Analog Devices Inc. EV-ADA4961SDP1Z

Overview

EV-ADA4961SDP1Z from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the ADA4961 low-distortion, 3.2 GHz differential digital variable gain amplifier (DVGA), supporting RF input/output via SMA connectors, +5 V single-supply operation, and USB 2.0 interface via SDP-S daughter card for gain control and real-time spectral analysis in high-frequency receiver front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the EV-ADA4961SDP1Z datasheet, EV-ADA4961SDP1Z pinout, EV-ADA4961SDP1Z application, or EV-ADA4961SDP1Z equivalent, this page provides verified test setup requirements, software initialization steps, power consumption behavior (130–170 mA), gain calibration procedure, and third-order spur measurement methodology per UG-779 Rev. A.

Technical Context

The EV-ADA4961SDP1Z implements a complete signal chain for evaluating the ADA4961 DVGA under real-world RF conditions: dual-tone CW inputs at 99 MHz and 101 MHz are combined and applied to J1, while output at J2 feeds a spectrum analyzer for IMD3 assessment. Gain is digitally controlled over USB using ADI's SDP-S platform and custom GUI software rev 0.0.0.

Board-level features include on-board EEPROM (address 0x54) requiring initialization prior to USB enumeration, SDP-S interface compliance, +5 V/145 mA typical supply draw in idle mode, and 155–170 mA during high-performance gain mode activation - confirming dynamic current scaling tied to internal amplifier biasing.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV-ADA4961SDP1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF receiver development, high-speed data converter interface validation, and wideband analog front-end characterization requiring stable component supply and documented test repeatability.

Supply support for EV-ADA4961SDP1Z 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 digital signal processing semiconductors, headquartered in Norwood, MA.

The EV-ADA4961SDP1Z belongs to Analog Devices' evaluation platform family for high-frequency amplifiers, specifically engineered to accelerate design-in of ultra-wideband DVGAs in communications infrastructure and instrumentation applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV-ADA4961SDP1Z?

The EV-ADA4961SDP1Z is an evaluation board for the ADA4961 differential digital variable gain amplifier. It enables engineers to verify key performance metrics-including third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD3), gain flatness, and noise floor-using standardized dual-tone RF test procedures defined in UG-779. The EV-ADA4961SDP1Z integrates SMA I/O, SDP-S USB control, and on-board EEPROM for repeatable lab validation of the ADA4961 in high-frequency signal chains.

Does the EV-ADA4961SDP1Z require external power, and what are its supply requirements?

Yes, the EV-ADA4961SDP1Z requires a +5 V DC power supply capable of delivering up to 200 mA. During operation, it draws 130–145 mA in idle mode and increases to 155–170 mA when the ADA4961 is placed in high-performance gain mode via software control. This current shift confirms dynamic biasing of the underlying DVGA and must be accounted for in lab power budgeting.

How is the EV-ADA4961SDP1Z connected to a PC, and what software is needed?

The EV-ADA4961SDP1Z connects to a Windows PC via USB 2.0 through the SDP-S daughter card. Required software includes SDP drivers, SDP EEPROM Programmer, and the ADI ADA4961 Customer Software rev 0.0.0. Before use, the on-board EEPROM (address 0x54) must be programmed using the ADA4961_eval_board.sdpeeprom file to enable USB enumeration and GUI recognition of the EV-ADA4961SDP1Z.

What test equipment is necessary to perform the standard evaluation of the EV-ADA4961SDP1Z?

The standard test setup for the EV-ADA4961SDP1Z requires a +5 V/200 mA power supply, two CW signal generators (capable of −20 dBm at ≥100 MHz), a spectrum analyzer (with peak detector, RBW = 30 kHz), a Mini-Circuits ZFSC-2-2500-S+ RF combiner, and a Windows 7 PC with USB 2.0. These tools replicate the dual-tone IMD3 measurement environment described in UG-779 for consistent ADA4961 validation.

Can the EV-ADA4961SDP1Z be used without the SDP-S interface?

No - the EV-ADA4961SDP1Z relies on the SDP-S daughter card for USB communication, EEPROM initialization, and digital gain control. The board lacks standalone microcontroller or serial interface capability. All configuration, gain adjustment, and status reporting for the ADA4961 DUT occur exclusively through the SDP-S–based software stack. Removing or bypassing the SDP-S interface renders the EV-ADA4961SDP1Z non-operational.