**ADAR7251WBCSZ: A 16-Channel AFE for Automotive LIDAR and Radar Systems**

The evolution of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving hinges on the ability to perceive the environment with high accuracy and reliability. At the heart of this sensory capability are LIDAR and radar systems, which require sophisticated electronics to process complex signals. The **ADAR7251WBCSZ from Analog Devices** stands as a pivotal component, a highly integrated **16-channel analog front-end (AFE)** specifically engineered to address the demanding requirements of next-generation automotive sensing applications.

This AFE is designed to seamlessly interface with both **automotive LIDAR receivers** and frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar systems. Its primary function is to condition and digitize the very weak, high-frequency current signals generated by photodiodes in LIDAR or by mixers in radar receivers. The device integrates 16 dedicated channels, each featuring a **transimpedance amplifier (TIA)** and a **14-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC)**. This high level of integration is critical for systems requiring high-density channel counts to achieve superior angular resolution.

A key architectural advantage of the ADAR7251WBCSZ is its use of a **time-interleaved SAR ADC** structure. This design allows all 16 channels to be sampled simultaneously, which is absolutely essential for capturing a precise "snapshot" of the returning light or radio wave. This simultaneous sampling eliminates phase distortion between channels, ensuring the integrity of the data used for accurate object detection and distance measurement.

Furthermore, the device is built for the **rigorous automotive environment**, boasting an operational temperature range of -40°C to +105°C and developed in compliance with AEC-Q100 standards. Its low-power operation is another significant benefit, enabling the design of systems that do not overburden the vehicle's electrical systems. By providing a compact, multi-channel solution, the ADAR7251WBCSZ simplifies system design, reduces the board space and component count, and ultimately accelerates time-to-market for Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs.

**ICGOO**DFIND

The ADAR7251WBCSZ is a cornerstone technology for automotive perception, offering a highly integrated, robust, and high-performance analog front-end solution that is essential for scaling the capabilities of modern ADAS and autonomous vehicles.

**Keywords:**

1. **Analog Front-End (AFE)**

2. **Automotive LIDAR**

3. **Simultaneous Sampling**

4. **Transimpedance Amplifier (TIA)**

5. **AEC-Q100**