Analog Devices Inc. EVAL01-HMCAD1041

Overview

EVAL01-HMCAD1041 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a high-frequency evaluation board designed to demonstrate the HMCAD1041, a 12-bit, 1 GSPS analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with JESD204B serial interface, DC–1 GHz input bandwidth, and on-chip dithering for improved SFDR. It supports RF sampling in radar, communications, and electronic warfare systems.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL01-HMCAD1041 datasheet, EVAL01-HMCAD1041 pinout, EVAL01-HMCAD1041 application, or EVAL01-HMCAD1041 equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of ADC performance under real-world RF input conditions, clock jitter sensitivity, JESD204B link integrity, and FPGA-based data capture using Xilinx Kintex-7 or similar platforms.

Technical Context

The EVAL01-HMCAD1041 implements a full-signal-chain reference design centered on the HMCAD1041 ADC, including ultra-low-phase-noise clock distribution via HMC987LP5E, transformer-coupled 50 Ω AC-coupled analog input path, and FPGA-controlled power sequencing. It supports both single-ended and differential clock inputs and provides configurable termination for the JESD204B lanes.

Board-level features include calibrated DC-coupled analog input paths for baseband testing, on-board LDOs delivering ±1.8 V, 1.2 V, and 2.5 V rails with <10 mV ripple, and SMA connectors for analog input, clock, and FPGA debug signals - all optimized for sub-1 ps RMS jitter tolerance at 1 GHz sampling.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL01-HMCAD1041 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for radar signal processing, wideband communications test equipment, and electronic warfare receiver development requiring stable component supply, traceable calibration history, and long-term evaluation platform support.

Supply support for EVAL01-HMCAD1041 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. (ADI) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies, serving aerospace, defense, communications, and instrumentation markets.

The EVAL01-HMCAD1041 belongs to ADI's high-speed data converter evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate deployment of RF-sampling ADCs in mission-critical defense and space applications where dynamic range, spurious-free performance, and deterministic latency are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL01-HMCAD1041 evaluation board?

The EVAL01-HMCAD1041 evaluation board is a fully assembled and tested hardware platform designed to evaluate the HMCAD1041 12-bit, 1 GSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides all necessary clocking, power regulation, analog signal conditioning, and JESD204B interface circuitry to validate the ADC's performance in real RF sampling applications - including SFDR, ENOB, and jitter sensitivity - without requiring custom PCB development. The EVAL01-HMCAD1041 enables immediate lab characterization and FPGA integration.

Does the EVAL01-HMCAD1041 support both single-ended and differential clock inputs?

Yes, the EVAL01-HMCAD1041 supports both single-ended and differential clock inputs via its SMA-connected clock interface. The board includes configurable termination and AC coupling to accommodate LVDS, LVPECL, and sine-wave clock sources up to 1.5 GHz. This flexibility allows users to match the clock architecture of their target system while maintaining sub-1 ps RMS jitter performance required by the HMCAD1041. The EVAL01-HMCAD1041 documentation specifies jumper-selectable configurations for optimal signal integrity.

Which FPGA development platforms is the EVAL01-HMCAD1041 compatible with?

The EVAL01-HMCAD1041 uses an FMC-LPC connector compliant with ANSI/VITA 57.1, enabling direct mechanical and electrical compatibility with Xilinx KC705, VC707, and KCU105 evaluation boards. Its JESD204B interface is pre-configured for Xilinx IP cores targeting Kintex-7 and Virtex-7 FPGAs. The EVAL01-HMCAD1041 includes reference HDL designs and software drivers validated for these platforms, reducing integration time for high-speed data capture applications.

Can the EVAL01-HMCAD1041 be used for DC-coupled baseband sampling?

Yes, the EVAL01-HMCAD1041 provides a calibrated DC-coupled analog input path alongside its primary AC-coupled RF path. This allows users to characterize the HMCAD1041's integral nonlinearity (INL), differential nonlinearity (DNL), and offset/ gain error under baseband conditions. The EVAL01-HMCAD1041 includes precision resistive dividers and bypass options to maintain signal fidelity down to 0 Hz, supporting calibration and low-frequency test scenarios without external adapters.

Is the EVAL01-HMCAD1041 qualified for military or space applications?

The EVAL01-HMCAD1041 itself is not a screened or qualified component; however, it is designed to evaluate the HMCAD1041 - a part offered in MIL-PRF-38534 Class K and Space Level S variants by Analog Devices. The board incorporates high-reliability layout practices, hermetic-grade passive components, and traceable calibration references aligned with defense and space program requirements. While the EVAL01-HMCAD1041 is not certified, it serves as the recommended platform for qualifying HMCAD1041 devices in those environments.