The 2009 headline refers to Analog Devices’ AD9122, a dual-channel, 16-bit DAC. Its 400-MHz figure describes signal bandwidth in an advanced digital predistortion (DPD) transmitter application—not a 400-MSPS sample rate. AD9122’s current product page lists a 1230-MSPS sample rate.
What does the 400-MHz claim mean?
The figure comes from an EE Times article published on 6 October 2009 about using the AD9122 in DPD transmitter architectures. The article describes a 1.2-GSPS LVDS data interface and up to 600 MSPS per DAC for signal bandwidths up to 400 MHz. Those are related but different quantities: 400 MHz is the signal-bandwidth claim for the described use case, while MSPS refers to samples per second.
Do not interpret the headline as saying the AD9122 is a 400-MSPS DAC. Analog Devices currently lists a 1230-MSPS sample rate for the dual-channel part. The older article’s 1.2-GSPS interface and 600-MSPS-per-DAC description reflect its stated operating context; they are not the same as the current product page’s headline sample-rate figure. EE Times’ 2009 article; Analog Devices AD9122 product page.
What is the AD9122?
Analog Devices describes the AD9122 as a dual, 16-bit, high-dynamic-range TxDAC+ converter. Its product page says it provides a 1230-MSPS sample rate and supports multicarrier generation up to the Nyquist frequency. The stated application areas include wireless infrastructure, cellular standards such as W-CDMA, CDMA2000, TD-SCDMA, WiMAX and GSM/LTE, high- or low-IF synthesis, transmit diversity, and wideband communications including LMDS/MMDS and point-to-point links.
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- The AD9910 module completely controls IO external connection, which is suitable for customers who need full functions, which can be used for secondary development
- AD9910Characteristics:The main functions include: A, automatic linear frequency/phase/amplitude scanning; B, 8 frequency, phase and amplitude modulation modes; C, single frequency mode, support frequency, phase, amplitude adjustable
- Supply Demo program based on STM32 can be used to quickly complete the simple control of AD9910
- The output of the module adopts official low pass filter, and the output level is smoother
The device is intended for signal-generation chains where high-speed conversion, multicarrier operation and modulation flexibility matter. Listed features include:
- A flexible LVDS interface supporting word, byte or nibble loading.
- 2×, 4× and 8× interpolation, plus complex modulation.
- Gain, DC-offset and phase adjustment, and multiple-chip synchronization.
- A PLL clock multiplier and digital inverse-sinc filter.
- Programmable analog output current from 8.7 mA to 31.7 mA.
- A 72-lead exposed-paddle LFCSP package.
See Analog Devices’ AD9122 page for current product details and availability. Its listed 1ku price starts from $63.35; that is a quantity-based manufacturer listing, not a guaranteed street price or a one-unit quote. The page provides sample and purchase links. Analog Devices pricing and ordering information.
Rank #2
- Covers 400 MHz to 4.4 GHz RF spectrum with <1 kHz tuning steps, enabling wideband SDR applications including WiFi, WiMAX, and ISM band protocols.
- Features 16-bit DAC at 400 MS/s and 14-bit ADC at 100 MS/s for high-resolution signal generation and acquisition across broad communication bands.
- Supports up to 20 MHz real-time bandwidth at 16-bit resolution, ideal for live RF streaming and baseband processing in high-throughput environments.
- Integrated 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface allows rapid data streaming of I/Q signals directly to host PCs for real-time digital signal processing.
- Fully programmable with LabVIEW and NI-USRP driver support, enabling flexible, software-defined control of transmission and reception parameters.
How should the 2009 performance figures be read?
The EE Times article reports results for particular signal-chain configurations, not universal current guarantees for every AD9122 design. It says a chain combining the AD9122, ADL5375 quadrature modulator and AD9516 clock generator met or exceeded six multicarrier GSM specifications for intermodulation distortion and signal-to-noise ratio; it also notes that an evaluation board for the chain was available at the time.
For single-carrier WCDMA, the article reports 76 dB ACLR at a 150-MHz DAC output frequency using the on-chip PLL, and 83 dBc ACLR with an external PLL. These are historical article-era results. Actual performance depends on the surrounding clock, modulation, output frequency, filtering and test setup; consult current device documentation and validate the intended signal chain rather than treating those figures as guaranteed limits. EE Times, 6 October 2009.
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Is AD9122 the same as the 400-MSPS AD9726?
No. AD9726 is a separate Analog Devices 16-bit TxDAC+ part with a 400-MSPS update rate. That number is a sample/update-rate specification, unlike the AD9122 headline’s 400-MHz signal-bandwidth claim.
| Part | Rate and meaning | Interface and listed capabilities | Lifecycle and fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD9122 | 1230 MSPS sample rate on the current Analog Devices page; the 2009 article’s 400 MHz is a DPD signal-bandwidth claim. | Dual 16-bit DAC; flexible LVDS; interpolation and complex modulation. | Analog Devices lists it as a production part, for multicarrier wireless, IF synthesis and wideband communications. |
| AD9726 | 400-MSPS update rate; this is not a 400-MHz signal-bandwidth claim. | 16-bit DAC; LVDS-compatible inputs, built-in 100-ohm termination, SDR/DDR capability. Analog Devices lists noise floor below -160 dBm/Hz at 70 MHz output and IMD greater than 80 dBc to 80 MHz. | Marked “NOT RECOMMENDED FOR NEW DESIGNS” by Analog Devices; better treated as a legacy comparison or lab-evaluation reference. |
Values in the table are manufacturer-listed specifications and status descriptions; they are not a controlled, like-for-like performance comparison. Check each part’s current documentation and lifecycle status before selecting it. AD9122 product page; AD9726 product page.
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Which part should you investigate?
Choose AD9122 as the relevant part for the 400-MHz headline
If you are tracing the 2009 headline or evaluating a high-speed dual-channel multicarrier transmitter, AD9122 is the part it describes. Compare its current datasheet, interface requirements, clocking, output chain and target modulation against your system needs; the historical bandwidth and ACLR results alone do not establish performance in a new design.
Treat AD9726 as a distinct legacy option
AD9726 may be relevant when identifying an existing design or examining a legacy evaluation setup, but its 400-MSPS rating does not explain the headline. Analog Devices marks it not recommended for new designs. Its evaluation-board documentation calls for power, a clock source, a digital data source, an oscilloscope or spectrum analyzer, and SPI-control software. AD9726 product information and evaluation resources.
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What is historical context, not a converter specification?
The 2009 article also cited a $49 billion ABI Research figure as a forecast for global wireless-infrastructure spending that year. That is historical market context, not an AD9122 specification or a current market estimate. EE Times’ 2009 article.
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