AMD EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED

Overview

EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED from Xilinx is an evaluation kit built around the XCZU28DR-2FFVG1517E RFSoC, integrating 8×4 GSPS 12-bit ADCs, 8×6.5 GSPS 14-bit DACs, and 8 SD-FECs for high-performance RF signal processing in 5G baseband and phased-array radar systems.

For engineers reviewing the EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, this kit provides verified AMS reference designs, XM500 RFMC balun add-on support, and full toolchain access via included Vivado node-locked license for rapid RFSoC prototyping and loopback validation.

Technical Context

The EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED implements a complete Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC platform with dual DDR4 memory subsystems: 4 GB/64-bit/2666 MT/s PL-attached component memory and 4 GB/64-bit/2400 MT/s PS-attached SODIMM. It supports RF signal chain evaluation via dedicated RFMC ADC/DAC connectors and ganged SFP28 cage for up to four optical modules.

Onboard clocking includes AMS-specific low-jitter sources, SMA MGT CLK input, and integrated MSP430 JTAG controller for debug and configuration. All high-speed interfaces-DisplayPort (2×GTR), USB 3.0 (1×GTR), SATA M.2 (1×GTR), and FMC+ (12×GTY)-are routed to validated connectors with impedance-controlled PCB layout per Xilinx design guidelines.

Key Specifications

Availability

EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 5G baseband development, phased-array radar prototyping, and DOCSIS 3.1 Remote-PHY system validation requiring stable component supply and full reference design support.

Supply support for EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED 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

Xilinx (now AMD Adaptive SoC Business Unit) is a leader in adaptive computing, delivering FPGA, MPSoC, and RFSoC platforms for high-performance signal processing and heterogeneous compute.

The EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED belongs to the Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC evaluation kit product line, designed specifically to accelerate RF-intensive applications including wireless infrastructure, defense EW systems, and broadband cable access by integrating RF data converters with programmable logic and ARM processor subsystems.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED evaluation kit?

The EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED evaluation kit is purpose-built to enable rapid prototyping and validation of RF-intensive systems using the XCZU28DR-2FFVG1517E RFSoC. It provides full hardware access to all ADC/DAC channels, verified AMS reference designs, and the XM500 balun add-on card-making EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED ideal for 5G, radar, and Remote-PHY development without custom board design.

Does the EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED include software tools and licenses?

Yes, the EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED includes a Xilinx Vivado Design Suite node-locked license valid for the XCZU28DR device, with one year of updates and access to Analog-Mixed Signal (AMS) reference designs. This ensures full toolchain compatibility for both PL and PS development, and enables immediate use of EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED without separate license procurement.

What RF interface options are supported on the EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED?

The EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED features dedicated RFMC connectors for all 8 ADC and 8 DAC channels, plus SMA inputs for MGT clock and auxiliary signals. It supports differential loopback evaluation via the included XM500 balun transformer add-on card, and integrates low-pass and bandpass filters (1300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3000–4300 MHz) for EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED signal conditioning and spectral analysis.

How does the EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED support high-speed data connectivity?

The EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED supports multi-protocol high-speed I/O through its ganged SFP28 cage (up to 4 modules), FMC+ connector (12 GTY transceivers), DisplayPort (2×GTR), USB 3.0 (1×GTR), and SATA M.2 (1×GTR). These interfaces are electrically validated and routed with controlled impedance, allowing EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED to serve as a testbed for optical fronthaul, high-throughput data acquisition, and real-time signal processing pipelines.

Is the EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED compatible with industry-standard expansion interfaces?

Yes, the EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED includes two PMOD connectors for low-speed peripheral expansion and a full-featured FMC+ connector compliant with VITA 57.1-2012 and VITA 57.4-2016 standards. The FMC+ supports high-bandwidth, low-latency interconnect to third-party mezzanine cards-enabling EK-U1-ZCU111-G-ED integration into modular test systems and hybrid RF/data-acquisition platforms.