Analog Devices Inc. ADF4218BRU-REEL
- Part No.:
- ADF4218BRU-REEL
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Package:
- 20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
ADF4218BRU-REEL.pdf
- Description:
- IC FREQ SYNTH 20TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
ADF4218BRU-REEL from Analog Devices is a dual RF/IF PLL frequency synthesizer IC designed for local oscillator generation in wireless transceivers. It supports RF input up to 2.5 GHz and IF input up to 550 MHz, features dual-modulus prescalers (32/33 or 64/65 for RF; 8/9 or 16/17 for IF), 3-wire serial interface, and operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V. It enables precise LO synthesis in GSM, WCDMA, and wireless LAN base stations.
For engineers reviewing the ADF4218BRU-REEL datasheet, ADF4218BRU-REEL pinout, ADF4218BRU-REEL application, or ADF4218BRU-REEL equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.5 GHz RF input capability, dual independent PLL architecture, programmable charge pump currents (1.125 mA / 4.5 mA), phase noise performance (–90 dBc/Hz @ 1 kHz offset, 900 MHz), and TSSOP-20 package compatibility with RF layout best practices.
Technical Context
The ADF4218BRU-REEL integrates two fully independent PLL subsystems - one for RF (up to 2.5 GHz) and one for IF (up to 550 MHz) - each with dedicated prescalers, A/B counters, R counters, phase-frequency detectors, and charge pumps. Its N-divider architecture (N = BP + A) supports wide tuning range via programmable dual-modulus prescalers and 14-bit R counters.
It uses CMOS-based digital logic with CML-level RF/IF front-ends, supports synchronous/asynchronous power-down per channel, and delivers analog lock detect via MUXOUT. The device requires external loop filters and VCOs, and its 22-bit serial interface configures all registers including prescaler selection, charge pump gain, and lock detect mode.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| RF Input Frequency | 0.5–2.5 GHz: Enables direct synthesis of cellular bands (e.g., PCS 1900, UMTS 2.1 GHz, LTE Band 7) |
| IF Input Frequency | 25–550 MHz: Supports IF downconversion in zero-IF and low-IF architectures (e.g., 45 MHz, 190 MHz, 540 MHz) |
| Charge Pump Current | 1.125 mA / 4.5 mA (selectable): Allows optimization of loop filter bandwidth and phase noise vs. spurs trade-off |
| Phase Noise (RF) | –90 dBc/Hz @ 1 kHz offset (900 MHz, 200 kHz PFD): Meets stringent spectral purity requirements for 3G/4G receivers |
| Spurious Output | –80/–84 dBc @ 200/400 kHz offsets (900 MHz): Confirmed under standard 20 kHz loop bandwidth conditions |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7–5.5 V: Compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V system rails; dual supplies (VDD1/VDD2) isolate RF/IF domains |
| Power Consumption | 25 mA max (RF+IF @ 3 V): Enables low-power operation in battery-backed or thermally constrained designs |
Pinout & Package
TSSOP-20 package (RU-20), 0.65 mm pitch, thermally enhanced for RF stability. Requires separate analog/digital ground planes (AGNDRF/DGNDRF, AGNDIF/DGNDIF) and decoupling on VDD1, VDD2, VP1, VP2.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD1 / VDD2 | RF and IF power supplies | Must be equal (2.7–5.5 V); require local 100 nF + 10 µF decoupling to respective ground planes |
| VP1 / VP2 | RF/IF charge pump supplies | ≥ VDD; critical for charge pump linearity and spurious suppression; bypass to AGND |
| RFINA / RFINB | Differential RF input | AC-coupled to external VCO; RFINB requires 100 pF bypass to AGNDRF |
| IFINA / IFINB | Differential IF input | AC-coupled; IFINB requires 100 pF bypass to AGNDIF |
| CPRF / CPIF | RF/IF charge pump outputs | Drive external loop filters; high-impedance when disabled or in power-down |
| MUXOUT | Programmable multiplexer output | Selects IF/RF lock detect, scaled REF/RF, or N/R counter outputs via control bits P3/P4/P11/P12 |
| REFIN | Reference clock input | CMOS-compatible (5–40 MHz); threshold at VDD/2; 100 kΩ input resistance |
| CLK / DATA / LE | 3-wire serial interface | 22-bit MSB-first shift register; LE latches data into selected register (IF-R, IF-AB, RF-R, RF-AB) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual independent PLLs | Enables simultaneous RF and IF LO generation without cross-coupling; eliminates need for two discrete synthesizers |
| Selectable dual-modulus prescalers | RF: 32/33 or 64/65; IF: 8/9 or 16/17 - allows optimal N-divider selection across wide frequency ranges |
| Programmable charge pump current | Two settings (1.125 mA / 4.5 mA) enable dynamic loop bandwidth adjustment for fast lock or low phase noise |
| Analog lock detect via MUXOUT | Open-drain N-channel output with external 10 kΩ pull-up; provides real-time PLL lock status without additional monitoring circuitry |
| Synchronous/asynchronous power-down | Per-channel control (RF/IF) reduces idle current to 5 µA; preserves register state during sleep mode |
Applications
| GSM/UMTS Base Station Transceiver | WLAN 5 GHz Front-End LO |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Dual-conversion transmitter in macrocell BTS requiring separate RF (1.9–2.2 GHz) and IF (70–140 MHz) LOs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ADF4218BRU-REEL generates both LOs from a single 10 MHz reference, with RF PLL locked to VCO at 1960 MHz and IF PLL at 130 MHz. Use Value: Reduces BOM count by replacing two discrete synthesizers; maintains < ±100 Hz frequency accuracy over temperature via 14-bit R counter. | Use Scenario: 5.15–5.825 GHz IEEE 802.11a/n/ac radio using direct upconversion with 5 GHz VCO and 40 MHz IF. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ADF4218BRU-REEL's IF PLL locks to 40 MHz IF signal while RF PLL drives 5.2 GHz VCO; prescaler set to 32/33 for optimal division ratio. Use Value: Achieves –84 dBc spurs at 200 kHz offset, meeting FCC spectral mask requirements without post-synthesis filtering. |
| CDMA2000 Handset Front-End | Wireless Test Equipment Local Oscillator |
Use Scenario: Dual-band mobile handset supporting 824–894 MHz (Cellular) and 1850–1990 MHz (PCS) bands with shared IF processing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ADF4218BRU-REEL configures RF PLL for band-switched VCOs and IF PLL for fixed 190 MHz IF; uses Fastlock mode for rapid channel switching. Use Value: Lock time < 100 µs (typical) enables TDMA slot alignment; low 5 µA sleep current extends battery life. | Use Scenario: Modular signal generator requiring agile, low-phase-noise LOs across 10 MHz–3 GHz for calibration and modulation analysis. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ADF4218BRU-REEL serves as core synthesizer in multi-PLL architecture; MUXOUT monitors lock status and reference spurs in real time. Use Value: Phase noise floor of –171 dBc/Hz enables measurement of EVM < 1.5% in 64-QAM signals at 20 MHz bandwidth. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual PLL frequency synthesizer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADF4158BRUZ | Single PLL, integrated VCO (137–4400 MHz), no IF path; higher integration but no dual-loop capability | Not suitable for dual-conversion architectures requiring independent RF/IF LOs | Select only if system uses direct conversion and requires on-chip VCO; ADF4218BRU-REEL remains required for split IF/RF LO generation. |
| LMX2594RHBT | Wideband PLL+VCO (10 MHz–15 GHz), JESD204B support, higher phase noise floor (–162 dBc/Hz), different pinout and register map | Targeted at high-speed data converters; lacks dedicated IF PLL path and analog lock detect | Prefer for JESD204B systems or >3 GHz operation; ADF4218BRU-REEL preferred for legacy wireless infrastructure with strict IF/RF separation. |
Compared with ADF4158BRUZ and LMX2594RHBT, the ADF4218BRU-REEL uniquely delivers matched dual-loop performance up to 2.5 GHz with hardware lock detection and TSSOP-20 footprint - making it irreplaceable in established dual-conversion RF designs where layout reuse and proven reliability are critical.
Availability
ADF4218BRU-REEL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure, test equipment, and broadband communications applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for ADF4218BRU-REEL 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 RF ICs, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and industrial markets since 1965.
The ADF4218BRU-REEL belongs to the ADF42xx dual PLL synthesizer family, engineered specifically for wireless infrastructure and test equipment demanding independent RF and IF local oscillator synthesis with low phase noise and deterministic lock detection.
FAQ
What is the maximum RF input frequency supported by the ADF4218BRU-REEL?
The ADF4218BRU-REEL supports an RF input frequency range of 0.5 GHz to 2.5 GHz, verified per datasheet specifications under 3 V and 5 V supply conditions. This enables direct use with VCOs operating in PCS, UMTS, LTE Band 7, and WiMAX bands. Operation below 0.5 GHz requires square-wave drive per Figure 3 input circuit guidance.
Does the ADF4218BRU-REEL integrate a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO)?
No, the ADF4218BRU-REEL does not include an integrated VCO. It is a PLL frequency synthesizer IC that requires external VCOs for both RF and IF paths. The CPRF and CPIF pins drive external loop filters connected to discrete VCOs, enabling design flexibility and optimized RF performance.
How is lock detection implemented on the ADF4218BRU-REEL?
The ADF4218BRU-REEL provides analog lock detect via the MUXOUT pin, configured through control bits P3/P4/P11/P12. When enabled, it outputs a logic-high signal with narrow low-going pulses upon lock. An external 10 kΩ pull-up resistor is required, and lock status reflects simultaneous RF and IF loop convergence when IF/RF Analog Lock Detect mode is selected.
What are the prescaler options available for the RF and IF sections of the ADF4218BRU-REEL?
The ADF4218BRU-REEL offers selectable dual-modulus prescalers: RF section supports 32/33 or 64/65 (configured via DB20 of RF AB Counter Latch), and IF section supports 8/9 or 16/17 (via DB20 of IF AB Counter Latch). These options allow optimal N-divider selection across wide frequency ranges while maintaining prescaler output ≤200 MHz.
Is the ADF4218BRU-REEL pin-compatible with other devices in the ADF4216/ADF4217/ADF4218 family?
Yes, the ADF4218BRU-REEL is pin-compatible with ADF4216BRU and ADF4217BRU in the TSSOP-20 (RU-20) package. All share identical pinout, supply requirements, and register structure; only RF frequency range differs (2.5 GHz for ADF4218BRU-REEL vs. 1.2 GHz/2.0 GHz for ADF4216/ADF4217). This enables drop-in replacement in existing layouts when upgrading RF band coverage.
ADF4218BRU-REEL Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Type:
- Frequency Synthesizer
- PLL:
- Yes
- Input:
- CMOS, TTL
- Output:
- Clock
- Number of Circuits:
- -
- Ratio - Input:Output:
- 3:1
- Differential - Input:Output:
- Yes/No
- Frequency - Max:
- 3GHz
- Divider/Multiplier:
- Yes/No
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-TSSOP
ADF4218BRU-REEL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for ADF4218BRU-REEL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for ADF4218BRU-REEL on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for ADF4218BRU-REEL reliable?
The price and inventory of ADF4218BRU-REEL are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for ADF4218BRU-REEL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for ADF4218BRU-REEL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for ADF4218BRU-REEL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for ADF4218BRU-REEL?
ADF4218BRU-REEL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your ADF4218BRU-REEL order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for ADF4218BRU-REEL?
For technical support, including ADF4218BRU-REEL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your ADF4218BRU-REEL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that ADF4218BRU-REEL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All ADF4218BRU-REEL products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that ADF4218BRU-REEL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of ADF4218BRU-REEL?
All ADF4218BRU-REEL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with ADF4218BRU-REEL, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The ADF4218BRU-REEL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for ADF4218BRU-REEL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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