Analog Devices Inc. ADPA1107-EVALZ

Overview

ADPA1107-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to demonstrate the ADPA1107 GaN power amplifier IC, supporting pulsed RF operation from 4.8 GHz to 6.0 GHz with 45.0 dBm (35 W) output power and 56.5% typical PAE at 5.4–6.0 GHz under 10% duty cycle. It includes a plug-in pulser board enabling drain-pulsed mode operation and integrates full biasing, thermal management, and RF interface circuitry for radar-grade validation.

For engineers reviewing the ADPA1107-EVALZ datasheet, ADPA1107-EVALZ pinout, ADPA1107-EVALZ application, or ADPA1107-EVALZ equivalent, this board provides rapid prototyping of high-power S-band pulsed amplifiers in weather, marine, and military radar transmitters - with validated thermal design, gate/drain pulsing control, and on-board detector-based power monitoring via VDET/VREF.

Technical Context

The ADPA1107-EVALZ implements a complete test platform for the ADPA1107 GaN MMIC, featuring dual-stage 40-lead LFCSP amplifier biasing with independent VDD1A/VDD1B (first stage) and VDD2A/VDD2B (second stage) supplies, plus VGG1 gate control. It supports both gate-pulsed and drain-pulsed operation modes, with the included pulser board configured specifically for drain pulsing using external MOSFET switches and charge reservoir capacitors.

Thermal design follows Analog Devices' CP-40-7 package guidelines, with exposed pad grounding and PCB copper area optimized for θJC = 1.72°C/W at 100 µs/10% duty cycle. The board incorporates calibrated directional coupling, VDET/VREF differential detection, and 50 Ω matched RFIN/RFOUT interfaces compliant with S-band radar pulse profiles.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADPA1107-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for weather radar development, marine radar system integration, and military radar transmitter prototyping requiring stable component supply, traceable evaluation hardware, and documented thermal and RF performance validation.

Supply support for ADPA1107-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, with deep expertise in defense, aerospace, and communications infrastructure.

The ADPA1107-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' GaN power amplifier evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate deployment of rugged, high-efficiency S-band pulsed amplifiers in mission-critical radar systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADPA1107-EVALZ?

The ADPA1107-EVALZ is an evaluation board for the ADPA1107 GaN power amplifier IC. It provides a fully assembled, tested platform to validate pulsed RF performance - including bias sequencing, thermal behavior, gain flatness, PAE, and detector-based power monitoring - across 4.8–6.0 GHz under realistic radar pulse conditions. It is not a standalone amplifier but a reference design for system-level integration.

Does the ADPA1107-EVALZ support both gate-pulsed and drain-pulsed operation?

Yes - the ADPA1107-EVALZ supports both modes. Gate pulsing uses external control of VGG1 between −4 V (off) and ~−2.6 V (on), while drain pulsing is implemented via the included plug-in pulser board that drives VDD1A/VDD1B/VDD2A/VDD2B using MOSFET switches and local charge reservoirs. The user guide UG-1962 details implementation for each.

How is RF output power monitored on the ADPA1107-EVALZ?

RF output power is monitored using the integrated VDET/VREF detector pair. A directional coupler feeds a portion of RFOUT to the VDET diode; applying a DC bias yields a voltage proportional to RF power. VREF provides a matched, temperature-compensated reference. The difference (VREF − VDET) delivers a stable, temperature-invariant DC voltage linearly tracking POUT - validated from −40°C to +85°C.

What thermal requirements must be met when using the ADPA1107-EVALZ?

The ADPA1107-EVALZ requires the ADPA1107's exposed pad to be soldered to a minimum 250 mm² solid copper ground plane with ≥6 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter, spaced ≤2 mm apart). This achieves the specified θJC = 1.72°C/W at 100 µs/10% duty cycle. Operation beyond 85°C base temperature requires derating per Table 4, and continuous-wave operation is not supported.

Is the ADPA1107-EVALZ compatible with other Analog Devices GaN PAs?

No - the ADPA1107-EVALZ is purpose-built for the ADPA1107 only. Its layout, bias network (including 2.55 Ω stabilization resistors on VDD1x lines), pulser board timing, and detector calibration are specific to the ADPA1107's 40-lead LFCSP pinout, dual-stage architecture, and 4.8–6.0 GHz performance envelope. It is not mechanically or electrically compatible with ADPA1105, ADPA7008, or other GaN PAs.