Overview
The AD9173BBPZ is a dual, 16-bit RF DAC designed by Analog Devices to address next-generation broadband, wireless infrastructure, and advanced RF synthesis requirements. According to its datasheet, the device supports a maximum DAC update rate of 12.6 GSPS and integrates three complex input channels per DAC, each capable of operating at up to 1.54 GSPS .
The AD9173BBPZ achieves excellent RF linearity metrics, including two-tone IMD performance around –83 dBc at 1.8 GHz with a –7 dBFS tone level , and spurious-free dynamic range (CLD/SFDR) better than –80 dBc under similar conditions . Power consumption at full-rate, dual-channel operation is approximately 2.55 W .
With these specifications, the AD9173BBPZ is positioned as a high-performance RF DAC able to drive demanding multi-carrier, wideband, and high-frequency generation systems.
Core Parameters
| Parameter | Value / Specification |
|---|---|
| DAC Architecture | Dual 16-bit RF DAC |
| Maximum DAC Update Rate | 12.6 GSPS |
| JESD Interface | 8-lane, 15.4 Gb/s JESD204B |
| Complex Input Channels | 3 per DAC core, bypassable |
| Max Complex Input Rate (per channel) | 1.54 GSPS |
| Interpolation Options | 1×, 2×, 3×, 4×, 6×, 8× for input; 1×, 2×, 4×, 6×, 8×, 12× for final interpolation |
| NCO | 48-bit, operates at DAC rate, supports up to ~6 GHz frequency synthesis |
| Two-Tone IMD3 (at –7 dBFS/tone, 1.8 GHz) | –83 dBc |
| SFDR (at –7 dBFS, 1.8 GHz) | < –80 dBc |
| Power Consumption | 2.55 W @ 12 GSPS, dual channel |
| Operating Temperature | –40 °C to +85 °C (typical range per distributor spec) |
| Package | 144-ball BGA_ED, 10 × 10 mm, 0.80 mm pitch |
Features
- Dual 16-bit high-speed DAC architecture
- 12.6 GSPS peak update rate enabling wideband RF synthesis
- Three complex data paths per DAC supporting 1.54 GSPS maximum input rate
- Low-distortion RF generation with IMD ≈ –83 dBc at 1.8 GHz
- SFDR better than –80 dBc, supporting clean spectrum applications
- JESD204B high-speed serial interface
- BGA package with enhanced thermal lid for improved heat dissipation
- Suitable for multicarrier, wideband, and mmWave system architectures
Typical Application Scenarios
| Application | Why AD9173BBPZ Fits |
|---|---|
| 5G / 4G Base Stations | 12.6 GSPS rate & low IMD support multi-band digital RF generation |
| Microwave Backhaul / mmWave | Wideband DAC + NCO enables high-frequency signal generation |
| Test & Measurement | –80 dBc SFDR supports high-purity waveform synthesis |
| Broadband Communication | Suitable for DOCSIS, cable modem termination, and optical systems |
| Defense / Aerospace RF Systems | High linearity and fast update rates support complex radar waveforms |
Performance Comparison
| Spec | AD9173BBPZ | Typical RF DAC A | Typical RF DAC B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Rate | 12.6 GSPS | 10 GSPS | 8 GSPS |
| Resolution | 16-bit | 14-bit | 16-bit |
| IMD | –83 dBc | –75 dBc | –78 dBc |
| SFDR | < –80 dBc | –70 dBc | –75 dBc |
| Power | 2.55 W | 3 W | ~2 W |
Conclusion
The AD9173BBPZ delivers a combination of 12.6 GSPS update rate, 1.54 GSPS complex input bandwidth, and low-distortion RF performance that makes it ideal for next-generation communication and RF synthesis systems. With measured IMD around –83 dBc and SFDR better than –80 dBc, it supports high-purity and wideband signal generation required in 5G radios, test equipment, and defense applications. Its characteristic 2.55 W consumption at full rate further reflects its high-performance class.
Manufacturer Profile
Analog Devices (ADI) is a leading global provider of high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF semiconductor solutions. ADI’s RF DAC series—including the AD9173—represents advanced digital-to-RF conversion technologies suited for wideband communication, instrumentation, and aerospace applications.
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