The ADRF6521 is a dual, fully differential, low noise and low distortion variable gain amplifier (VGA). The high spurious-free dynamic range over the gain range makes the ADRF6521 ideal for communication systems with dense constellations, multiple carriers, and nearby interferers.The VGA has a 21 dB attenuation range with a typical voltage gain of 18 dB. The differential input impedance is 100 Ω, while the differential output impedance is 16 Ω. The ±1 dB gain flatness bandwidth is 2.5 GHz. The output buffers are capable of swinging 1.5 V p-p into 100 Ω loads at >55 dBc for second-order and third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD2 and IMD3), and for second and third harmonic distortion (HD2 and HD3) from low frequency to 1 GHz. Variable output dc offset control is accomplished with the OFS1 and OFS2 pins, and the output common-mode can be controlled with the VOCM pin.The ADRF6521 flexibly operates from a single +5 V supply or from a range of dual supplies and consumes a total supply current of 200 mA. When fully disabled, it consumes 25 mA typical. The ADRF6521 is fabricated in an advanced silicon-germanium BiCMOS process and is available in a 20-lead, exposed pad, 3 mm × 3 mm LFCSP. Performance is specified over the −40°C to +85°C temperature range.ApplicationsPoint-to-point and point-to-multipoint radiosBaseband IQ receiversDiversity receiversADC driversInstrumentationMedical