Analog Devices Inc. EV-ADF4368SD1Z

Overview

EV-ADF4368SD1Z from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the ADF4368 microwave wideband synthesizer IC, supporting output frequencies from 800 MHz to 12.8 GHz with <30 fsRMS jitter at 9.001 GHz and −160 dBc/Hz phase noise floor. It enables deterministic multichip phase alignment via SYNC or EZSync™ and features programmable reference-to-output delay (<1 ps resolution) for precision timing in phased-array radar and 5G infrastructure.

For engineers reviewing the EV-ADF4368SD1Z datasheet, EV-ADF4368SD1Z pinout, EV-ADF4368SD1Z application, or EV-ADF4368SD1Z equivalent, this board provides full hardware validation of the ADF4368's fractional-N/integer-N PLL performance, VCO calibration stability across −40°C to +125°C, dual differential RF outputs (RFOUT1P/N, RFOUT2P/N), and SPI-controlled power-adjustable output (−2 to +9 dBm), critical for high-frequency signal generation and synchronization design.

Technical Context

The EV-ADF4368SD1Z implements the full ADF4368 architecture: a dual-loop PLL with integrated VCO, 25-bit fixed + 49-bit combined fractional modulus, and support for both integer mode (625 MHz PFD) and fractional mode (250 MHz PFD). It validates the device's normalized in-band phase noise floor (−239 dBc/Hz integer, −237 dBc/Hz fractional) and 1/f noise floor (−287 dBc/Hz normalized to 1 Hz).

This board demonstrates multichip deterministic alignment using either the differential SYNC input (SYNCP/SYNCN) or EZSync™ method, and confirms the reference-to-output delay specification (190 ps typ., 0.06 ps/°C tempco) across temperature and unit-to-unit variation - essential for coherent beamforming and massive MIMO timing coherence.

Key Specifications

Availability

EV-ADF4368SD1Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 5G wireless infrastructure, aerospace radar systems, and high-precision test equipment requiring stable component supply, rapid prototyping validation, and production-ready reference design fidelity.

Supply support for EV-ADF4368SD1Z 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, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and industrial markets since 1965.

The EV-ADF4368SD1Z belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of frequency-agile, low-jitter timing solutions for phased-array radar, 5G base stations, and automated test equipment.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EV-ADF4368SD1Z evaluation board?

The EV-ADF4368SD1Z is a fully assembled and tested evaluation platform for the ADF4368 microwave wideband synthesizer IC. It enables engineers to validate key performance metrics-including 800 MHz to 12.8 GHz output generation, <30 fsRMS jitter, −160 dBc/Hz phase noise, multichip phase alignment, and programmable reference-to-output delay-without custom PCB design. The board includes all necessary power regulation, loop filter components, and SPI interface circuitry to operate the EV-ADF4368SD1Z out-of-the-box with standard lab equipment.

Does the EV-ADF4368SD1Z support both integer-N and fractional-N PLL modes?

Yes, the EV-ADF4368SD1Z fully supports both integer-N and fractional-N operation of the ADF4368. It validates integer-mode PFD frequencies up to 625 MHz and fractional-mode PFD frequencies up to 250 MHz (or 2501 MHz in phase-resync applications), along with the device's 25-bit fixed and 49-bit combined fractional modulus. The board's firmware and GUI tools allow seamless switching between modes and real-time register configuration to verify lock behavior, spurious performance (e.g., −95 dBc PFD spurs), and in-band noise floor (−239 dBc/Hz integer, −237 dBc/Hz fractional) as specified in the ADF4368 datasheet.

How does the EV-ADF4368SD1Z enable multichip phase alignment?

The EV-ADF4368SD1Z implements both SYNC-based and EZSync™ multichip alignment methods per the ADF4368 specification. It provides accessible SYNCP/SYNCN differential inputs for external synchronization signals and validates deterministic phase alignment across multiple EV-ADF4368SD1Z boards-achieving ≤±1 ps skew between RFOUT1 outputs when junction temperatures are within 10°C and identical R_DIV/CLKOUT_DIV settings are used. This capability is confirmed through on-board measurement points and supported by ADIsimPLL™ loop filter design and synchronization timing analysis tools.

What power supply configurations does the EV-ADF4368SD1Z require?

The EV-ADF4368SD1Z requires two independent DC supplies: a 3.3 V source for digital and RF buffer circuitry (V3.3V_1/V3.3V_2 groups), and a 5 V source for VCO, charge pump, and calibration blocks (VV5_VCO/VV5_CP/VV5_CAL). The board integrates dedicated LDOs and filtering to meet ADF4368's strict supply rejection requirements, supporting full-spec operation across −40°C to +125°C junction temperature. Total typical power dissipation is 2.3 W at maximum output (CLKx_OPWR = 15, fOUT = 9.6 GHz), with power-down current as low as 11 mA (3.3 V) and 350 µA (5 V) when PD_ALL = 1.

Can the EV-ADF4368SD1Z be used to characterize reference-to-output delay?

Yes, the EV-ADF4368SD1Z is explicitly configured to measure and validate the ADF4368's programmable reference-to-output delay feature. It provides direct access to REFP, RFOUT1P, and SYNC signals via SMA connectors and onboard test points, enabling precise time-domain measurements of propagation delay (190 ps typ.), temperature coefficient (0.06 ps/°C), and adjustment resolution (<1 ps). These measurements are repeatable across units and temperature, confirming the EV-ADF4368SD1Z's role in verifying deterministic delay for coherent multi-channel systems such as phased-array radar and optical transport timing.