Part A
ADF4156BCPZ
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 1350 PCS
- Package
- WFQFN-20
- Series
- Horloge Timing - générateur d'horloge, PLL, synthétiseur de fréquence
Replacement verdict
Not a drop-in replacement
The ADF4156BCPZ and ADF4110BCP are both fractional-N PLL frequency synthesizers, but they differ in maximum operating frequency, supply voltage range, and package footprint, so the ADF4110BCP cannot be used as a direct drop-in substitute for the ADF4156BCPZ without design validation.
Different maximum frequency
Different supply voltage range
Different package footprint
Different phase noise performance
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADF4110BCP
Analog Equipment GmbH.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 4237 PCS
- Package
- WFQFN-20
- Series
- Horloge Timing - générateur d'horloge, PLL, synthétiseur de fréquence
Key differences
Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.
Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices
| Parameter | ADF4156BCPZ | ADF4110BCP | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Operating Frequency | 6 GHz | 550 MHz | Determines the highest RF input frequency the PLL can synthesize; the ADF4156 covers much higher bands than the ADF4110. |
| Number of RF Inputs / Type | 1 differential RF input | 1 single-ended RF input | Input topology affects external matching and balun requirements in the synthesizer front end. |
| Programmable Modulus / Fractional Capability | Fractional-N with programmable modulus | Integer-N only | Fractional-N allows finer frequency resolution and lower phase noise trade-offs; integer-N parts cannot achieve the same resolution without changing reference. |
| Phase Detector Frequency (max) | 32 MHz | 55 MHz | Higher phase detector frequency can reduce division ratio and improve in-band phase noise performance. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7 V to 3.3 V | 2.7 V to 5.5 V | Determines compatibility with the system power rail; the ADF4110 supports wider supply flexibility including 5 V systems. |
| Package | 20-lead LFCSP | 16-lead LFCSP | Footprint and pin count differ, so PCB layout and rework are not drop-in compatible between the two. |
| Normalized Phase Noise Floor | -216 dBc/Hz (typical) | -211 dBc/Hz (typical) | Lower phase noise floor enables cleaner synthesized signals, important for high-performance RF and communication systems. |
| Charge Pump Current (programmable) | Up to 5 mA | Up to 5 mA | Charge pump current sets loop filter design and loop bandwidth; matching ranges simplifies reuse of loop filter topologies. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | Confirms both parts are suitable for industrial temperature environments. |
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 | ADF4156BCPZ | ADF4110BCP |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Rochester Electronics, LLC |
| Part Status | Active | Obsolete |
| Type | Fractional N Synthesizer (RF) | Clock/Frequency Synthesizer (RF) |
| PLL | Yes | Yes |
| Input | CMOS, TTL | Clock |
| Output | Clock | Clock |
| Ratio - Input: Output | 2:1 | 2:1 |
| Differential - Input: Output | Yes/No | Yes/No |
| Frequency - Max | 6.2GHz | 550MHz |
| Divider / Multiplier | Yes/Yes | Yes/No |
| Voltage - Supply | 2.7V ~ 3.3V | 2.7V ~ 5.5V |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount |
| Number of Circuits | 1 | - |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C | - |
Frequently asked questions
What are the primary functional differences between the ADF4156BCPZ and the ADF4110BCP?
The ADF4156BCPZ is a fractional-N frequency synthesizer with an integrated voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) covering 6 GHz, while the ADF4110BCP is an integer-N PLL synthesizer without an integrated VCO, designed for external VCO operation up to 550 MHz. The ADF4156BCPZ supports fractional-N operation with a 25-bit fixed modulus, whereas the ADF4110BCP uses integer-N architecture with programmable dual-modulus prescaler (8/9, 16/17, 32/33, 64/65).
Are the ADF4156BCPZ and ADF4110BCP pin-compatible or package-compatible?
No. The ADF4156BCPZ is supplied in a 20-lead LFCSP (4 mm × 4 mm) package, while the ADF4110BCP is supplied in a 16-lead TSSOP package. The pin counts, pin functions, and PCB land patterns differ, so they are not drop-in replacements for each other.
What is the maximum RF output frequency of each device?
The ADF4156BCPZ integrates a VCO with an output frequency range of 6 GHz (fundamental), and its PLL section can operate with external VCOs up to 6 GHz. The ADF4110BCP is specified for RF input frequencies up to 550 MHz with an external VCO.
Do both devices support the same serial interface and register map?
No. Both use a 3-wire serial interface (CLK, DATA, LE), but their register maps and bit definitions differ because the ADF4156BCPZ is fractional-N and the ADF4110BCP is integer-N. Register configurations, modulus settings, and control bits are not interchangeable between the two parts.
What are the supply voltage and current consumption specifications for each part?
The ADF4156BCPZ operates from a 2.7 V to 3.3 V supply with a typical current consumption of approximately 20 mA (PLL plus VCO). The ADF4110BCP operates from a 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply with a typical current consumption of approximately 4.5 mA (PLL only, excluding external VCO).
Can the ADF4110BCP be used in fractional-N applications?
No. The ADF4110BCP is an integer-N synthesizer only. Fractional-N operation requires a device such as the ADF4156BCPZ, which supports fractional-N modulation with a 25-bit fixed modulus and programmable fractional numerator/denominator.
What are the typical application differences between these two synthesizers?
The ADF4156BCPZ is typically used in higher-frequency applications such as wireless infrastructure, microwave point-to-point links, and instrumentation where fractional-N resolution and integrated VCO are advantageous. The ADF4110BCP is typically used in lower-frequency integer-N applications such as base station transceivers, cable TV tuners, and general-purpose PLL designs requiring an external VCO.