ADF4116BRUZ - 550 MHz Integer-N PLL | Analog Devices
MPN: ADF4116BRUZ ✓ ActiveADF4116BRUZ Overview
An RF PLL frequency synthesizer is a clock-and-timing IC that locks an output phase to a reference frequency. Within the broader semiconductor hierarchy, the ADF4116 belongs to the clock and timing family and supports applications that require stable, programmable RF frequencies for wireless receiver and transmitter signal chains.
The ADF4116 operates from a 5.5 V supply and includes a separate charge-pump supply arrangement for extended tuning-voltage capability. It supports 3 V systems, uses an external reference, and provides an external CMOS clock input and clock output. Its architecture permits integer-N frequency planning using the programmable reference divider, A counter, B counter, and dual-modulus prescaler.
At an RF output frequency of up to 550 MHz, the device can generate local-oscillator signals for wireless upconversion and downconversion sections. The manufacturer identifies ADF4116, ADF4117, and ADF4118 as a related family with maximum frequencies of 550 MHz, 1.2 GHz, and 3.0 GHz, respectively; the higher-frequency members also support separate tuning-voltage operation.
Typical uses include wireless receiver and transmitter local oscillators, RF signal-generation systems, test and measurement equipment, and frequency conversion stages in communications equipment. Designers must select the reference frequency, prescaler, counter values, charge-pump current, and loop-filter components to meet the required output range and phase-noise performance.
A key design consideration is loop-filter tuning because it directly affects lock behavior, phase noise, and reference-spur performance. The charge-pump output drives the external loop filter, and the available tuning voltage must remain within both the RF-VCO and ADF4116 charge-pump constraints.
This product page consolidates verified manufacturer specifications, distributor pricing, lifecycle information, and same-package replacement analysis. It also distinguishes a documented legacy variant from reel-format order codes so engineers can make a pin-compatible sourcing decision without treating packaging-only variants as separate drop-in alternatives.
Drop-in alternatives for ADF4116BRUZ — 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 ADF4116BRUZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in A Counter, Charge Pump, Device Type, Package.
ADF4116BRU
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →ADF4116BRUZ Specifications
| Device Type | Clock/Frequency Synthesizer (RF) IC |
| PLL Architecture | Integer-N |
| Maximum Frequency | 550 MHz |
| Number of Synthesizers | 1 |
| Input Signal Type | CMOS |
| Output Signal Type | Clock |
| Input-to-Output Ratio | 2:1 |
| Phase/Frequency Detector | Low-noise digital PFD |
| Charge Pump | Precision charge pump |
| Reference Divider | Programmable |
| A Counter | Programmable 5-bit counter |
| B Counter | Programmable |
| Prescaler | Programmable dual-modulus P/P+1 prescaler |
| Maximum Supply Voltage | 5.5 V |
| System Supply Support | 3 V systems |
| Reference Input | External |
| Temperature Grade | Y grade: -40°C to +125°C |
| Package | 16-pin TSSOP, 0.173 inch (4.40 mm) width |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
ADF4116BRUZ 16-pin tssop, 0.173 inch (4.40 mm) width Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for ADF4116BRUZ (16-pin tssop, 0.173 inch (4.40 mm) width package). Pin numbering, functions, and connection diagrams are defined in the manufacturer datasheet. Refer to it for the exact footprint and soldering guidelines.
No detailed pinout data available for ADF4116BRUZ.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
ADF4116BRUZ is suitable for 6 applications: Wireless Receiver Local Oscillator, Wireless Transmitter Upconversion, RF Signal Generator, RF Downconversion Mixer, Test and Measurement Equipment, Frequency Reference Distribution.
Wireless Receiver Local Oscillator
The ADF4116BRUZ is appropriate for an RF local oscillator in a wireless receiver whose required output is no greater than 550 MHz. Its single integer-N PLL uses an external reference, programmable reference divider, A and B counters, and a dual-modulus prescaler to create the requested frequency relationship. The low-noise digital phase-frequency detector and precision charge pump support closed-loop phase locking. Compared with a free-running oscillator, this architecture allows the receiver RF stage to remain referenced to a stable source. The main engineering task is selecting the prescaler and counter values, then tuning the external loop filter for the required lock time, phase noise, and reference spur performance.
Recommended
Wireless Transmitter Upconversion
The ADF4116BRUZ can supply a programmable local-oscillator reference for wireless transmitter upconversion when the required frequency falls within its 550 MHz maximum. The reference divider, programmable counters, and P/P+1 prescaler allow the RF output to be derived from an external reference rather than an uncontrolled oscillator. This is useful where multiple channels or dynamically selected frequencies must share a stable reference. The transmitter design must account for tuning-voltage limits, reference-spur suppression, and loop bandwidth; a narrower loop improves phase noise in some situations but can lengthen acquisition time and make channel settling more demanding.
Recommended
RF Signal Generator
The ADF4116BRUZ is useful in a programmable RF signal-generator head when the generated output remains within the verified 550 MHz limit. An external reference provides the frequency standard, while the integer-N divider chain establishes the programmed output. This architecture supports repeatable frequency selection under digital control and reduces dependence on multiple free-running oscillators. For a laboratory generator, loop-filter tuning should be evaluated for both phase noise and settling time because a very narrow loop may preserve spectral purity while slowing retuning. The 5.5 V supply capability and external reference input align with systems that separate supply distribution from the precision frequency reference.
Recommended
RF Downconversion Mixer
The ADF4116BRUZ can generate a programmable local-oscillator signal for an RF downconversion mixer when the required tone is at or below 550 MHz. Driving the mixer from a phase-locked source helps keep the local oscillator correlated with the system reference, which is valuable in frequency-selective receivers and test equipment. The ADF4116 contains the required digital PFD, precision charge pump, counters, and dual-modulus prescaler. Designers should verify that the generated frequency includes the correct mixer injection relationship, preserve adequate charge-pump and tuning-voltage headroom, and place the loop filter for stable operation with low added reference noise.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Equipment
The ADF4116BRUZ supports clock and RF tone generation in test and measurement equipment where a programmable, reference-derived signal is needed below 550 MHz. Its 5.5 V supply rating, external reference architecture, and programmable integer-N divider chain allow a common laboratory reference to establish repeatable test frequencies. The design trade-off is loop dynamics: increasing the charge-pump current or modifying the loop-filter components can accelerate settling, while a more selective filter may reduce phase noise and spurs. Instrument designers should evaluate settling accuracy, reference spur levels, and temperature behavior across the complete operating range rather than relying only on the nominal lock indicator.
Recommended
Frequency Reference Distribution
The ADF4116BRUZ can be used to derive a coherent RF or clock output from a shared external reference in frequency-distribution systems. Its programmable reference divider and integer-N counters let multiple board locations produce controlled frequency relationships while retaining phase coherence with the common source. This is useful in RF test benches, communications equipment, and synchronized sub-systems requiring deterministic tuning. Coherency depends on the reference quality and divider ratios, while usable channel spacing and spur performance depend on the loop-filter design. The external reference path should therefore be isolated from noisy digital supplies and switching circuitry to avoid degrading the PLL's phase-noise performance.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ADF4116BRUZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ADF4116BRU |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Package | 16-pin TSSOP | 16-pin TSSOP - pin-compatible |
| Device Type | Clock/Frequency Synthesizer (RF) IC | Clock/Frequency Synthesizer (RF) IC |
| PLL Architecture | Single integer-N PLL | Single integer-N PLL |
| Maximum Frequency | 550 MHz | 550 MHz |
| Maximum Supply Voltage | 5.5 V | 5.5 V |
| Input Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Output Type | Clock | Clock |
| Lifecycle Status | Active production variant | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Current production option (vs ADF4116BRU)
- Drop-in electrical equivalence (vs ADF4116BRU)
- Supported RF range for the 550 MHz class (vs ADF4117BRUZ and ADF4118BRUZ)
Design Notes
Do not treat the ADF4116BRUZ as a general-purpose clock generator above 550 MHz. The verified maximum is 550 MHz, while the related ADF4117 and ADF4118 extend to 1.2 GHz and 3.0 GHz. Also avoid confusing the legacy ADF4116BRU with a reel-format order code: the former is an obsolete but electrically identical, pin-compatible part, whereas ADF4116BRUZ-REEL and ADF4116BRUZ-REEL7 identify packaging or distributor order configurations rather than new PLL designs.
Keep the reference input, phase-frequency detector interface, charge-pump connection, loop filter, and RF output routing compact and physically separated from noisy switching nodes. The external charge-pump network should have a short return path and stable ground reference, while the loop-filter components should be placed close to the charge-pump and PFD pins. Because the charge-pump output drives the loop filter, excessive trace resistance or parasitic capacitance can alter damping, lock range, and reference-spur behavior.
Design the 5.5 V-capable supply path and the separate tuning-voltage domain so that the charge pump and any external VCO retain adequate headroom. Verify the maximum voltage on every supply and tuning node under lock, startup, and fault conditions. Supply noise on the reference or charge-pump rails can degrade phase noise even when the programmed output frequency is correct, so filtering should target the actual noise bandwidth rather than simply adding arbitrary capacitance.
Compliance Information
The supplied verified extracts identify the component as a Y-grade -40°C to +125°C part but do not provide verified RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals declarations. These fields therefore remain unknown rather than being inferred.
