For optimum performance, the analog inputs must be driven differentially. This operation improves the common-mode noise immunity and even-order harmonic rejection. A 5Ω to 15Ω resistor in series with each input terminal is recommended to damp out ringing caused by package parasitics.

SFDR performance can be limited as a result of several reasons, including the effects of sampling glitches; nonlinearity of the sampling circuit; and nonlinearity of the quantizer that follows the sampling circuit. Depending on the input frequency, sample rate, and input amplitude, one of these factors plays a dominant part in limiting performance. At very high input frequencies (greater than approximately 300MHz), SFDR is determined largely by the device sampling circuit nonlinearity. At low input amplitudes, the quantizer nonlinearity usually limits performance.

Glitches are caused by the opening and closing of the sampling switches. The driving circuit should present a low source impedance to absorb these glitches. Otherwise, glitches could limit performance, primarily at low input frequencies (up to approximately 200MHz). It is also necessary to present low impedance (less than 50Ω) for the common-mode switching currents. This configuration can be achieved by using two resistors from each input terminated to the common-mode voltage (VCM).

The device includes an internal R-C filter from each input to ground. The purpose of this filter is to absorb the sampling glitches inside the device itself. The cutoff frequency of the R-C filter involves a trade-off. A lower cutoff frequency (larger C) absorbs glitches better, but it reduces the input bandwidth. On the other hand, with a higher cutoff frequency (smaller C), bandwidth support is maximized. However, the sampling glitches now must be supplied by the external drive circuit. This tradeoff has limitations as a result of the presence of the package bond-wire inductance.

In the ADS4245, the R-C component values have been optimized while supporting high input bandwidth (up to 550MHz). However, in applications with input frequencies up to 200MHz to 300MHz, the filtering of the glitches can be improved further using an external R-C-R filter; see Figure 8-7 and Figure 8-8.