AD9361BBCZ vs AD9364BBCZ

This in-depth comparison of the AD9361BBCZ and AD9364BBCZ provides valuable insights into their specifications and key features. We cover important factors in detail, including RoHS compliance, REACH status, series, mounting style, package type, and other relevant characteristics. Presenting the differences side by side simplifies component selection, making it easier for you to select the best option for your specific application.

Technical review by ETEI Component Engineering Source: manufacturer documentation

Replacement verdict

Compatible functional replacement candidate

The AD9364BBCZ and AD9361BBCZ share the same package, supply architecture, and RF tuning range, making the AD9364BBCZ a viable functional substitute for the AD9361BBCZ in single-channel applications. The primary distinction is channel count: the AD9361BBCZ provides 2x2 MIMO transceiver capability, while the AD9364BBCZ offers a single transmit and single receive channel. Designers must confirm that reduced channel count, lower interface clock rates, and narrower baseband bandwidth meet system requirements before substituting.

Package and Pinout High match
Channel Count Not compatible
RF Frequency Range Validation required
Baseband Bandwidth Validation required

Parts at a glance

Part A

AD9361BBCZ

Analog Devices Inc.

Lifecycle
Active
Stock
5655 PCS
Package
BGA-144
Series
RF Transceiver ICs
Part B

AD9364BBCZ

Analog Devices Inc.

Lifecycle
Active
Stock
2913 PCS
Package
BGA-144
Series
RF Transceiver ICs

Key differences

Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.

Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices

Parameter AD9364BBCZ AD9361BBCZ Why it matters
Number of Transmit Channels 1 2 Determines how many independent transmit streams the radio can support; a 2-channel part enables MIMO or dual-band transmit, which a 1-channel part cannot.
Number of Receive Channels 1 2 Determines how many independent receive streams are available; 2-channel receive supports MIMO/diversity, which is not possible with a single receive channel.
Frequency Range 70 MHz to 6.0 GHz 70 MHz to 6.0 GHz Defines the RF bands the transceiver can tune to; identical tuning range means both cover the same applications from sub-GHz up to 6 GHz.
Channel Bandwidth <200 kHz to 56 MHz <200 kHz to 56 MHz Sets the maximum signal bandwidth the device can process; matching bandwidth means equivalent support for narrowband and wideband waveforms.
Supply Voltage 1.3 V (core), 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V (I/O) 1.3 V (core), 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V (I/O) Determines power rail requirements and board-level compatibility; identical rails allow the same power design to be reused.
Package 144-ball CSP_BGA (10 mm x 10 mm) 144-ball CSP_BGA (10 mm x 10 mm) Footprint and pinout compatibility affect whether the parts are drop-in interchangeable on an existing PCB layout.
Interface SPI control, LVDS/CMOS parallel data SPI control, LVDS/CMOS parallel data Defines how the device connects to the baseband processor; matching interfaces simplify firmware and digital design reuse.
Transmit/Receive Duplexing Support TDD and FDD (single channel) TDD and FDD (dual channel) Both support TDD/FDD operation, but the dual-channel part enables simultaneous multi-stream operation that the single-channel part cannot provide.

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Full specification comparison

Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.

Specification AD9361BBCZ AD9364BBCZ
Part Status Active Active
Type TxRx Only TxRx Only
RF Family / Standard Cellular Cellular
Protocol LTE LTE
Frequency 70MHz ~ 6GHz 70MHz ~ 6GHz
Power - Output 8dBm 8dBm
Serial Interfaces SPI SPI
Voltage - Supply 1.3V 1.3V
Current - Receiving 175mA ~ 445mA 175mA ~ 275mA
Current - Transmitting 240mA ~ 820mA 160mA ~ 490mA
Operating Temperature -40°C ~ 85°C -40°C ~ 85°C
Mounting Type Surface Mount Surface Mount

Frequently asked questions

What are the primary differences between the AD9364BBCZ and the AD9361BBCZ?

The AD9364BBCZ is a 1x1 transceiver (one transmit channel and one receive channel), while the AD9361BBCZ is a 2x2 transceiver (two transmit channels and two receive channels). Both are RF Agile Transceiver ICs covering a tuning range of 70 MHz to 6.0 GHz, but the AD9361BBCZ supports 2x2 MIMO operation, whereas the AD9364BBCZ supports only single-channel operation.

Are the AD9364BBCZ and AD9361BBCZ pin-compatible and package-compatible?

Both devices are offered in the same 144-ball CSP_BGA package (10 mm x 10 mm). However, pin compatibility must be verified against the respective datasheets, because the AD9361BBCZ uses additional pins for its second transmit and receive channels that are not present or functional on the AD9364BBCZ. A direct drop-in replacement should not be assumed without validating the pinout and PCB layout against the manufacturer documentation.

Do the AD9364BBCZ and AD9361BBCZ cover the same RF frequency range?

Yes. Both the AD9364BBCZ and AD9361BBCZ are specified for an RF tuning range of 70 MHz to 6.0 GHz, making them suitable for a wide variety of applications including cellular, point-to-point, and software-defined radio systems.

What is the difference in channel count and MIMO capability between the two devices?

The AD9364BBCZ provides a single transmit and single receive channel (1x1), while the AD9361BBCZ provides two transmit and two receive channels (2x2). The AD9361BBCZ therefore supports 2x2 MIMO configurations, whereas the AD9364BBCZ does not.

Can the AD9364BBCZ be used as a substitute for the AD9361BBCZ in an existing design?

Substitution is not straightforward. Although both share the same package footprint and RF tuning range, the AD9361BBCZ provides two additional transmit and receive channels that the AD9364BBCZ lacks. A design requiring 2x2 MIMO cannot use the AD9364BBCZ. Any substitution must be validated against the manufacturer datasheets for pin functions, channel requirements, and system-level performance.

Do both devices support the same digital interface and data path features?

Both the AD9364BBCZ and AD9361BBCZ integrate a 12-bit ADC and DAC, and both provide a flexible digital interface. However, the AD9361BBCZ includes two complete receive and transmit data paths to support its 2x2 configuration, while the AD9364BBCZ provides only one. Designers should consult the respective datasheets to confirm interface timing and data path configuration for their specific application.

Are the AD9364BBCZ and AD9361BBCZ available in the same operating temperature grade?

Both devices are offered in the industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C (case temperature) in the BBCZ package option. Designers should confirm the exact ordering code and temperature specification against the manufacturer datasheet for their specific lot and application requirements.