News & Events
Intersil’s CommLink 12- and 14-bit DACs Now Available for Designing High-Performance Communications Systems

— New converters couple high performance with pin compatibility

PALM BAY, FL, September 27, 1999 — Intersil Corporation today announced the availability of its highest performance digital-to-analog converters (DACs) yet within its CommLink Family of Communication ICs. The HI5860 (12-bit single), HI5828 (12-bit dual) and HI5960 (14-bit single) are specifically designed for the transmit section of communications systems.

While targeting communications manufacturers, these devices are particularly well suited for wireless applications such as wireless local loop, cellular basestations and I & Q modems. They feature excellent spurious-free dynamic range (86 dBc @ 100MSPS) for quality signal synthesis, offer high speeds up to 125MSPS, and can provide over 70dBc of dynamic range while generating 8 carriers (6-10MHz @ 64MSPS). This is extremely important in cellular applications where dynamic range sets the system-level performance.

In addition, Intersil’s 12- and 14-bit DACs achieve low power consumption of 175mW at 5V (35mW at 3V) while operating from a single 3-volt or 5-volt supply. They provide a maximum of 20mA of full-scale output current coupled with low glitch energy and excellent frequency domain performance. The HI5828’s dual channel design offers a higher level of integration to the system designer, thus optimizing board space and channel matching without sacrificing performance. Furthermore, all CommLink DACs are pin compatible for upward migration.

Price and Availability
The HI5860, HI5960 and HI5828 are now in full production. The HI5860 and HI5960 are packaged in small, 28-lead SOICs and TSSOPs, while the HI5828 (dual) is available in a 48-lead LQFP package. Pricing for these devices in the 100s is as follows: HI5860—$13.95; HI5960—$19.91; and HI5828—$22.32.

The CommLink DAC product line features 8-, 10-, 12- and 14-bit pin compatibility and 60 to 125MSPS update rates, thus offering a variety of price and performance options. For higher speed versions (165MSPS) contact Intersil for availability. For more information and complete data sheets, please visit Intersil’s Web site at http://www.intersil.com/commlink. You may also contact Intersil directly for additional information at 1-888-INTERSIL.

About the CommLink Family
The CommLink family is an example of Intersil’s commitment to high-speed signal processing for communication applications. The product line covers the resolution scale from 8- to 14-bits and up to 165 MSPS, making it the industry’s broadest portfolio of high-speed converters. In addition to data converters, Intersil addresses the entire signal processing chain with a portfolio of linear, mixed-signal and DSP ICs optimized for high-speed communications products.

About Intersil Corporation
Intersil Corporation uses analog, mixed-signal, power and radiation-hardening technologies to develop advanced integrated circuits and discrete semiconductors for high-growth segments of the communications, power and space/defense markets. Intersil Corporation employs 5,800 worldwide and utilizes the rich intellectual property heritage from Harris, GE Solid State and RCA. The company’s worldwide web site is located at http://www.intersil.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Specific risks include worldwide demand and product pricing for integrated circuits, and reductions in the U.S. and worldwide defense and space budgets. In addition, Intersil cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends and events to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.