NXP Semiconductors 900MHZ-AMP-EVK

Overview

900MHZ-AMP-EVK is an evaluation kit from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Freescale) designed to characterize the MBC13720 low-noise amplifier at 900 MHz, featuring on-chip bypass switch, selectable IP3 modes (–3.0 dBm / 10 dBm), 19 dB gain, 1.30 dB noise figure, and operation from 2.5 V to 3.0 V supply.

For engineers reviewing the 900MHZ-AMP-EVK datasheet, 900MHZ-AMP-EVK pinout, 900MHZ-AMP-EVK application, or 900MHZ-AMP-EVK equivalent, this kit enables rapid validation of LNA performance in ISM-band receiver front-ends, dynamic range optimization via bypass mode, and gain/noise trade-off tuning using external matching networks.

Technical Context

The 900MHZ-AMP-EVK implements a fully assembled, impedance-matched PCB platform for the MBC13720 SOT-363 packaged SiGe:C LNA, supporting RF input/output test ports, bias control headers, and mode-select jumpers for Low IP3, High IP3, and Bypass configurations.

It provides calibrated 50 Ω SMA interfaces, onboard DC blocking capacitors, and configurable V_CC/EN/RECV routing to validate real-world receiver chain behavior-including insertion loss (–2.9 dB), reverse isolation (25 dB), and input return loss (10 dB) at 900 MHz-without custom layout.

Key Specifications

Availability

900MHZ-AMP-EVK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for ISM-band wireless sensor nodes, 900 MHz RFID readers, portable medical telemetry devices, and industrial remote monitoring systems requiring stable component supply and proven RF front-end validation.

Supply support for 900MHZ-AMP-EVK 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company focused on secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with legacy RF expertise from Freescale's RF BiCMOS portfolio.

The 900MHZ-AMP-EVK belongs to NXP's RF evaluation platform family, developed to accelerate design-in of SiGe:C LNA products like the MBC13720 into cost-sensitive, space-constrained 400–2400 MHz receiver applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the 900MHZ-AMP-EVK?

The 900MHZ-AMP-EVK is an evaluation kit that enables hardware validation of the MBC13720 low-noise amplifier at 900 MHz. It provides a ready-to-test PCB with SMA connectors, bias controls, and mode selection for Low IP3, High IP3, and Bypass operation - allowing engineers to measure gain, noise figure, IP3, and isolation without custom RF layout. The 900MHZ-AMP-EVK supports rapid prototyping of ISM-band receiver front-ends.

Does the 900MHZ-AMP-EVK include the MBC13720 device?

Yes, the 900MHZ-AMP-EVK includes one mounted MBC13720NT1 low-noise amplifier in SOT-363 package, pre-soldered onto the evaluation board with optimized 50 Ω input/output matching networks for 900 MHz operation. No additional device purchase is required to begin characterization of the 900MHZ-AMP-EVK.

Can the 900MHZ-AMP-EVK be used at frequencies other than 900 MHz?

The 900MHZ-AMP-EVK is specifically tuned for optimal performance at 900 MHz, with matching networks optimized for that band. While the underlying MBC13720 operates from 400 MHz to 2400 MHz, the 900MHZ-AMP-EVK's fixed layout does not support broadband or multi-band re-tuning; for 1900 MHz evaluation, NXP offers the separate 1900MHZ-AMP-EVK kit.

What power supply requirements does the 900MHZ-AMP-EVK have?

The 900MHZ-AMP-EVK requires a stable 2.5 V to 3.0 V DC supply, delivering up to 9 mA in High IP3 mode and only 10 µA in standby. It accepts power via a standard 2-pin header and includes onboard filtering; no external regulators or sequencing circuitry are needed to operate the 900MHZ-AMP-EVK.

How does the bypass mode function on the 900MHZ-AMP-EVK?

On the 900MHZ-AMP-EVK, bypass mode is activated by asserting the RECV pin, routing RF signal directly from input to output with –2.9 dB insertion loss and 12 dB input/output return loss. This preserves receiver dynamic range during strong interferer conditions. Mode selection is implemented via jumper or external logic control - fully accessible on the 900MHZ-AMP-EVK board.