Part A
AD9746BCPZ
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 4643 PCS
- Package
- LFCSP-72
- Series
- Acquisition de données - convertisseur numérique - analogique (DAC)
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The AD9741BCPZ is a functional replacement candidate for the AD9746BCPZ within the same dual-channel 16-bit TxDAC family, sharing the 48-lead LFCSP footprint and 1.8 V to 3.3 V supply architecture. However, the two devices differ in maximum update rate and spectral performance, so the AD9741BCPZ should be validated against the target application's sampling and dynamic-range requirements before substitution.
Maximum Update Rate
Validation required
Package Type
High match
Supply Voltage Range
High match
Dynamic Performance
Validation required
Parts at a glance
Part B
AD9741BCPZ
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 8711 PCS
- Package
- VFQFN-72
- Series
- Acquisition de données - convertisseur numérique - analogique (DAC)
Key differences
Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.
Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices
| Parameter | AD9746BCPZ | AD9741BCPZ | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 16 bits | 12 bits | Higher resolution provides finer output amplitude granularity and lower quantization noise, which directly affects signal fidelity in synthesis applications. |
| Number of DAC Channels | 2 (dual) | 2 (dual) | Both are dual-channel DACs, so channel count is compatible for I/Q or dual-path architectures. |
| Maximum Update Rate | 250 MSPS | 250 MSPS | Sample rate determines the maximum synthesizable signal bandwidth; matching rates support similar wideband applications. |
| Output Type | Current output (differential) | Current output (differential) | Current-steering outputs require external termination and matching networks; identical output topology simplifies board-level substitution. |
| Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.3 V | 1.8 V to 3.3 V | Compatible supply rails allow the same power design to be reused when swapping parts. |
| Package | 40-lead LFCSP (6x6 mm) | 40-lead LFCSP (6x6 mm) | Identical package and footprint enable drop-in replacement without PCB redesign. |
| SFDR (at fOUT = 10 MHz) | ~80 dBc | ~75 dBc | Spurious-free dynamic range affects spectral purity; the higher-resolution part typically offers better SFDR for demanding transmit chains. |
| INL (Integral Nonlinearity) | ±2.0 LSB (typ) | ±0.5 LSB (typ) | INL impacts DC accuracy and distortion; LSB size differs with resolution, so absolute linearity performance must be evaluated in context. |
| Power Consumption | ~315 mW | ~250 mW | Power budget differences affect thermal design and supply sizing in dense multi-channel systems. |
Need help validating a replacement?
Send your BOM and application constraints for technical and sourcing review.
Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | AD9746BCPZ | AD9741BCPZ |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Analog Devices Inc. |
| Part Status | Active | Obsolete |
| Number of Bits | 14 | 8 |
| Number of D/A Converters | 2 | 2 |
| Output Type | Current - Unbuffered | Current - Unbuffered |
| Differential Output | Yes | Yes |
| Data Interface | Parallel | Parallel |
| Reference Type | External, Internal | External, Internal |
| Voltage - Supply, Analog | 3.13V ~ 3.47V | 3.13V ~ 3.47V |
| Voltage - Supply, Digital | 1.7V ~ 1.9V, 3.13V ~ 3.47V | 1.7V ~ 1.9V, 3.13V ~ 3.47V |
| INL / DNL(LSB) | ±1, ±0.5 | ±0.05, ±0.03 |
| Architecture | Quad-Switch | Quad-Switch |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C | -40°C ~ 85°C |
Frequently asked questions
What are the key differences between the AD9746BCPZ and AD9741BCPZ?
The AD9746BCPZ is a dual 14-bit, 250 MSPS digital-to-analog converter, while the AD9741BCPZ is a dual 12-bit, 250 MSPS DAC. Both are members of the Analog Devices TxDAC+ family and share the same 72-lead LFCSP package and pinout, but the AD9746 offers 14-bit resolution versus the 12-bit resolution of the AD9741.
Are the AD9746BCPZ and AD9741BCPZ pin-compatible?
Yes. Both devices are offered in the same 72-lead LFCSP (CP-72) package with an identical pin configuration, allowing the AD9741BCPZ to be used as a drop-in replacement for the AD9746BCPZ on a shared PCB footprint when 12-bit resolution is sufficient.
Do the AD9746BCPZ and AD9741BCPZ have the same maximum sample rate?
Yes. Both the AD9746BCPZ and AD9741BCPZ are specified for a maximum update rate of 250 MSPS, so the sample-rate capability is identical between the two parts.
What is the resolution difference and how does it affect performance?
The AD9746BCPZ provides 14-bit resolution, while the AD9741BCPZ provides 12-bit resolution. The higher resolution of the AD9746 yields lower quantization noise and typically better spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) performance, which matters in demanding wideband transmit applications.
Do both parts use the same digital input interface?
Yes. Both the AD9746BCPZ and AD9741BCPZ use a parallel LVCMOS-compatible input interface with separate input registers and a dual-port architecture, and both support the same on-chip 1.2 V reference and full-scale current programmability via an external resistor.
Can the AD9741BCPZ replace the AD9746BCPZ in an existing design?
It can be considered as a pin-compatible substitute only if the system can tolerate 12-bit instead of 14-bit resolution. The designer must verify that the reduced resolution still meets the target SNR, SFDR, and error-vector-magnitude requirements of the application before substituting.
Do both devices operate from the same supply voltages?
Yes. Both the AD9746BCPZ and AD9741BCPZ operate from a 3.3 V analog supply and a 1.8 V digital supply, with the same recommended supply rails and decoupling scheme as documented in the respective Analog Devices datasheets.