Analog Devices Inc. ADMV8420-EVALZ

Overview

ADMV8420-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the performance of the ADMV8420 monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) tunable band-pass filter. It supports RF frequency tuning from 10 GHz to 21.7 GHz via analog voltage control (0 V to 15 V), delivers ≤5 dB insertion loss, ≥20 dB wideband rejection, and 200 ns amplitude settling time. The board enables rapid characterization in test and measurement, radar, and VSAT communications systems.

For engineers reviewing the ADMV8420-EVALZ datasheet, ADMV8420-EVALZ pinout, ADMV8420-EVALZ application, or ADMV8420-EVALZ equivalent, this evaluation platform provides validated RF layout, calibrated 50 Ω signal paths, integrated 2.4 mm RF connectors, and full support for VFCTL sweep testing across temperature and voltage conditions.

Technical Context

The ADMV8420-EVALZ implements a four-layer Rogers 4350/Isola 370HR hybrid PCB stackup with primary-side RF traces, three solid ground planes, and controlled-impedance 50 Ω microstrip routing. All ADMV8420 package ground leads and the exposed thermal pad are directly connected to ground planes via multiple vias.

It integrates Southwest Microwave 2.4 mm RF connectors (J1, J2) for RFIN and RFOUT, test points (J7, J8), and decoupling network components including 100 pF (C2, C4), 1000 pF (C5, C7), and 4.7 µF (C1, C8, C9) capacitors to stabilize VFCTL and power rails while minimizing baseband noise coupling into the tuning port.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADMV8420-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-frequency test and measurement, military radar front-end development, and VSAT transceiver prototyping requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADMV8420-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 ADMV8420-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF/Microwave Evaluation Platform product line, engineered to accelerate validation of tunable MMIC filters in demanding millimeter-wave applications where phase noise, group delay flatness, and thermal stability are critical.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the ADMV8420-EVALZ?

The ADMV8420-EVALZ is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the ADMV8420 tunable band-pass filter IC. It provides immediate RF access via 2.4 mm connectors, validated impedance-matched layout, and integrated decoupling to enable direct measurement of insertion loss, return loss, rejection, and tuning behavior without custom PCB design.

Does the ADMV8420-EVALZ include the ADMV8420 IC?

Yes, the ADMV8420-EVALZ includes one mounted ADMV8420ACPZ device in a 24-lead, 4 mm × 4 mm LFCSP package. The IC is soldered to the board per Analog Devices' recommended land pattern and thermal via configuration, with all ground pins and the exposed pad properly connected to internal ground planes.

What RF connectors are used on the ADMV8420-EVALZ?

The ADMV8420-EVALZ uses Southwest Microwave 2.4 mm female connectors (J1 for RFIN, J2 for RFOUT) rated for operation up to 50 GHz. These connectors maintain 50 Ω impedance integrity and minimize reflection errors during VNA-based characterization of the ADMV8420's RF performance.

How is the VFCTL control voltage applied on the ADMV8420-EVALZ?

The VFCTL control voltage is applied via test point J7 (labeled "VFCTL") on the ADMV8420-EVALZ. The board includes a 100 pF decoupling capacitor (C6) and optional 1000 pF (C7) and 4.7 µF (C9) filtering to suppress baseband noise that could degrade the ADMV8420's phase noise performance during tuning.

Can the ADMV8420-EVALZ be used for temperature-dependent measurements?

Yes, the ADMV8420-EVALZ supports temperature-varying characterization from −40°C to +85°C. Its four-layer construction with thermal vias beneath the ADMV8420's exposed pad ensures consistent thermal dissipation, and the board's layout preserves signal integrity across temperature extremes as validated in the ADMV8420 datasheet's thermal performance figures.