Analog Devices Inc. AD8368ACPZ-REEL7

Overview

AD8368ACPZ-REEL7 from Analog Devices is a 800 MHz linear-in-dB variable gain amplifier (VGA) with integrated RMS detector, delivering −12 dB to +22 dB analog gain control, 37.5 dB/V scaling, and 50 Ω input/output impedance. It serves as a signal-leveling core in RF receiver IF stages, supporting automatic gain control (AGC) loops in cellular base station receivers and point-to-point radio links.

For engineers reviewing the AD8368ACPZ-REEL7 datasheet, AD8368ACPZ-REEL7 pinout, AD8368ACPZ-REEL7 application, or AD8368ACPZ-REEL7 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 800 MHz 3 dB bandwidth, on-chip AGC detector with −11 dBm setpoint, 9.5 dB noise figure at 140 MHz, and 24-lead LFCSP package with exposed thermal pad.

Technical Context

The AD8368ACPZ-REEL7 implements Analog Devices' X-AMP® architecture: an 18-section resistor ladder attenuator feeds interpolated signals to fixed-gain amplifier stages, enabling constant OIP3 (33 dBm) and output noise floor across gain settings. Its gain direction is configurable via MODE pin-high for increasing gain, low for decreasing gain-and supports both VGA and self-contained AGC operation.

Integrated square-law detector provides true RMS response independent of waveform crest factor; DETI accepts external signal monitoring points, while DETO delivers error current for closed-loop leveling. Output offset correction uses HPFL/DECL pins to set high-pass corner frequency, with design equations provided for CHPFL and CDECL selection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD8368ACPZ-REEL7 is housed in a RoHS-compliant 24-lead LFCSP (CP-24-7) with exposed thermal pad (EPAD) requiring low-impedance ground connection. Pin layout follows standard top-view numbering with dedicated supply, ground, RF I/O, gain control, detector, and mode configuration terminals.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar variable gain amplifier applications.

Compared with AD8368ACPZ-REEL7, ADL5330ACPZ-R7 offers wider gain flatness but requires external detector circuitry, while LMH6514MA/NOPB trades bandwidth and integration for lower cost and simpler packaging-neither matches the AD8368ACPZ-REEL7's combination of 800 MHz bandwidth, on-chip AGC, and 50 Ω RF I/O in LFCSP.

Availability

AD8368ACPZ-REEL7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure, microwave radio, RF instrumentation, and defense EW systems requiring stable component supply, full traceability, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for AD8368ACPZ-REEL7 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, headquartered in Norwood, MA.

The AD8368ACPZ-REEL7 belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Variable Gain Amplifier product line, engineered for precision AGC and wideband signal conditioning in wireless infrastructure and test equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum RF input frequency supported by the AD8368ACPZ-REEL7?

The AD8368ACPZ-REEL7 has a 3 dB bandwidth of 800 MHz, verified across gain settings and temperature. At 380 MHz, it maintains 13 dBm P1dB and 29 dBm OIP3; performance degrades gradually beyond 800 MHz but remains usable up to 1 GHz in non-critical applications. The datasheet specifies guaranteed operation through 800 MHz.

How does the MODE pin affect gain behavior in the AD8368ACPZ-REEL7?

In the AD8368ACPZ-REEL7, pulling MODE high configures gain-up mode (Gain = 37.5 × VGAIN − 14 dB); pulling MODE low enables gain-down mode (Gain = −38 × VGAIN + 24.8 dB), which is mandatory for AGC operation. The MODE pin directly determines gain polarity and is electrically validated per Table 1 and Figure 32 of the Rev. C datasheet.

Can the AD8368ACPZ-REEL7 be used without the integrated detector?

Yes-the AD8368ACPZ-REEL7 functions fully as a standalone VGA without using DETI/DETO. The detector is uncommitted and optional; GAIN and MODE pins alone enable open-loop gain control. The detector only activates when DETI is driven and MODE is low, making it truly optional for pure VGA applications.

What is the purpose of the DECL and HPFL pins on the AD8368ACPZ-REEL7?

DECL provides the internal VS/2 reference for detector and offset correction circuits and must be decoupled with low-ESR capacitance. HPFL sets the high-pass corner frequency of the output offset correction loop. Their values jointly determine the low-frequency cutoff-e.g., 100 nF on HPFL yields ~10 kHz corner-without impacting RF gain or matching.

Is the AD8368ACPZ-REEL7 pin-compatible with other Analog Devices VGAs like the AD8367?

No-the AD8368ACPZ-REEL7 uses a 24-lead LFCSP (CP-24-7) package with unique pinout including four DECL pins, dual VPSI/VPSO groups, and dedicated DETI/DETO. The AD8367 uses a different 20-lead LFCSP with distinct pin mapping and no integrated detector, so PCB layout and routing are not interchangeable.