ADSP-21065L Discontinuation: Affected Part Numbers and Replacement Options
The ADSP-21065L is a legacy 32-bit SHARC digital signal processor used in industrial control, professional audio, communications and signal-processing equipment. Its fixed- and floating-point processing support, on-chip SRAM and integrated peripheral interfaces made it a popular processor for long-lifecycle embedded systems.
Analog Devices now classifies the ADSP-21065L product family as obsolete. Buyers maintaining existing equipment must either source the original part number from remaining obsolete inventory or redesign the system around a newer SHARC+ processor.
ADSP-21065L Affected Part Numbers
ADI’s discontinuation notice lists four affected models in the ADSP-21065L product family.
| Affected Part Number | Speed and Package | Temperature Range | ADI-Suggested Replacement |
| AD91205Z | Legacy ADSP-21065L model listed in PDN | Confirm by ordering documentation | ADSP-21569BBCZ8 |
| ADSP-21065LCSZ-240 | 60MHz, 208-lead MQFP | −40°C to +100°C case temperature | ADSP-21569BBCZ8 |
| ADSP-21065LKCAZ264 | 66MHz, 196-ball Mini-BGA | 0°C to +85°C case temperature | ADSP-21569BBCZ8 |
| ADSP-21065LKSZ-264 | 66MHz, 208-lead MQFP | 0°C to +85°C case temperature | ADSP-21569BBCZ8 |
ADSP-21065L Replacement Options
There are two practical options, depending on whether the equipment can be redesigned.
Option 1: Source the Original ADSP-21065L Part Number
Using the original part is usually the lower-risk approach for:
Repairing existing equipment
Maintenance and overhaul programs
Completing legacy production orders
Avoiding immediate PCB redesign
Preserving qualified software and system behavior
Supporting products with limited remaining service life
The complete ordering code must be matched carefully. ADSP-21065L models differ in package, speed grade and temperature range, so family-level compatibility should not be assumed.
Obsolete inventory is limited and subject to prior sale. Buyers should confirm quantity, manufacturer marking, lot/date code, storage condition and packaging before placing an order.
Option 2: Redesign with ADSP-21569BBCZ8
ADI identifies ADSP-21569BBCZ8 as the suggested replacement for all four affected ADSP-21065L models.
The ADSP-21569BBCZ8 is a newer 800MHz SHARC+ processor with substantially higher processing performance, more on-chip memory and expanded peripheral support. Analog Devices currently recommends the ADSP-21569 family for new designs.
However, it is not a drop-in replacement.
ADSP-21065L vs ADSP-21569BBCZ8
| Parameter | ADSP-21065L | ADSP-21569BBCZ8 |
| Processor Architecture | SHARC | SHARC+ |
| Core Speed | 60MHz or 66MHz, depending on model | 800MHz |
| Floating-Point Support | 32-bit and 40-bit | 32-bit, 40-bit and 64-bit |
| On-Chip SRAM | 544Kbit / 68KB | 640KB L1 plus 1024KB L2 |
| Package Options | 208-lead MQFP or 196-ball Mini-BGA | 400-ball CSP_BGA |
| Package Size | Depends on the original model | 17 × 17mm |
| Pin-to-Pin Compatible | Not applicable | No |
| Migration Requirement | Existing platform | Hardware and software redesign |
Is ADSP-21569BBCZ8 a Direct Replacement?
No. ADI explicitly states that ADSP-21569BBCZ8 is not pin-to-pin compatible with the discontinued ADSP-21065L models.
A migration project should evaluate:
PCB footprint and pin assignment
Power-supply architecture
External memory interface
SPORT, host and peripheral connections
Boot and flash configuration
Clock and reset circuits
Existing SHARC source code
Development tools and debugging hardware
Real-time performance and latency
Product validation and certification requirements
Although the newer SHARC+ architecture maintains instruction-set compatibility with earlier SHARC products, this does not eliminate the required hardware and software engineering work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the entire ADSP-21065L family discontinued?
The orderable ADSP-21065L models listed in PDN 24_0080 are discontinued. The affected list includes AD91205Z, ADSP-21065LCSZ-240, ADSP-21065LKCAZ264 and ADSP-21065LKSZ-264.
Why did Analog Devices discontinue ADSP-21065L?
ADI stated that TSMC discontinued the SRAM manufacturing process required to produce these devices. The discontinuation was therefore driven by the end of the underlying production process.
Is ADSP-21569BBCZ8 pin-compatible with ADSP-21065L?
No. ADSP-21569BBCZ8 uses a 400-ball CSP_BGA package and is not pin-compatible with the MQFP or Mini-BGA ADSP-21065L models. Hardware and software redesign are required.
Can ADSP-21065LKSZ-264 replace ADSP-21065LCSZ-240?
Not automatically. Both models use a 208-lead MQFP package, but they have different speed and temperature grades. ADSP-21065LCSZ-240 supports a wider −40°C to +100°C case-temperature range, while ADSP-21065LKSZ-264 is rated for 0°C to +85°C. Engineering approval is required before substitution.
What should buyers provide when requesting ADSP-21065L stock?
Provide the complete manufacturer part number, required quantity, acceptable date-code range, packaging requirement, delivery destination and required delivery date. Do not request only “ADSP-21065L,” because the available models have different packages and temperature grades.
Request ADSP-21065L Stock and Replacement Support
DataStorageIC supports RFQs for remaining ADSP-21065L obsolete inventory, including:
ADSP-21065LCSZ-240
ADSP-21065LKCAZ264
ADSP-21065LKSZ-264
AD91205Z
Send us the exact part number, required quantity and delivery destination. We will confirm current stock, lot/date code, packaging, price and lead time with the quotation.
