Analog Devices Inc. ADMV7420-EVALZ

Overview

ADMV7420-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the ADMV7420 E-band SiP downconverter, supporting RF input from 81 GHz to 86 GHz and delivering differential I/Q baseband outputs up to 2 GHz. It integrates a low-noise amplifier, 6× LO multiplier, image-reject mixer, and bias control circuitry in a 34-terminal LGA_CAV package. Designed for high-frequency wireless backhaul and test instrumentation, it enables rapid characterization of mmWave receiver front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the ADMV7420-EVALZ datasheet, ADMV7420-EVALZ pinout, ADMV7420-EVALZ application, or ADMV7420-EVALZ equivalent, this board provides calibrated RF/LO/IF interfaces, on-board bias sequencing, waveguide-to-SMA transitions, and thermal management for repeatable E-band downconversion validation under −40°C to +85°C case temperature conditions.

Technical Context

The ADMV7420-EVALZ implements a fully integrated phase/quadrature (I/Q) downconversion architecture with a 6× local oscillator multiplier driving an image-reject mixer. It supports upper-sideband selection and delivers differential IF outputs (IF_IP/IF_IN/IF_QP/IF_QN) matched to 100 Ω, while the LOIN port is 50 Ω matched and RFIN uses a WR-12 waveguide interface.

Bias is applied via dedicated terminals for LNA stages (VD12_LNA, VD34_LNA, VG12_LNA, VG34_LNA), mixer (VG_MIXER), multiplier (VD_MULT, VG_MULT), and LO amplifier (VD_AMP, VG_AMP). The board includes decoupling networks, DC blocking, and thermal vias aligned to the CE-34-2 package's exposed ground pads.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADMV7420-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for E-band communication systems, high-capacity wireless backhaul development, and aerospace & defense test instrumentation requiring stable component supply and calibrated mmWave evaluation platforms.

Supply support for ADMV7420-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 technologies, headquartered in Norwood, MA.

The ADMV7420-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' mmWave evaluation platform product line, engineered to accelerate design-in of integrated E-band receivers for next-generation wireless infrastructure and secure communications systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADMV7420-EVALZ?

The ADMV7420-EVALZ is an evaluation board designed exclusively for the ADMV7420 E-band system-in-package downconverter. It provides full hardware support-including WR-12 waveguide RF input, SMA LO and differential I/Q IF interfaces, precision bias control, and thermal management-to enable lab-based characterization and integration validation of the ADMV7420 in 81–86 GHz receiver applications.

Does the ADMV7420-EVALZ include on-board bias sequencing?

Yes, the ADMV7420-EVALZ implements controlled power-up and power-down bias sequencing as specified in the ADMV7420 datasheet. It supplies regulated voltages to VD12_LNA (+2 V), VD34_LNA (+4 V), VD_MULT (+1.5 V), VD_AMP (+4 V), and configurable gate biases (VG12_LNA, VG34_LNA, VG_MIXER, VG_MULT, VG_AMP) to ensure safe and repeatable operation of the ADMV7420 device.

Can the ADMV7420-EVALZ be used for single-ended IF output configurations?

No-the ADMV7420-EVALZ is configured for differential I/Q output only, with dedicated SMA connectors for IF_IP/IF_IN and IF_QP/IF_QN. For single-ended operation, external 90° and 180° hybrids must be added externally per the ADMV7420 datasheet; the board itself does not integrate those components or provide summed IF outputs.

What RF and LO frequency ranges does the ADMV7420-EVALZ support?

The ADMV7420-EVALZ supports the full operational range of the ADMV7420: RF input from 81 GHz to 86 GHz via its WR-12 waveguide port, and LO input from 13.2 GHz to 14.6 GHz via the SMA-connected LOIN pin. These ranges are validated across temperature (−40°C to +85°C) and match the device's specified conversion gain, image rejection, and noise figure performance.

Is thermal management implemented on the ADMV7420-EVALZ PCB?

Yes-thermal management is integral to the ADMV7420-EVALZ design. The PCB features an array of thermal vias aligned beneath the ADMV7420's exposed ground pads (EPAD), matching the JEDEC 2S2P test board configuration used to characterize the 52.4°C/W junction-to-case thermal resistance (θJC) of the CE-34-2 LGA_CAV package.