News & Events
Harris Announces New Packaging Options and Price Reduction for CommLink High-Speed Converters

MELBOURNE, FL, July 27, 1999 – Due to customer demand, Harris will now offer the single 8- and 10-bit versions of its CommLink digital-to-analog converters (DACs) in board-saving TSSOP packages. Harris also announced today a 20 percent price reduction for the 8- and 10-bit CommLink DACs from their original SOIC introduction price, as well as aggressive pricing for the new 8-bit HI5660/6IA (60MSPS) DAC.

Harris’ HI5660 and the HI5760 DACs are optimized for the transmit section of instrumentation and communication applications including medical ultrasound and wireless systems. Both ICs are part of Harris’ CommLink Family, its new line of high performance, pin-compatible, single and dual DACs available in 8-, 10-, 12- and 14-bits of resolution and 60 and 125 mega samples per second (MSPS) update rates. The 12-bit HI5860, dual 12-bit HI5828 and 14-bit HI5960 CommLink DACs are available in sample quantities and will market release in early August.

Packaging Optimized for Communications
Harris’ announcement addresses the systems designer’s requirement to increase the number of transmit channels and minimize board real estate. The new TSSOP devices (HI5660/6IA and HI5760IA) contribute to board area reduction of more than 67 percent compared to the SOIC devices.

Aggressive Pricing Announcement
Harris announced it has reduced the price of its 125MSPS HI5660 and HI5760 by 20 percent to $3.38 and $6.15 in 1,000 unit quantities, respectively, and also unveiled the 60MSPS HI5660/6IA for $2.28 in 1,000 unit quantities. This aggressive pricing coupled with the breadth of CommLink DACs deliver a powerful arsenal of price and performance options. Samples of the HI5660/6IA and HI5760IA are available today and market release in early October. Both devices are an identical second source to Analog Devices Transmit DAC Family.

Performance
The industrial temperature range HI5660/6IA and HI5760IA operate from a single-supply operating range of 2.7V to 5.5V for flexible supply interface requirements. The HI5660 consumes 165mW used with a +5V supply (27mW @ +3V) and 10mW when in a +3V power-down mode to improve system reliability and efficiency. The full-scale output current is also adjustable and ranges from 2 to 20mA. The HI5660/6IA boasts an SFDR of 73dB (@fclk = 100MSPS, fout = 5.04MHz, 4MHz span) for accurate signal synthesis.

To shorten design cycles and reduce time-to-market, Harris offers evaluation boards for these products. A comprehensive list of application notes is available on Harris Semiconductor’s homepage at http://www.semi.harris.com/families/daq.htm. You may also contact Harris directly for more information at 1-800-4HARRIS, ext.700.

The CommLink™ Family is an example of Harris Semiconductor's commitment to high-speed signal processing as applied to communication applications. In addition to data converters, Harris addresses the entire signal processing chain with a portfolio of linear, mixed-signal, and DSP ICs optimized for high-speed communications products. By part number, the CommLink DAC Family consists of the single 8-bit HI5660, dual 8-bit HI5628/6, single 10-bit HI5760, dual 10-bit HI5728 & HI5728/6, single 12-bit HI5860, dual 12-bit HI5828 and a single 14-bit DAC, the HI5960.

Harris Semiconductor manufactures discrete devices and integrated circuits with R&D efforts focused on innovative new products for high-growth segments of the communications, power and space/defense markets. The CommLink family is an example of Harris Semiconductor's commitment to high-speed signal processing as applied to communication applications. Harris Corporation, as announced June 3, 1999 is divesting Harris Semiconductor. When the divestiture is complete, Harris Semiconductor will operate as a subsidiary of Sterling Holding LLC, a Citicorp Venture Capital investment portfolio company.