Analog Devices Inc. ADAR2004-EVALZ

Overview

ADAR2004-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the ADAR2004 4-channel mmWave receiver IC, supporting RF input from 10 GHz to 40 GHz and delivering differential IF outputs up to 800 MHz. It enables rapid prototyping of multichannel millimeter-wave receivers with integrated 4× LO multiplier, programmable harmonic filtering, and dual on-chip state machines for fast switching. Designed for lab validation of body-scanning and security imaging systems.

For engineers reviewing the ADAR2004-EVALZ datasheet, ADAR2004-EVALZ setup guide, ADAR2004-EVALZ interface, or ADAR2004-EVALZ compatibility with ADAR2004 ICs, this board provides full SPI-controlled access to all ADAR2004 registers, on-board temperature sensing, calibrated RF/IF signal paths, and synchronized multi-board operation via sequencer control pins (RxRST/RxADV/MRST/MADV).

Technical Context

The ADAR2004-EVALZ implements a complete test platform for the ADAR2004 IC, featuring matched 100 Ω differential RF input traces (10–40 GHz), 100 Ω differential IF output routing (DC–800 MHz), and precision 50 Ω single-ended LO input path (2.4–10.1 GHz). It integrates decoupling networks optimized per supply rail (VPOS1/VPOS2/VPOS4 = 2.5 V; VPOS3 = 1.8 V) and exposes all 48 LGA pins via edge-mounted SMA connectors or test points.

Board-level functionality includes configurable SPI interface (3-wire or 4-wire mode), external pulse generation support for RxRST/RxADV/MRST/MADV sequencer control, on-board ADC readout for the ADAR2004's internal temperature sensor, and jumper-selectable power sequencing to validate low-power sleep/ready/active modes per channel and multiplier band.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADAR2004-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for millimeter-wave imaging system development, security scanner prototyping, and medical RF front-end validation requiring stable component supply and full-featured evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for ADAR2004-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 semiconductor leader specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF technologies for precision signal processing applications.

The ADAR2004-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' mmWave evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate design-in of integrated receiver solutions for body scanning, industrial inspection, and secure communications systems operating above 10 GHz.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADAR2004-EVALZ?

The ADAR2004-EVALZ is a dedicated evaluation board for the ADAR2004 4-channel mmWave receiver IC. It provides full hardware access to all ADAR2004 interfaces-including RF/IF/LO signal paths, SPI control, sequencer trigger pins (RxRST/RxADV/MRST/MADV), and temperature sensor readout-enabling functional verification, performance characterization, and system integration testing of the ADAR2004 in real-world 10–40 GHz receiver applications.

Does the ADAR2004-EVALZ support multi-board synchronization?

Yes, the ADAR2004-EVALZ supports synchronized operation across multiple boards via its exposed sequencer control pins (RxRST, RxADV, MRST, MADV). These pins allow precise timing alignment of frequency band switching and receiver channel activation across several ADAR2004 devices, enabling coherent multichannel mmWave imaging and beamforming validation as specified in the ADAR2004 datasheet Rev. A.

Can the ADAR2004-EVALZ be used to measure on-chip temperature?

Yes, the ADAR2004-EVALZ enables direct readout of the ADAR2004's internal 8-bit temperature sensor via its SPI interface. The board routes the ADAR2004's ADC_OUTPUT register (0x031) and ADC_CTRL register (0x030), allowing users to initiate conversions and compute die temperature using TA = (1.16 × ADC_OUTPUT) – 77 °C, as defined in the ADAR2004 datasheet.

What RF and IF connector types are used on the ADAR2004-EVALZ?

The ADAR2004-EVALZ uses edge-mount 2.92 mm (K-type) SMA connectors for all four differential RF inputs (RFIN1± to RFIN4±) and four differential IF outputs (IFOUT1± to IFOUT4±), ensuring broadband performance from 10 GHz to 40 GHz and DC to 800 MHz respectively. The LO input (LOIN) uses a standard 50 Ω SMA connector compatible with −25 to −10 dBm drive levels.

Is the ADAR2004-EVALZ compatible with standard SPI host controllers?

Yes, the ADAR2004-EVALZ features a standard 4-wire SPI interface (CS, SCLK, SDIO, SDO) with level-shifted logic (1.8 V) and configurable pull-ups, fully compliant with the ADAR2004's SPI timing requirements-including 40 MHz max write clock and 15 MHz max read clock. It supports both block-write mode and individual register access, enabling seamless integration with FPGA, microcontroller, or PC-based SPI hosts.