AD9172BBCZ - Dual 16-Bit 12.6 GSPS RF DAC | Analog Devices
MPN: AD9172BBCZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $89.5 | $89.50 |
| 10 | $82.3 | $823.00 |
| 100 | $74.1 | $7,410.00 |
| 500 | $66.9 | $33,450.00 |
| 1,000 | $59.7 | $59,700.00 |
AD9172BBCZ Overview
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is an electronic component that converts digital data into an analog signal. In RF applications, a high-speed DAC like the AD9172 enables direct synthesis of radio frequency signals, eliminating the need for multiple upconversion stages. This reduces system complexity, power consumption, and board space. The AD9172 belongs to the family of RF DACs, which are specialized data converters optimized for generating signals in the gigahertz frequency range, often used in software-defined radios, radar, and communications infrastructure.
Key features of the AD9172 include dual 16-bit DAC cores, a maximum sample rate of 12.6 GSPS, and an integrated JESD204B interface supporting up to 15 Gbps per lane. The on-chip clock multiplier allows flexible clocking from lower-frequency references, simplifying system design. The device also includes digital upconversion (DUC) and channelizer blocks, enabling multiband operation and reducing the digital processing load on FPGAs or ASICs. These features make the AD9172 ideal for applications requiring wide instantaneous bandwidth and high spectral purity.
From a technical perspective, the AD9172 leverages advanced CMOS process technology to achieve high-speed operation while maintaining excellent dynamic performance. The DAC architecture includes a current-steering core with integrated output matching, providing a differential output that can drive RF transformers or amplifiers directly. The device supports multiple operating modes, including real and complex output, and offers programmable interpolation filters to optimize signal quality. The JESD204B interface simplifies high-speed data transfer, reducing the number of digital I/O pins compared to parallel interfaces.
Typical applications for the AD9172 include wireless base stations, radar systems, electronic warfare, and test and measurement equipment. In wireless infrastructure, the device enables direct RF synthesis for 5G NR and LTE signals, supporting carrier aggregation and MIMO configurations. In radar, the high sample rate and wide bandwidth allow generation of complex waveforms for improved target detection. The device is also suitable for software-defined radio platforms, where flexibility and performance are critical.
When designing with the AD9172, careful attention must be paid to power supply decoupling and clock jitter, as these directly impact the output signal quality. The device requires multiple supply rails, and proper filtering is essential to achieve the specified noise and spurious performance. Additionally, the JESD204B interface must be configured correctly to ensure reliable data transfer, and the reference clock should be generated from a low-jitter source to minimize phase noise.
Drop-in alternatives for AD9172BBCZ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with AD9172BBCZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Number of DACs, Package, Data Interface, Digital Signal Processing, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
AD9172BBPZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD9176BBPZ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD9174BBPZ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD9175BBPZ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD9173BBPZ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD9172BBCZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 16-bit |
| Number of DACs | 2 |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 12.6 GSPS |
| Data Interface | 8-lane JESD204B, 15 Gbps per lane |
| Package | 144-BGA-ED (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Output Type | Differential Current |
| Digital Upconversion | Yes |
| Channelizers | Yes |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
AD9172BBCZ Pin Configuration
| Pin A1 | DAC0_P — DAC0 positive output |
| Pin A2 | DAC0_N — DAC0 negative output |
| Pin B1 | DAC1_P — DAC1 positive output |
| Pin B2 | DAC1_N — DAC1 negative output |
| Pin C1 | AVDD — Analog power supply |
| Pin C2 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin D1 | CLK_P — Clock positive input |
| Pin D2 | CLK_N — Clock negative input |
| Pin E1 | JESD_RX_P — JESD204B receive positive |
| Pin E2 | JESD_RX_N — JESD204B receive negative |
| Pin F1 | SPI_CS — SPI chip select |
| Pin F2 | SPI_CLK — SPI clock |
Typical Applications
AD9172BBCZ is suitable for 6 applications: 5G Wireless Base Stations, Radar Systems, Electronic Warfare, Test and Measurement Equipment, Software-Defined Radio, Satellite Communications.
5G Wireless Base Stations
The AD9172BBCZ is ideal for 5G base stations, where its 12.6 GSPS sample rate and dual DAC architecture enable direct RF synthesis for multiple carriers and MIMO streams. The JESD204B interface simplifies high-speed data transfer from FPGAs, and the on-chip DUC reduces digital processing load. With 16-bit resolution, it delivers excellent signal quality for wideband 5G NR signals, supporting carrier aggregation and beamforming.
Recommended
Radar Systems
In radar applications, the AD9172BBCZ's high sample rate and wide bandwidth allow generation of complex waveforms such as LFM and phase-coded signals. The dual DAC channels support multichannel radar systems, and the JESD204B interface ensures low-latency data transfer. The device's high dynamic range improves target detection and range resolution, making it suitable for defense and automotive radar.
Recommended
Electronic Warfare
The AD9172BBCZ is used in electronic warfare systems for generating jamming signals and simulating threats. Its ability to synthesize wideband signals directly at RF frequencies enables rapid frequency hopping and agile waveform generation. The dual DAC architecture supports simultaneous transmission of multiple signals, and the high sample rate ensures broad instantaneous bandwidth for effective countermeasures.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Equipment
For arbitrary waveform generators and signal generators, the AD9172BBCZ provides high-speed, high-resolution DAC performance. Its 12.6 GSPS sample rate allows generation of wideband signals up to several gigahertz, and the JESD204B interface simplifies integration with FPGAs for real-time signal processing. The device's low noise and high SFDR ensure accurate signal reproduction for test applications.
Recommended
Software-Defined Radio
The AD9172BBCZ is a key component in software-defined radios, enabling flexible, reconfigurable RF signal generation. Its wideband capability supports multiple communication standards, and the digital upconversion features allow direct conversion from baseband to RF. The JESD204B interface provides a clean digital interface to FPGAs, facilitating rapid waveform updates and adaptive modulation.
Recommended
Satellite Communications
In satellite communication systems, the AD9172BBCZ is used for generating uplink signals with high spectral purity. Its high sample rate and 16-bit resolution enable wideband modulation schemes, while the dual DAC channels support frequency diversity. The device's low power consumption and compact package are advantageous for space-constrained payloads.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for AD9172BBCZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | AD9172BBPZ | AD9176BBPZ | AD9174BBPZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 144-BGA-ED (10x10 mm) | 144-BGA-ED (10x10 mm) | 144-BGA-ED (10x10 mm) | 144-BGA-ED (10x10 mm) |
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Resolution | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit | 16-bit |
| Number of DACs | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Maximum Sample Rate | 12.6 GSPS | 12.6 GSPS | 12.6 GSPS | 12.6 GSPS |
| Data Interface | 8-lane JESD204B, 15 Gbps | 8-lane JESD204B, 15 Gbps | 8-lane JESD204B, 15 Gbps | 8-lane JESD204B, 15 Gbps |
| Digital Upconversion | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Channelizers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Dual DAC architecture (vs AD9174BBPZ)
- Higher sample rate (vs AD9175BBPZ)
- Pin-compatible with AD9176 (vs AD9176BBPZ)
Design Notes
The AD9172BBCZ requires multiple power supply rails (analog, digital, and I/O). Use low-noise LDOs for analog supplies and ferrite beads for isolation. Decouple each supply pin with 0.1uF and 10uF capacitors placed close to the pins. Refer to the datasheet for recommended supply sequencing to avoid latch-up.
For optimal high-frequency performance, use a multilayer PCB with a solid ground plane. Route differential DAC outputs with controlled impedance (100 ohms differential) and keep traces short. Place the clock source close to the device and use a low-jitter oscillator. Follow the layout guidelines in the datasheet to minimize crosstalk and signal integrity issues.
The AD9172BBCZ can dissipate significant power at high sample rates. Ensure adequate thermal management by using a thermal pad connected to a large copper area on the PCB. The package is a 144-ball BGA with an exposed pad; solder it to a thermal via array to improve heat transfer. Monitor junction temperature to stay within the specified range.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance indicated by Analog Devices product page. Other compliance data not specified in the provided sources.
