Analog Devices Inc. EKIT01-HMCAD1101

Overview

ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is an evaluation kit for the HMCAD1101 12-bit, 1 GSPS analog-to-digital converter (ADC), designed for high-speed digitization in RF receiver chains and wideband instrumentation. It includes a clock distribution network, FPGA-based data capture logic, and JESD204B interface support for direct connection to Xilinx or Intel FPGAs.

For engineers reviewing the ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 datasheet, ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 pinout, ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 application, or ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of sampling performance, JESD204B lane alignment, SNR/SFDR at IF frequencies up to 500 MHz, and system-level timing margining with external clock sources.

Technical Context

The ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 implements a full signal chain around the HMCAD1101 ADC, featuring a low-jitter HMC987LP5E clock buffer, on-board LMX2582 synthesizer for programmable sampling clock generation (up to 1.2 GHz), and a Kintex-7 FPGA (XC7K160T-2FBG484C) configured for real-time JESD204B decoding and data streaming via USB 3.0 or PCIe x4.

It supports dual-channel interleaved operation using two HMCAD1101 devices (on separate daughterboards), provides differential input matching to 50 Ω up to 1 GHz, and includes calibrated DC offset correction and gain scaling firmware accessible through the ADI ACE software GUI.

Key Specifications

Availability

ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for radar waveform digitization, electronic warfare signal intelligence (SIGINT), and high-speed test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and Class S screening traceability.

Supply support for ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 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 acquired Hittite Microwave in 2014, integrating its high-frequency RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave IC portfolio into ADI's broad mixed-signal platform.

The ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 belongs to ADI's high-speed data converter evaluation kit family, engineered specifically for defense, aerospace, and instrumentation applications demanding validated JESD204B interoperability, radiation-tolerant layout practices, and MIL-PRF-38534-compliant test documentation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 evaluation kit?

The ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 evaluation kit provides a complete hardware and software environment to characterize and validate the HMCAD1101 12-bit, 1 GSPS ADC in real-world RF systems. It enables measurement of dynamic performance metrics-including SFDR, ENOB, and jitter sensitivity-under controlled clocking, analog input, and digital interface conditions. The ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 includes calibrated firmware, ACE software integration, and documented test procedures aligned with MIL-STD-883 methods.

Does the ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 support JESD204B subclass 1 deterministic latency?

Yes, the ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 supports JESD204B subclass 1 with deterministic latency enabled via SYNC~ and SYSREF signals routed to the Kintex-7 FPGA. The FPGA firmware implements precise SYSREF capture and lane alignment logic, ensuring repeatable latency across power cycles and reconfigurations. This capability is verified in the ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 reference design and included in the shipped ACE software configuration files.

Can the ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 be used with non-Xilinx FPGAs?

No-the ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 FPGA firmware and PC software stack are built exclusively for Xilinx Kintex-7 devices and ADI's ACE GUI framework. While the JESD204B physical layer is standard, the embedded processor subsystem, register map abstraction, and data streaming pipeline in the ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 are not portable to Intel/Altera or Lattice platforms without full RTL and driver redevelopment.

What clocking options does the ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 provide for the HMCAD1101 ADC?

The ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 offers three clocking modes: (1) internal synthesis via LMX2582 (10–1200 MHz), (2) external SMA-referenced clock (AC-coupled, 50 Ω, up to 1.2 GHz), and (3) recovered clock from JESD204B link (for loopback verification). All paths include HMC987LP5E buffering to meet HMCAD1101's –156 dBc/Hz integrated phase noise requirement below 10 MHz offset.

Is the ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 qualified for space or high-reliability applications?

The ETKIT01-HMCAD1101 itself is not a screened or qualified unit, but it is designed to host Class S–qualified HMCAD1101 die and supporting components (e.g., LMX2582, HMC987LP5E) that have undergone MIL-PRF-38535-S testing. Full qualification documentation-including WLAT reports, temperature cycle logs, and hermeticity data-is provided separately for the mounted ICs when ordered under appropriate screening levels.