Analog Devices Inc. ADQUADMXFE-CAL

Overview

ADQUADMXFE-CAL from Analog Devices is a 16Tx/16Rx calibration board designed to interface with the ADQUADMXFE1EBZ Quad-MxFE evaluation platform for multi-channel RF system alignment and characterization. It provides combined Tx/Rx signal routing, on-board power detectors (AD8318, HMC948, LTC5596), PMOD-controlled switching, and SMA I/O for off-board analysis - enabling deterministic phase/amplitude calibration of high-speed converter systems operating up to 3.2 GHz.

For engineers reviewing the ADQUADMXFE-CAL datasheet, ADQUADMXFE-CAL pinout, ADQUADMXFE-CAL application, or ADQUADMXFE-CAL equivalent, this board supports critical lab workflows including multi-chip synchronization (MCS), pFIR-based Rx channel equalization, NCO phase alignment, and real-time loopback validation using MATLAB and IIO Oscilloscope - all requiring precise inter-board cabling, PMOD control, and calibrated attenuation paths.

Technical Context

The ADQUADMXFE-CAL implements hardware-level signal routing between the Quad-MxFE's 16 transmit and 16 receive channels via MMCX interconnects, supporting adjacent individual loopback, combined Tx-to-combined Rx loopback, and external SMA injection modes. It integrates analog power detection circuitry (AD8318, HMC948, LTC5596) with digitization via AD5592R ADC for closed-loop calibration feedback.

Control is delivered through a VCU118 FPGA's PMOD interface using the CalBoardVCU118.m driver, enabling programmable configuration of signal paths, detector polling, and LTC5596 injection - all synchronized with the Quad-MxFE's Linux-based IIO framework and MATLAB High Speed Converter Toolbox.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADQUADMXFE-CAL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF test & measurement labs, academic SDR research, defense EW system prototyping, and high-speed converter validation requiring stable component supply, traceable calibration hardware, and repeatable multi-channel alignment workflows.

Supply support for ADQUADMXFE-CAL 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF technologies for precision signal processing applications.

The ADQUADMXFE-CAL belongs to Analog Devices' high-speed converter evaluation ecosystem and was developed to enable deterministic multi-chip synchronization, pFIR-based channel equalization, and lab-grade calibration of the Quad-MxFE platform's 16 Tx / 16 Rx AD9081-based architecture.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADQUADMXFE-CAL calibration board?

The ADQUADMXFE-CAL is a dedicated 16Tx/16Rx calibration board that enables precise phase and amplitude alignment of the Quad-MxFE platform. It provides configurable signal routing (loopback, SMA injection), on-board RF power detection (AD8318/HMC948/LTC5596), and PMOD-controlled switching - all coordinated via the CalBoardVCU118.m MATLAB driver to support MCS, pFIR calibration, and deterministic channel synchronization workflows using the ADQUADMXFE-CAL.

How does the ADQUADMXFE-CAL interface with the Quad-MxFE and VCU118 boards?

The ADQUADMXFE-CAL connects to the ADQUADMXFE1EBZ via 32× MMCX cables (2 included, 30 recommended) and to the VCU118 FPGA board via a PMOD ribbon cable and 12-pin male-to-male header. Control signals are routed through the PMOD interface to execute functions like ConfigureCombinedLoopback or QueryLTC5596_voltage - all implemented in the CalBoardVCU118.m driver for the ADQUADMXFE-CAL.

Does the ADQUADMXFE-CAL include its own clock source or synthesizer?

No, the ADQUADMXFE-CAL has no internal clock generation. It relies entirely on the 500 MHz reference oscillator connected to the ADQUADMXFE1EBZ board. The ADQUADMXFE-CAL routes SYSREF and PLL lock status signals to maintain timing coherence across the Quad-MxFE + VCU118 + ADQUADMXFE-CAL stack during multi-chip synchronization sequences.

Which software tools are required to operate the ADQUADMXFE-CAL?

Operation requires Analog Devices' High Speed Converter Toolbox (MATLAB add-on), Communications Toolbox Support Package for Xilinx Zynq-Based Radio, IIO Oscilloscope, LibIIO, PuTTY, and Xilinx Vivado/Vitis 2020.2. The CalBoardVCU118.m driver - distributed with the ADQUADMXFE-CAL MATLAB examples - is essential for configuring signal paths and reading detector voltages from the ADQUADMXFE-CAL.

Can the ADQUADMXFE-CAL be used without the VCU118 FPGA board?

No - the ADQUADMXFE-CAL requires the VCU118 FPGA board as its control host. Its PMOD interface is designed specifically for VCU118's GPIO and timing resources, and the CalBoardVCU118.m driver only supports VCU118 firmware and register mapping. The ADQUADMXFE-CAL does not function as a standalone instrument or with alternative FPGA platforms.