Analog Devices Inc. ADMV1010-EVALZ

Overview

ADMV1010-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the ADMV1010 GaAs MMIC I/Q downconverter, supporting RF input from 12.6 GHz to 15.4 GHz, LO input from 9 GHz to 12.6 GHz, and IF output from 2.7 GHz to 3.5 GHz. It enables rapid characterization of image-reject downconversion performance in microwave point-to-point radio and radar front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the ADMV1010-EVALZ datasheet, ADMV1010-EVALZ layout, ADMV1010-EVALZ application circuit, or ADMV1010-EVALZ bill of materials, this board provides validated RF matching, thermal grounding, and hybrid-coupled sideband selection using the Mini-Circuits QCN-45+ 90° hybrid - critical for upper-sideband (low-side LO) SSB operation.

Technical Context

The ADMV1010-EVALZ implements a surface-mount, thermally enhanced reference design for the ADMV1010 die, featuring 50 Ω matched RF/LO/IF traces, integrated DC bias networks (VDRF = 4 V, VDLO = 4 V), and direct-exposed-pad grounding via ≥9 vias to internal ground planes. It supports full-spec operation across −40°C to +85°C with no external tuning required.

Board-level validation includes measured conversion gain ≥11 dB, image rejection ≥20 dB, and SSB noise figure ≤2.6 dB at 13.3 GHz RF / 3.1 GHz IF, replicating the ADMV1010's I/Q mixer topology and LNA-driven architecture without wire bonding or discrete hybrids.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADMV1010-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave radio development, radar prototyping, and satellite communications testing requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADMV1010-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 RF ICs, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and defense markets since 1965.

The ADMV1010-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' microwave MMIC evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate time-to-test for millimeter-wave SSB downconverters in point-to-point and EW systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADMV1010-EVALZ?

The ADMV1010-EVALZ is a fully assembled, RF-validated evaluation board for the ADMV1010 GaAs MMIC I/Q downconverter. It enables immediate characterization of conversion gain, image rejection, and noise figure across 12.6–15.4 GHz RF, 9–12.6 GHz LO, and 2.7–3.5 GHz IF bands - eliminating layout risk for microwave front-end designs.

Does the ADMV1010-EVALZ include the ADMV1010 IC?

Yes, the ADMV1010-EVALZ includes one mounted ADMV1010 die in its 4.9 mm × 4.9 mm, 32-terminal LCC package with exposed thermal pad. The board ships with the device pre-soldered, tested, and ready for RF stimulus/response measurement using standard lab equipment.

Which hybrid coupler is required for proper ADMV1010-EVALZ operation?

The ADMV1010-EVALZ is optimized for use with the Mini-Circuits QCN-45+ 90° hybrid coupler (2.5–4.5 GHz), which is included in the bill of materials and physically integrated into the board layout to enable upper-sideband (low-side LO) SSB downconversion with >20 dB image rejection.

What power supplies are needed to operate the ADMV1010-EVALZ?

The ADMV1010-EVALZ requires two regulated DC supplies: +4 V @ ≤100 mA for VDRF (RF amplifier bias) and +4 V @ ≤100 mA for VDLO (LO amplifier bias). On-board decoupling (1 µF, 0.01 µF, 100 pF) ensures stable operation without external filtering.

Can the ADMV1010-EVALZ be used for lower IF frequencies below 2.7 GHz?

No - the ADMV1010-EVALZ layout and matching network are optimized for 2.7–3.5 GHz IF output per the ADMV1010 datasheet specifications. While the ADMV1010 IC itself supports lower IFs, the evaluation board's fixed 50 Ω ac-coupled IF path and component values are not validated below 2.7 GHz.