Analog Devices is introducing a general-purpose two-channel, digitally controlled VGA (variable-gain amplifier) developed with specific features for today's CMTS (Cable Modem Termination System) upstream receiver applications.

According to the release, the two-channel AD8372 VGA enables designers to incorporate more CMTS channels while simultaneously improving modem performance and the quality of upstream cable signals. The new VGA's design reduces component count and board area by allowing designers to fit more channels into a given space or pack the same number of channels into a smaller area.

For wide-dynamic-range applications, the AD8372 offers a 41-dB gain range, with 1-dB steps and 0.2-dB resolution. The gain is programmed through a bidirectional 4-pin, 8-bit serial port, which consists of clock, latch, data input and data output lines for each channel. The 41-dB control range enables designers to keep input signals above the noise floor, while using the full-scale range of a wider variety of ADCs (analog-to-digital converters).