DAC38RF83 - Dual 14-Bit 9-GSPS RF-Sampling DAC | TI
MPN: DAC38RF83 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
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| 1 | $0 | $0.00 |
| 10 | $0 | $0.00 |
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| 500 | $0 | $0.00 |
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DAC38RF83 Overview
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts digital binary data into an analog signal. As an RF-sampling DAC, the DAC38RF83 directly synthesizes signals at radio frequencies without an intermediate IF stage, simplifying transceiver architectures. It belongs to the family of high-speed data converters, essential in modern communication systems for bridging the digital and analog domains.
Key features include dual 14-bit DAC cores operating at up to 9 GSPS, a flexible interpolation factor from 6x to 24x, an integrated PLL for clock generation, and a JESD204B interface supporting high per-lane data rates. The device offers single-ended or differential output modes, high dynamic range, and programmable output power, enabling direct RF synthesis up to 4.5 GHz while reducing system complexity and component count.
The DAC38RF83 utilizes advanced CMOS technology and a high-speed current-steering architecture to achieve excellent spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) and low noise spectral density. The on-chip PLL and clock multiplier reduce the need for external high-frequency clock sources, while the JESD204B serial interface simplifies PCB layout by minimizing data lines. Multiple operating modes, including real and complex output, plus digital gain and offset adjustment, provide design flexibility.
Typical applications include 3G/4G/5G wireless base stations, radar systems, software-defined radio (SDR), and broadband test equipment. The wideband synthesis capability and high dynamic range support complex modulation schemes such as OFDM and wideband spread-spectrum signals.
When designing with the DAC38RF83, careful attention must be paid to power supply decoupling and clock jitter, as these directly impact output signal quality. The device requires multiple supply rails (1.0V, 1.8V, 3.3V per family documentation; verify against the datasheet) and a clean reference clock, with controlled-impedance RF output traces.
Drop-in alternatives for DAC38RF83 — 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 DAC38RF83 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Architecture, Output Frequency Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
DAC38RF83IAAVR
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$921 / Unit
View Datasheet →DAC38RF82
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DAC38RF84
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DAC38RF81
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DAC38RF82IAAV
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DAC38RF83 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 14 bit |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Maximum Sampling Rate | 9 GS/s |
| Output Frequency Range | 0 to 4.5 GHz (RF synthesis) |
| Interpolation | 6x to 24x |
| On-Chip PLL | 6 GHz and 9 GHz |
| Interface | JESD204B |
| Settling Time | 1 ns |
| Output Mode | Single-ended or differential |
| Architecture | Current-steering, CMOS |
| Package | 144-FCBGA (10x10 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
DAC38RF83 Pin Configuration
| Pin [DATA_NEEDED] | DA/DB (DAC outputs) — Differential current outputs for channels A and B |
| Pin [DATA_NEEDED] | SERDATA/P ADSYNCP — JESD204B serial data and sync inputs |
| Pin [DATA_NEEDED] | SYSREFP/N — System reference for JESD204B latency alignment |
| Pin [DATA_NEEDED] | CLKP/CLKN — Reference clock inputs to on-chip PLL |
| Pin [DATA_NEEDED] | RESET/SRESET — Device reset |
| Pin [DATA_NEEDED] | AVDD/DVDD/PLL_VDD — Analog, digital, and PLL supply rails |
| Pin [DATA_NEEDED] | GND — Ground / exposed ball grid |
Typical Applications
DAC38RF83 is suitable for 6 applications: 5G Wireless Base Stations, Radar and Electronic Warfare, Software-Defined Radio, Broadband Test and Measurement Equipment, Satellite Communications Uplink, Medical Imaging Ultrasound.
5G Wireless Base Stations
The DAC38RF83 fits 3G/4G/5G base station transmit chains by directly synthesizing wideband OFDM carriers from 0 to 4.5 GHz at up to 9 GSPS. Its 14-bit resolution and high dynamic range preserve EVM and ACLR for wideband modulation, while the JESD204B interface simplifies the digital front end. The on-chip 6/9 GHz PLL removes the need for a separate high-frequency clock synthesizer, reducing BOM cost. Placed after the baseband FPGA or SoC, it replaces multi-stage upconversion, lowering phase noise contribution and board area.
Recommended
Radar and Electronic Warfare
Wideband radar waveform generation benefits directly from the DAC38RF83's 9-GSPS rate and 4.5 GHz synthesis bandwidth, enabling high-range-resolution LFM and stepped-frequency waveforms in a single converter. The 14-bit core and current-steering architecture deliver the spurious performance needed for target detection in cluttered spectrum. The JESD204B lane interface supports the sustained data throughput demanded by high-duty-cycle pulse trains, and the interpolating filter chain relaxes input data rate requirements on the FPGA.
Recommended
Software-Defined Radio
In SDR transmit paths, the DAC38RF83 enables direct-RF architectures that eliminate mixer/IF stages, letting waveform flexibility live entirely in the digital domain. Real and complex output modes plus digital gain and offset adjustment allow adaptation across frequency plans without hardware change. The 6x-24x interpolation lets a lower-speed JESD204B link feed the 9-GSPS core, and the on-chip PLL accepts a modest reference clock, simplifying multi-band transceiver designs used in test, defense, and prototyping platforms.
Recommended
Broadband Test and Measurement Equipment
AWGs, signal generators, and RF test exciters use the DAC38RF83 to generate signals up to 4.5 GHz with 14-bit amplitude accuracy and 1 ns settling. The high dynamic range supports low adjacent-channel spurs required in conducted and radiated testing. The JESD204B interface allows waveform download from a standard FPGA at high throughput, while dual channels enable differential stimulus or multi-tone test configurations. Settling time of 1 ns supports fast frequency hopping sequences in measurement routines.
Recommended
Satellite Communications Uplink
Satcom ground terminals and payloads require wideband, spectrally clean carriers; the DAC38RF83 synthesizes Ku-sub-band IF/RF waveforms directly with 14-bit precision. The interpolating filters and on-chip PLL reduce clock-tree complexity in size- and power-constrained transponders, and the differential output mode drives modulator or mixer stages with common-mode noise rejection. High SFDR prevents interference into adjacent transponder channels, a critical regulatory and link-budget consideration for uplink chains.
Recommended
Medical Imaging Ultrasound
High-end ultrasound transmitters use the DAC38RF83 to generate arbitrary excitation waveforms (coded pulses, chirps) that improve penetration and resolution versus fixed pulses. The 9-GSPS capability and 1 ns settling produce precise time-delay beamforming waveforms across channels, while the 14-bit core controls apodization amplitude accuracy. JESD204B data transport reduces cable count inside imaging heads and mainframes, and the on-chip PLL eases clocking synchronization between transmit and receive beamformer subsystems.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DAC38RF83 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DAC38RF83IAAVR | DAC38RF82 | DAC38RF84 | DAC38RF81 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 144-FCBGA (10x10 mm) | 144-FCBGA (10x10 mm) - same | 144-FCBGA (10x10 mm) - same | 144-FCBGA (10x10 mm) - same | 144-FCBGA (10x10 mm) - same |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Resolution | 14 bit | 14 bit | 14 bit | 14 bit | 14 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 9 GS/s | 9 GS/s | 9 GS/s | 9 GS/s | 9 GS/s |
| Interpolation | 6x to 24x | 6x to 24x | 6x to 24x | 6x to 24x | 6x to 24x |
| Interface | JESD204B | JESD204B | JESD204B | JESD204B | JESD204B |
| Output Frequency Range | 0 to 4.5 GHz | 0 to 4.5 GHz | 0 to 4.5 GHz | 0 to 4.5 GHz | 0 to 4.5 GHz |
Key Differentiators
- Dual-channel direct-RF synthesis to 4.5 GHz (vs DAC38RF81)
- Integrated 6 GHz and 9 GHz PLL (vs DAC38RF82)
- Settling time of 1 ns (vs Slower IF-sampling DAC families)
Design Notes
Clock jitter directly limits RF output SNR: at 4.5 GHz output, even 100 fs RMS jitter degrades SNR materially. Use a low-noise reference source with the on-chip PLL in its lowest-jitter mode, and route the reference clock as a controlled-impedance differential pair with AC coupling per the TI DAC38RFxx datasheet clocking section.
The 144-FCBGA (10x10 mm) package requires careful ball-map breakout: maintain solid ground planes under the DAC balls, place supply decoupling capacitors on the opposite side of the board directly beneath the ball array, and keep the JESD204B lanes length-matched within the spec given in the datasheet. Use 50-ohm controlled impedance for the differential DAC outputs.
The device requires multiple supply rails; verify exact rail voltages and sequencing in the datasheet before layout. Decouple each rail with bulk plus high-frequency ceramics, and isolate the PLL supply from the switching DAC core supply to avoid spur pickup. Do not omit SYSREF routing - it is required for deterministic JESD204B latency.
Compliance Information
[DATA_NEEDED: compliance statuses were not present in the verified web data; consult TI quality/environmental pages for DAC38RF83 packaging and compliance certificates.]
