High-speed analogue multiplexer using s.a.w. technology

A new type of high-speed analogue multiplexer is described that utilises surface-acoustic-wave (s.a.w.) technology. The device operation is based upon the conversion of P parallel analogue control inputs into a serial-output amplitude-modulated pulse train superimposed on a v.h.f. carrier. Experimental results are presented for a 10-channel prototype device with a sampling rate near 1 MHz and a modulation dynamic range exceeding 50 dB. The feasibility of achieving 100-channel operation at sampling rates up to 100 MHz is discussed.