Analog Devices Inc. ADMV1011-EVALZ

Overview

ADMV1011-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the ADMV1011 GaAs MMIC I/Q upconverter, supporting RF output from 17 GHz to 24 GHz, IF input from 2 GHz to 4 GHz, and LO input from 8 GHz to 12 GHz with internal 2× multiplication. It enables sideband-selectable microwave upconversion with 32 dB lower-sideband rejection, 25 dBm P1dB, and 33 dBm output IP3 - used in point-to-point radio and radar transceiver development.

For engineers reviewing the ADMV1011-EVALZ datasheet, ADMV1011-EVALZ pinout, ADMV1011-EVALZ application, or ADMV1011-EVALZ equivalent, this board provides calibrated RF/IF/LO interface access, thermal management via exposed pad mounting, gain regulation control (−5 V to 0 V), and full characterization of sideband performance across −40°C to +85°C.

Technical Context

The ADMV1011-EVALZ implements a compact surface-mount platform for evaluating the ADMV1011's integrated I/Q mixer, LO driver amplifier with 2× multiplier, and dual-stage RF amplifier. It supports external 90° hybrid selection for upper or lower sideband operation and maintains matched 50 Ω interfaces on RFOUT, LOIN, IF1, and IF2.

Board-level design includes bias networks for VDRF1/VDRF2 (5 V), VDLO (3.5 V), VGRF1/VGRF2 (−1.8 V to −0.8 V), and VCTL2/VCTL3 (−5 V to 0 V), enabling full gain regulation (30 dB range) and conversion gain tuning from 15 dB to 26.5 dB across frequency bands.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADMV1011-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave radio prototyping, radar transceiver validation, and electronic warfare system development requiring stable component supply and repeatable RF evaluation infrastructure.

Supply support for ADMV1011-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, headquartered in Norwood, MA, serving communications, industrial, automotive, and defense markets with precision signal processing solutions.

The ADMV1011-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' microwave upconverter evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of compact, high-frequency transceivers for millimeter-wave point-to-point radios and phased-array radar systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADMV1011-EVALZ?

The ADMV1011-EVALZ is an evaluation board for the ADMV1011 GaAs MMIC I/Q upconverter. It provides full access to all device pins, calibrated RF/IF/LO connectors, bias circuitry, and thermal management features to characterize upconversion performance - including sideband rejection, gain regulation, P1dB, and IP3 - across 17–24 GHz. The ADMV1011-EVALZ does not perform signal processing itself but enables accurate measurement of the ADMV1011 IC under real-world conditions.

Does the ADMV1011-EVALZ support both upper and lower sideband operation?

Yes, the ADMV1011-EVALZ supports both upper and lower sideband operation through external configuration. It requires an external 90° hybrid connected to IF1 and IF2 to select the desired sideband. Measured sideband rejection is 32 dBc for the lower sideband and 23 dBc for the upper sideband - values confirmed in the ADMV1011 datasheet Rev. A. The ADMV1011-EVALZ board layout preserves signal integrity for both modes without modification.

What power supplies are required to operate the ADMV1011-EVALZ?

The ADMV1011-EVALZ requires three regulated DC supplies: +5 V for VDRF1 and VDRF2 (RF amplifier bias), +3.5 V for VDLO (LO amplifier bias), and adjustable negative voltage (−5 V to 0 V) for VCTL2 and VCTL3 (gain control). VGRF1 and VGRF2 require −1.8 V to −0.8 V gate control voltages. All bias networks are implemented on-board; users must provide clean, low-noise lab supplies meeting current requirements (up to 220 mA for IDRF1).

Can the ADMV1011-EVALZ be used for automated test setups?

Yes, the ADMV1011-EVALZ is compatible with automated RF test systems. It features SMA connectors for RFOUT, LOIN, IF1, and IF2; test points for all critical bias voltages and control lines; and a standardized footprint aligned with industry evaluation board practices. Its thermal design and grounding scheme ensure stable performance during swept-frequency, power-swept, and temperature-varying measurements - essential for production validation of the ADMV1011 IC.

Is thermal management provided on the ADMV1011-EVALZ board?

Yes, the ADMV1011-EVALZ incorporates thermal management aligned with the ADMV1011's 4.9 mm × 4.9 mm LCC package. The board includes an exposed copper thermal pad connected to multiple internal ground planes and six 10-mil vias beneath the IC footprint. This design achieves θJC ≈ 34 °C/W as specified in the ADMV1011 datasheet, enabling reliable operation at full power (2.1 W dissipation) across −40°C to +85°C ambient conditions.