Analog Devices Inc. AD9238BCPZ-20

Overview

AD9238BCPZ-20 from Analog Devices is a dual-channel, 12-bit, 20 MSPS analog-to-digital converter (ADC) fabricated in advanced CMOS, featuring integrated sample-and-hold amplifiers, on-chip voltage reference, and differential input with 500 MHz bandwidth. It operates from a single 3 V supply (2.7 V–3.6 V), delivers 70.4 dB SNR at 2.4 MHz input, supports offset binary or twos complement output format, and targets IF sampling in communications receivers.

For engineers reviewing the AD9238BCPZ-20 datasheet, AD9238BCPZ-20 pinout, AD9238BCPZ-20 application, or AD9238BCPZ-20 equivalent, this page provides verified specifications, validated pin functions for the 64-lead LFCSP package, confirmed dual-channel timing performance at 20 MSPS, and real-world application context for ultrasound and battery-powered instrumentation.

Technical Context

The AD9238BCPZ-20 employs a multistage differential pipelined architecture with output error correction logic to guarantee 12-bit accuracy and no missing codes across −40°C to +85°C. Its dual SHA enables flexible analog input configurations-including differential and single-ended-while maintaining >85 dB crosstalk immunity at 10 MHz.

It features a clock duty cycle stabilizer (DCS) that preserves AC performance over wide duty cycle variation, and supports multiplexed data output via MUX_SELECT to reduce interface complexity. Digital outputs are CMOS-compatible with DRVDD = 2.25 V–3.6 V and pipeline latency fixed at 7 clock cycles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The AD9238BCPZ-20 is housed in a Pb-free, 64-lead LFCSP (Lead Frame Chip Scale Package) with exposed thermal pad requiring connection to AGND. Package dimensions: 9 mm × 9 mm × 0.85 mm, 0.5 mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-channel ADC applications.

Compared with AD9238BCPZ-20, AD9248BCPZ-20 trades 150 mW extra power for +4 dB SNR and two additional bits, while ADS62P49IRGCT sacrifices integration and crosstalk performance for raw speed-making AD9238BCPZ-20 optimal for balanced IF sampling where power, integration, and channel isolation are jointly constrained.

Availability

AD9238BCPZ-20 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for ultrasound beamforming, IF sampling receivers, and battery-powered scopemeters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed industrial temperature grade performance.

Supply support for AD9238BCPZ-20 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, with R&D and manufacturing infrastructure spanning North America, Europe, and Asia.

The AD9238 product line delivers dual-channel, low-power, high-SNR ADCs optimized for communications infrastructure, medical imaging, and portable test equipment-designed to replace discrete ADC + reference + driver solutions with a single compact IC.

FAQ

What is the maximum input frequency supported by the AD9238BCPZ-20?

The AD9238BCPZ-20 features a 500 MHz 3 dB small-signal bandwidth on its differential sample-and-hold amplifier, enabling reliable undersampling of IF signals up to approximately 200 MHz. At 100 MHz input frequency, SNR remains 67.6 dB and SFDR is 75.0 dBc, confirming usable performance well beyond the Nyquist limit of 10 MHz set by its 20 MSPS rate. This makes AD9238BCPZ-20 suitable for direct IF digitization in CDMA2000 and WiMAX receivers.

Does the AD9238BCPZ-20 require an external voltage reference?

No, the AD9238BCPZ-20 integrates a precision 1.0 V voltage reference with ±35 mV output error over temperature and ±0.1 mV load regulation at 1.0 mA. It also supports 0.5 V reference mode with ±2.5 mV error. External reference is optional and only needed if tighter initial accuracy (<±5 mV) or programmable scaling is required. The internal reference eliminates BOM cost and layout sensitivity associated with external references.

How does the clock duty cycle stabilizer (DCS) function in the AD9238BCPZ-20?

The DCS circuit in AD9238BCPZ-20 actively corrects clock duty cycle deviations from 50%, maintaining full AC performance (SNR/SFDR) across 30%–70% duty cycle range. When DCS is enabled (DCS pin tied high), it reshapes the input clock into a symmetrical waveform before feeding it to internal logic-critical when using PLL-derived clocks or dividers with inherent duty cycle distortion. Performance data shows <0.2 dB SINAD variation across this range.

Can the AD9238BCPZ-20 operate with independent analog and digital supplies?

Yes, AD9238BCPZ-20 uses separate analog (AVDD = 2.7 V–3.6 V) and digital output (DRVDD = 2.25 V–3.6 V) supplies, allowing independent voltage selection and noise isolation. AVDD powers the analog core and reference; DRVDD drives the 12-bit CMOS output buffers. Decoupling is required: 0.1 µF + 10 µF capacitors on DRVDD/DRGND, and 0.1 µF on AVDD/AGND. This separation improves PSRR (±0.01% FSR) and reduces digital switching noise coupling into analog paths.

What is the pipeline latency of the AD9238BCPZ-20 and how does it affect system synchronization?

The AD9238BCPZ-20 has a fixed pipeline latency of 7 clock cycles from CLK edge to valid output data-consistent across all operating conditions and sample rates. This deterministic delay enables precise timing alignment in multi-ADC systems and simplifies FPGA-based capture logic. For example, at 20 MSPS, latency equals 350 ns; combined with 1.0 ns aperture delay and 0.5 ps rms jitter, it supports sub-nanosecond channel-to-channel skew calibration in ultrasound beamformers.