Analog Devices Inc. EVAL01-HMCAD1102

Overview

EVAL01-HMCAD1102 from Analog Devices (formerly Hittite Microwave) is a high-frequency evaluation board designed to characterize the HMCAD1102 12-bit, 1 GSPS analog-to-digital converter (ADC) in RF and microwave receiver applications. It supports full-speed data capture, clock jitter analysis, and SNR/ENOB validation across DC to 500 MHz input bandwidth with on-board LDOs, differential clock conditioning, and FPGA-based digital interface.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL01-HMCAD1102 datasheet, EVAL01-HMCAD1102 pinout, EVAL01-HMCAD1102 application, or EVAL01-HMCAD1102 equivalent, this board enables rapid prototyping of wideband SDR, radar front-ends, and instrumentation systems requiring validated ADC performance at 1 GSPS with <70 dBFS SFDR and –74 dBc typical spurious-free dynamic range.

Technical Context

The EVAL01-HMCAD1102 implements a complete signal chain for the HMCAD1102 ADC, including ultra-low-phase-noise clock distribution via HMC987LP5E buffer, transformer-coupled differential analog inputs, and LVDS output routing to a Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA for real-time data capture and JESD204B-compatible streaming. Power integrity is maintained using discrete low-noise LDOs and multi-stage filtering per supply rail.

It supports both single-ended and differential clock inputs up to 1 GHz, provides configurable termination for 50 Ω or 200 Ω analog input paths, and includes on-board memory (DDR2 SDRAM) for buffered acquisition. The board interfaces via USB 2.0 and PCIe x4 edge connector for host PC control and high-throughput data transfer.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL01-HMCAD1102 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF test equipment, phased-array radar development, and wideband communications system integration requiring stable component supply, traceable calibration history, and long-term evaluation platform availability.

Supply support for EVAL01-HMCAD1102 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) acquired Hittite Microwave in 2014, integrating its high-frequency RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave IC portfolio into ADI's broader signal chain and RF solutions group.

The EVAL01-HMCAD1102 belongs to ADI's high-speed data converter evaluation platform family, engineered specifically for validating wideband ADC performance in defense, aerospace, and instrumentation applications demanding >65 dBFS SNR and sub-100 fs clock jitter tolerance.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL01-HMCAD1102 evaluation board?

The EVAL01-HMCAD1102 evaluation board is a dedicated hardware platform for evaluating the HMCAD1102 12-bit, 1 GSPS analog-to-digital converter. It provides full signal chain support-including clock conditioning, analog input interface, power regulation, and digital data capture-enabling engineers to validate dynamic performance metrics such as SNR, SFDR, and ENOB under real-world RF conditions. The EVAL01-HMCAD1102 does not operate standalone and requires ADI's evaluation software and compatible host PC.

Does the EVAL01-HMCAD1102 support JESD204B serial interface?

No, the EVAL01-HMCAD1102 does not support JESD204B. It routes the HMCAD1102's native LVDS parallel output (12-bit × 1 GSPS) directly to an on-board Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA for buffering and streaming. The EVAL01-HMCAD1102 uses USB 2.0 and PCIe x4 for host communication but lacks JESD204B encoder/decoder logic or physical layer circuitry. Users requiring JESD204B must implement external serialization or select a newer ADI evaluation platform.

What clock sources are compatible with the EVAL01-HMCAD1102?

The EVAL01-HMCAD1102 accepts differential clock inputs (LVPECL, CML) up to 1 GHz or single-ended sine wave inputs via SMA connectors. On-board HMC987LP5E clock buffers provide low-additive-jitter distribution to the HMCAD1102. The EVAL01-HMCAD1102 includes internal termination and AC coupling; external clock synthesizers like the HMC7044 or ADF4377 are commonly used to drive it with sub-100 fs integrated jitter (10 kHz–100 MHz).

Can the EVAL01-HMCAD1102 be used for DC-coupled analog input testing?

Yes, the EVAL01-HMCAD1102 supports DC-coupled analog input operation via optional jumper configuration that bypasses the default transformer-coupled path. This enables baseband and low-frequency (<10 MHz) characterization of the HMCAD1102, including INL/DNL linearity testing and offset/gain calibration. The EVAL01-HMCAD1102 maintains full 12-bit resolution and timing alignment in DC-coupled mode when powered and grounded per ADI's layout guidelines.

Is the EVAL01-HMCAD1102 qualified for military or space applications?

The EVAL01-HMCAD1102 evaluation board itself is not screened or qualified to MIL-PRF-38534 or ESCC specifications. However, it is designed to evaluate the HMCAD1102 die, which-when assembled into hermetic SMT packages-can undergo Class S or QML-V screening per customer requirements. The EVAL01-HMCAD1102 PCB uses commercial-grade components and is intended for lab-based R&D, not flight or deployed military hardware.