Analog Devices Inc. AD8339-EVALZ

Overview

AD8339-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the AD8339 quad I/Q demodulator and phase shifter IC, designed to accelerate development of CW ultrasound beamforming, phased array radar, and adaptive antenna systems. It supports DC–50 MHz RF input, 16-step 22.5° programmable phase rotation per channel, ±1° quadrature phase accuracy, and ±0.05 dB I/Q amplitude imbalance.

For engineers reviewing the AD8339-EVALZ datasheet, AD8339-EVALZ setup, AD8339-EVALZ test configuration, or AD8339-EVALZ interface with AD8334 LNA and AD8021 transimpedance amplifier, this board provides validated signal chain reference design, SPI-controlled phase alignment, multichannel current-output summation, and full dynamic range characterization (160 dB/Hz) in a production-ready layout.

Technical Context

The AD8339-EVALZ implements the full functional block diagram of the AD8339 IC, including four independent differential RF inputs (RF1P/N–RF4P/N), 4× LO inputs (4LOP/4LON), SPI interface (SCLK/CSB/SDI/SDO/RSTS/RSET), and 8 bidirectional current-mode I/Q outputs (I1OP–Q4OP). It integrates decoupling networks (0.1 µF + ferrite beads on VPOS/VNEG), LO biasing circuitry, and external LPF components matching Figure 42 of the AD8339 Rev. B datasheet.

Board-level design enables simultaneous evaluation of key AD8339 features: daisy-chained SPI programming across multiple AD8339s, synchronized reset via RSTS and RSET pins, channel-specific power-down control, and analog beamforming via wire-OR summation of IxOP/QxOP currents into AD8021 or AD829 transimpedance amplifiers.

Key Specifications

Availability

AD8339-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical ultrasound scanner development, phased array radar prototyping, and adaptive antenna system validation requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for AD8339-EVALZ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, headquartered in Norwood, MA.

The AD8339-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' precision RF demodulator evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to validate continuous-wave analog beamforming and multichannel I/Q signal processing in ultrasound and radar applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AD8339-EVALZ evaluation board?

The AD8339-EVALZ is a fully assembled and tested evaluation platform for the AD8339 quad I/Q demodulator IC. It enables rapid characterization of the device's 16-step phase-shifting capability, quadrature demodulation accuracy (±1° phase, ±0.05 dB amplitude), and multichannel current-output summation - all critical for CW ultrasound beamforming and phased array radar development. The board implements the exact reference design shown in AD8339 Rev. B datasheet Figure 42.

Does the AD8339-EVALZ support daisy-chained SPI programming of multiple AD8339 devices?

Yes, the AD8339-EVALZ supports daisy-chained SPI programming as defined in the AD8339 datasheet. Its SDI and SDO pins are routed to edge connectors, allowing serial data to be shifted through multiple AD8339-EVALZ boards using a single microcontroller interface. This enables synchronized phase calibration and power management across large-channel-count beamforming arrays without additional GPIO overhead.

Can the AD8339-EVALZ be used with the AD8334 low-noise VGA as described in the AD8339 datasheet?

Yes, the AD8339-EVALZ is explicitly designed to interface with the AD8334 LNA per AD8339 Rev. B datasheet Figure 42. Its RF input stage includes 2.5 V common-mode biasing, 50 Ω termination, and AC-coupling options matching the AD8334's differential output specifications. The board's layout and component selection (e.g., 787 Ω/2.2 nF LPF) replicate the test circuit used to achieve 160 dB/Hz dynamic range and <±1° phase error.

What power supply requirements does the AD8339-EVALZ have?

The AD8339-EVALZ requires ±5 V regulated supplies capable of delivering ≥40 mA per rail, consistent with the AD8339's quiescent current (35 mA on VPOS, −18 mA on VNEG at 25°C). Each VPOS and VNEG pin group includes dedicated 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors and optional ferrite bead paths, as specified in AD8339 Pin Configuration (Figure 2) and Evaluation Board section (Page 25).

How is synchronization achieved across multiple AD8339-EVALZ boards in a phased array system?

Synchronization is achieved via two dedicated control signals implemented on the AD8339-EVALZ: RSTS (SPI interface reset) and RSET (LO divider reset). Driving RSTS high resets all SPI registers to default phase state (I=1, Q=0); asserting RSET aligns the internal 4× LO dividers across multiple AD8339 chips to the same quadrant, ensuring coherent phase relationships - a requirement for time-domain coherency in ultrasound beamforming.