - enables battery-powered portable ultrasound systems with thermal management on 9×9mm QFN. |
Pinout & Package
Package: QFN-64 PowerPAD™ (9×9mm, 0.5mm pitch), thermally enhanced with exposed ground pad soldered to PCB analog ground plane.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IN1–IN8 | LNA input channels | Differential-capable single-ended inputs; each requires 1µF AC coupling and local VBLx bias bypass. |
| OUT1–OUT8 (paired) | PGA differential outputs | True differential 2VPP swing; each channel has dedicated inverted/non-inverted pins for direct ADC interface. |
| CW0–CW9 | CW current outputs | 10 current-source outputs supporting summing of up to 8 LNA channels; 14–18mA/V transconductance. |
| VCNTL | Attenuator control voltage | Analog input common to all 8 channels; 0–1.2V range yields 46dB gain control with 44.4dB/V slope. |
| PD, RST, D_IN, CLK, D_OUT | Serial interface & power-down | 40-bit SPI-compatible interface; PD pin enables standby mode (104mW total); RST resets register defaults. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultralow-power TGC architecture | 65mW/channel enables 8-channel portable ultrasound front-end with <570mW total dissipation. |
| Integrated CW switch matrix | 8×10 current-output matrix allows flexible Doppler channel routing without external summing resistors. |
| Fast overload recovery | 80ns recovery time prevents signal blanking during near-field clutter, critical for real-time B-mode imaging. |
| Output clamping control | SPI-configurable clamp (1.7VPP active / 2.8VPP disabled) protects downstream ADCs from saturation-induced distortion. |
| High-accuracy gain control | ±0.5dB absolute gain error and ±0.25dB inter-channel matching ensure consistent beamformer weighting. |
Applications
| Portable Ultrasound Systems | Low-Cost B-Mode Imaging |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld probe with integrated front-end processing for point-of-care diagnostics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary TGC amplifier providing depth-dependent gain compensation and CW Doppler signal routing. Use Value: 65mW/channel power enables >2-hour battery life; QFN-64 footprint minimizes probe PCB area. | Use Scenario: Entry-level cart-based ultrasound with 8-channel receive beamforming. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Channelized VGA delivering matched gain, low noise, and fast overload recovery for B-mode line acquisition. Use Value: ±0.25dB channel matching preserves lateral resolution; 0.8nV/√Hz noise supports detection of low-contrast tissue boundaries. |
| Mid-Range Doppler Systems | Ultrasound Research Platforms |
Use Scenario: Dual-mode system requiring simultaneous B-mode imaging and pulsed-wave Doppler. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-path signal processor: TGC path for echo amplification, CW path for Doppler frequency extraction. Use Value: Independent TGC/CW mode selection (D5 bit) eliminates need for external multiplexing; 10 CW outputs support multi-angle Doppler analysis. | Use Scenario: Reconfigurable test bench for algorithm development and transducer characterization. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Programmable analog front-end enabling rapid iteration of gain profiles, filter settings, and clamp thresholds via SPI. Use Value: 40-bit register map allows fine-grained control of all parameters (BW, CL, PG, matrix routing); 5MHz HD2 = –50dBc validates signal integrity for quantitative analysis. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar variable gain amplifier applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFE5809IPAP | 16-channel, integrated 14-bit ADC, higher power (120mW/ch), no CW matrix | Targeted at high-channel-count systems requiring digitization on-chip; lacks CW Doppler capability | Select when full analog-to-digital conversion is required at the front-end and channel count exceeds 8. |
| VCA82x series (e.g., VCA824) | Single-channel, no LNA, no CW path, lower noise (0.65nV/√Hz), 40dB range | Used in general-purpose instrumentation; lacks ultrasound-specific features (clamping, LPF, matrix) | Select for non-medical, single-channel wide-dynamic-range amplification where SPI control and CW routing are unnecessary. |
Compared with AFE5809IPAP and VCA824, the VCA8500IRGCR uniquely combines 8-channel TGC, integrated CW matrix, and ultralow power in a single QFN package-making it the only solution optimized specifically for portable and mid-tier ultrasound front-ends requiring both imaging and Doppler functionality.
Availability
VCA8500IRGCR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable ultrasound systems, low-cost B-mode imaging equipment, and mid-range Doppler diagnostic devices requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for VCA8500IRGCR 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 and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in high-performance signal chain solutions.
The VCA8500IRGCR belongs to TI's medical ultrasound analog front-end product line, designed specifically to address the noise, power, integration, and timing challenges of portable and cost-sensitive imaging systems.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the VCA8500IRGCR?
The VCA8500IRGCR is specified for continuous operation from –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature. Its thermal resistance (θJA = 22.5°C/W) and internal biasing architecture maintain gain accuracy and noise performance across this range, validated by production testing per SBOS390A datasheet conditions.
How does the VCA8500IRGCR handle overload recovery in ultrasound applications?
The VCA8500IRGCR achieves 80ns overload recovery time when the clamp is enabled (CL = 0) and PGA gain is set to 20dB. This fast recovery prevents dead time in B-mode line acquisition after strong near-field reflections, preserving frame rate and image continuity-critical for real-time clinical visualization.
Can the VCA8500IRGCR be used in both TGC and CW Doppler modes simultaneously?
No-the VCA8500IRGCR operates in either TGC mode (D5 = 1) or CW mode (D5 = 0), not both simultaneously. In TGC mode, the LNA-VCA-PGA path is active with differential voltage outputs; in CW mode, the LNA outputs feed the 8×10 current matrix while the PGA and LPF are powered down to reduce power.
What is the purpose of the VCNTL pin on the VCA8500IRGCR?
The VCNTL pin is the analog control voltage input for the voltage-controlled attenuator stage, common to all 8 channels. A 0V–1.2V input yields a 46dB gain range with 44.4dB/V slope; it must be driven by a low-impedance source (<1kΩ) due to 25kΩ input resistance, and is typically sourced from a DAC or filtered PWM output.
Does the VCA8500IRGCR require external passive components for basic operation?
Yes-the VCA8500IRGCR requires multiple external bypass capacitors: 0.1µF on each VBLx, VBx, VREFH/L, VCM pin; 1µF AC-coupling caps on IN1–IN8; and proper PowerPAD grounding. No external resistors are needed for gain setting or biasing, as all references and bias voltages are generated internally.
VCA8500IRGCR Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 64-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Amplifier Type:
- Variable Gain
- Number of Circuits:
- 8
- Output Type:
- Differential
- Slew Rate:
- -
- Gain Bandwidth Product:
- 15 MHz
- -3db Bandwidth:
- 55 MHz
- Current - Input Bias:
- -
- Voltage - Input Offset:
- 1 mV
- Current - Supply:
- 10µA
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 20 mA
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- 3.15 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 5.25 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 64-VQFN (9x9)
VCA8500IRGCR FAQ
1.How can I place an order for VCA8500IRGCR through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for VCA8500IRGCR on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for VCA8500IRGCR reliable?
The price and inventory of VCA8500IRGCR are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for VCA8500IRGCR is usually 5 days.
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VCA8500IRGCR orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your VCA8500IRGCR order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for VCA8500IRGCR?
For technical support, including VCA8500IRGCR datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your VCA8500IRGCR requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that VCA8500IRGCR is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All VCA8500IRGCR products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that VCA8500IRGCR meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of VCA8500IRGCR?
All VCA8500IRGCR units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with VCA8500IRGCR, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The VCA8500IRGCR part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for VCA8500IRGCR:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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