Red Pitaya STEMlab 125-14 PRO Z7020 Gen 2 Starter Kit IZD0052

The Red Pitaya STEMlab 125-14 PRO Z7020 Gen 2 Starter Kit IZD0052 is a next-generation programmable measurement, control, and signal-processing platform designed for professional research, RF development, automated testing, industrial systems, photonics, quantum research, and advanced engineering.

Powered by the AMD Xilinx Zynq-7020 SoC and 1GB of RAM, the PRO Z7020 Gen 2 combines two 14-bit 125MS/s analog inputs, two 14-bit 125MS/s analog outputs, an ultra-low-noise redesigned analog front end, external clock capability, multi-device synchronization, high-speed LVDS expansion, Gigabit Ethernet, and USB-C connectivity in one compact platform.

Flagship STEMlab 125-14 Gen 2 Platform

The PRO Z7020 is the most powerful member of the STEMlab 125-14 Gen 2 family. Compared with the Zynq-7010 versions, it provides a larger Zynq-7020 FPGA, twice the system RAM, additional GPIO resources, and eight high-speed differential pairs through the E3 connector.

This additional programmable-logic capacity makes the board particularly suitable for demanding FPGA algorithms, high-speed DSP, custom measurement systems, synchronized acquisition, real-time control, and advanced research applications.

Dual 14-Bit 125MS/s Analog Inputs

Two simultaneous analog input channels provide 14-bit resolution at sampling rates up to 125MS/s per channel.

• 2 simultaneous analog input channels
• 14-bit ADC resolution
• 125MS/s sampling rate
• DC to 60MHz specified analog bandwidth
• 1MΩ / 10pF input impedance
• DC-coupled inputs
• Selectable ±1V low-voltage range
• Selectable ±20V high-voltage range
• SMA input connectors
• Input ESD and overload protection

Improved Low-Noise Gen 2 Analog Front End

The Gen 2 architecture substantially redesigns the original STEMlab analog signal path to improve signal fidelity, reduce noise, and provide better isolation between channels.

Red Pitaya specifies approximately 50dB SFDR under its published 10MHz test conditions and more than 70dB crosstalk isolation in low-voltage mode at frequencies up to 30MHz. This makes the Gen 2 platform particularly attractive for measurements where low-level signals and channel isolation matter.

Dual 14-Bit 125MS/s Signal Outputs

Two high-speed DAC channels allow the same board to generate test signals, arbitrary waveforms, stimulus signals, and custom FPGA-generated outputs.

• 2 analog output channels
• 14-bit DAC resolution
• 125MS/s sampling rate
• DC to 60MHz bandwidth
• ±1V output with 50Ω load
• ±2V output into a high-impedance load
• 50Ω output impedance
• Short-circuit protection
• Approximately 20ps RMS output jitter at 40MHz

AMD Xilinx Zynq-7020 FPGA

The board is built around the AMD Xilinx Zynq-7020 SoC, combining a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processing system with a substantial programmable-logic fabric.

The FPGA can handle deterministic, low-latency signal-processing tasks while the ARM processor runs Linux, networking, automation software, web applications, and custom programs.

1GB RAM

The PRO Z7020 Gen 2 includes 1GB of DDR memory, twice the 512MB supplied on the Zynq-7010 STEMlab Gen 2 variants. The additional memory provides greater flexibility for complex applications, data buffering, custom software, and demanding development environments.

Internal or External ADC Clock

The PRO Z7020 Gen 2 can operate using its internal precision clock or accept an external ADC clock through the extension interface. Clock selection allows the platform to be integrated into synchronized laboratory equipment, shared-clock architectures, and specialized measurement systems.

The external clock capability is particularly useful for coherent acquisition, multi-channel experiments, timing-sensitive RF systems, and applications requiring a laboratory reference source.

Multi-Board Synchronization

Dedicated S1 and S2 synchronization connectors allow compatible Red Pitaya Gen 2 boards to be daisy-chained for multi-device applications.

These connections support clock and trigger synchronization between boards, enabling larger synchronized acquisition and signal-generation systems to be built from multiple Red Pitaya units.

Note: The S1 and S2 connectors use USB-C-style connectors but are dedicated synchronization interfaces and must not be treated as normal USB-C ports.

E3 High-Speed Expansion Connector

A major advantage of the PRO Z7020 version is its additional E3 expansion connector. It exposes eight high-speed differential LVDS pairs, equivalent to sixteen additional high-speed GPIO signals, for custom FPGA interfaces and advanced expansion hardware.

• 8 high-speed differential pairs
• 16 high-speed GPIO signals
• 2.5V LVDS signalling
• 8ns FPGA timing resolution
• Optional eMMC and QSPI boot expansion
• Watchdog and advanced power-control expansion support

22 Standard Digital GPIOs

The PRO Z7020 Gen 2 provides 22 standard digital GPIO lines through its expansion interfaces, operating at 3.3V logic levels. This gives developers additional flexibility when interfacing sensors, controllers, digital buses, trigger signals, and custom electronics.

Additional Analog I/O

Beyond the two high-speed RF-style input and output channels, the board also provides slower auxiliary analog channels for monitoring and control applications.

• 4 × 12-bit auxiliary analog inputs
• 0–7V auxiliary input range
• Up to 100kS/s auxiliary input sampling
• 4 × auxiliary analog outputs
• 0–1.8V auxiliary output range

I2C, SPI, UART and CAN Interfaces

Integrated digital communication interfaces make it possible to connect external sensors, converters, microcontrollers, actuators, and custom expansion hardware directly to the Red Pitaya platform.

• I2C
• SPI
• UART
• CAN

USB-C Gen 2 Architecture

Gen 2 replaces the Micro USB connections used by earlier STEMlab boards with USB-C connectivity for power and serial-console access. The board is designed for a 5V supply and can draw up to approximately 3A depending on configuration and connected peripherals.

Gigabit Ethernet and Remote Operation

Gigabit Ethernet allows the STEMlab to operate as a compact network-connected laboratory instrument. Red Pitaya applications can be accessed remotely through a web browser, while software interfaces allow integration into automated test systems and custom applications.

Oscilloscope and Signal Generator

The Red Pitaya software ecosystem can transform the board into a network-controlled oscilloscope and signal generator. Users can capture waveforms, configure triggering, make measurements, and generate standard or custom signals directly from the browser interface.

Spectrum Analyzer

Frequency-domain analysis allows captured signals to be examined for their spectral components, making the platform useful for evaluating noise, harmonics, interference, oscillations, and signal characteristics.

Bode Analyzer

The integrated signal-generation and acquisition hardware can be used to measure gain and phase response across frequency, making the platform suitable for characterizing filters, amplifiers, control loops, and other devices under test.

LCR Meter Support

Red Pitaya software also supports LCR measurements when used with appropriate measurement hardware, allowing inductance, capacitance, and resistance measurements to be integrated into the same platform.

Logic Analyzer Support

The STEMlab platform can be expanded into a logic analyzer capable of capturing digital signals and decoding communication protocols including I2C, SPI, UART, and CAN.

Logic analyzer probes and the Logic Analyzer Extension Module are optional accessories and are not included in this Starter Kit unless specifically stated otherwise.

Python, MATLAB and LabVIEW Automation

The board supports multiple development and remote-control environments, allowing it to be integrated into automated laboratories, production systems, research equipment, and custom instruments.

• Python
• Jupyter Notebook
• MATLAB
• LabVIEW
• C/C++
• SCPI remote control
• Custom FPGA development

Key Features

• Red Pitaya STEMlab 125-14 PRO Z7020 Gen 2 Starter Kit
• Manufacturer part number: IZD0052
• AMD Xilinx Zynq-7020 SoC
• Dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor
• 1GB DDR RAM
• 2 × 14-bit 125MS/s analog inputs
• 2 × 14-bit 125MS/s analog outputs
• DC to 60MHz specified analog bandwidth
• Selectable ±1V and ±20V input ranges
• ±1V output at 50Ω or ±2V into Hi-Z
• Improved Gen 2 low-noise analog architecture
• Reduced channel crosstalk
• 50dB published SFDR under specified test conditions
• 20ps RMS RF-output jitter at 40MHz
• Internal/external ADC clock selection
• Multi-device synchronization
• 22 standard digital GPIOs
• 8 high-speed LVDS differential pairs via E3
• 4 auxiliary analog inputs
• 4 auxiliary analog outputs
• I2C, SPI, UART and CAN interfaces
• Gigabit Ethernet
• USB-C power and console connectivity
• Optional QSPI/eMMC expansion
• Programmable FPGA and Linux-based processing system

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: Red Pitaya
• Manufacturer part number: IZD0052
• Model: STEMlab 125-14 PRO Z7020 Gen 2
• Processor: dual-core ARM Cortex-A9
• FPGA: AMD Xilinx Zynq-7020
• RAM: 1GB
• System storage: microSD, up to 32GB
• System clock: 125MHz
• Fast analog inputs: 2
• ADC resolution: 14-bit
• ADC sampling rate: 125MS/s
• Input bandwidth: DC–60MHz
• Input impedance: 1MΩ / 10pF
• Input coupling: DC
• Input ranges: ±1V / ±20V
• Fast analog outputs: 2
• DAC resolution: 14-bit
• DAC sampling rate: 125MS/s
• Output bandwidth: DC–60MHz
• Output range: ±1V at 50Ω / ±2V at Hi-Z
• Fast analog connectors: SMA
• Digital GPIOs: 22 at 3.3V
• E3 differential pairs: 8 × LVDS
• Auxiliary analog inputs: 4 × 12-bit
• Auxiliary analog outputs: 4
• Communication interfaces: I2C, SPI, UART, CAN
• External ADC clock: supported
• Daisy-chain synchronization: supported
• Ethernet: 1Gbit
• Power: 5V USB-C
• Maximum board current: approximately 3A
• Approximate board dimensions: 106.8 × 60 × 17.9mm

PRO Z7020 Gen 2 vs PRO Gen 2

Typical Applications

• High-performance test and measurement
• Real-time digital signal processing
• FPGA algorithm development
• Automated test equipment
• RF signal analysis
• Quantum research instrumentation
• Photonics experiments
• Aerospace research and testing
• Control-system development
• Industrial monitoring
• Multi-channel synchronized acquisition
• Coherent measurement systems
• Filter and amplifier characterization
• Embedded instrumentation
• University and research laboratories
• Custom network-connected measurement equipment

What’s in the Box?

• 1 × Red Pitaya STEMlab 125-14 PRO Z7020 Gen 2 board
• 1 × microSD card with Red Pitaya OS image pre-installed
• 1 × 5V / 5A USB-C power supply
• 1 × Ethernet cable
• 2 × SMA-to-BNC adapters
• 2 × 50Ω terminations
• 2 × SMA T adapters
• 2 × SMA cables

Important Starter Kit Notice

The aluminium enclosure is not included with the Starter Kit unless explicitly stated otherwise. A compatible Red Pitaya Gen 2 aluminium case is available separately.

Logic analyzer probes, the Logic Analyzer Extension Module, QSPI/eMMC module, and other expansion hardware are also optional accessories unless specifically included in the selected bundle.

Gen 2 Software Requirement

Red Pitaya Gen 2 boards require a compatible current Red Pitaya OS release. When updating or developing custom software, use firmware, FPGA images, and documentation intended for the Gen 2 hardware platform.

Built for Advanced Research and Engineering

The STEMlab 125-14 PRO Z7020 Gen 2 is designed for applications that need more programmable-logic resources, additional memory, low-noise analog performance, external clocking, multi-board synchronization, and high-speed digital expansion. It is an excellent choice for professional users who want the flexibility of Red Pitaya combined with the most capable FPGA configuration in the STEMlab 125-14 Gen 2 family.