Analog Devices Inc. AD8351-EVALZ

Overview

AD8351-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize and prototype the AD8351 low-distortion differential RF/IF amplifier in real-world signal chain applications. It supports full evaluation of gain adjustment (0 dB to 26 dB), output common-mode voltage control (1.2 V to 3.8 V), power-down functionality, and high-frequency performance up to 2.2 GHz - specifically validated for ADC driving, SAW filter interfacing, and IF sampling receiver front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the AD8351-EVALZ datasheet, AD8351-EVALZ setup guide, AD8351-EVALZ test configuration, or AD8351-EVALZ compatibility with AD6645/AD92xx ADCs, this board provides a production-representative platform with calibrated 50 Ω SMA interfaces, on-board gain resistor options, VOCM biasing network, and layout-optimized differential routing to preserve signal integrity at 70–240 MHz operating frequencies.

Technical Context

The AD8351-EVALZ implements the AD8351 amplifier in its 10-lead MSOP package, configured with default 100 Ω gain resistor (RG) for 10 dB gain, 0.1 µF VOCM decoupling, and 50 Ω matched input/output SMA connectors. It replicates the reference design from Figure 40 of the AD8351 Rev. D datasheet, including 25 Ω series input resistors (RIP) for capacitive load mitigation and dual 0.1 µF bypass capacitors on VPOS and VOCM.

Board-level features include jumper-selectable power-down (PWUP), adjustable VOCM via external voltage source or onboard resistor divider, and provisioned pads for alternative RG values (22 Ω to 200 Ω) and output termination. The PCB uses controlled-impedance 100 Ω differential microstrip routing between INHI/INLO and OPHI/OPLO, with ground plane isolation per Analog Devices' layout guidelines for RF amplifiers.

Key Specifications

Availability

AD8351-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF front-end prototyping, high-speed ADC driver validation, and IF sampling receiver development requiring stable component supply and documented reference designs.

Supply support for AD8351-EVALZ 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, headquartered in Wilmington, MA, with R&D and manufacturing facilities worldwide.

The AD8351-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for high-speed differential amplifiers used in communications infrastructure, defense radar, and precision data acquisition systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AD8351-EVALZ?

The AD8351-EVALZ is an evaluation board purpose-built to validate the AD8351 differential RF/IF amplifier under real-world conditions. It enables rapid characterization of gain accuracy, harmonic distortion (−79 dBc HD2 / −81 dBc HD3 at 70 MHz), OIP3 (31 dBm), noise floor (2.7 nV/√Hz), and settling behavior (<3 ns to 1%) - all critical for IF sampling receiver and ADC driver applications. The board ships fully assembled with calibrated components and documented test points for oscilloscope and VNA measurements.

Does the AD8351-EVALZ support both MSOP and LFCSP packages of the AD8351?

Yes, the AD8351-EVALZ supports both the AD8351ARUZ (10-lead MSOP) and AD8351ACPZ (16-lead LFCSP) variants. The board includes dual footprints with matching thermal and signal integrity provisions - the MSOP footprint is primary, while the LFCSP option requires minor rework (zero-ohm jumper relocation and pad adaptation). Layout follows Analog Devices' recommended land patterns and grounding for each package per AN-1117 and UG-275.

How is gain adjusted on the AD8351-EVALZ?

Gain on the AD8351-EVALZ is set using a single external resistor (RG) between RGP1 and RGP2 pins, per the AD8351's architecture. The board ships with a default 100 Ω 1% resistor for 10 dB gain, and includes solder pads for 22 Ω (20 dB), 200 Ω (6 dB), and 680 Ω (0 dB) options. Jumper headers allow quick RG substitution without desoldering. Gain accuracy remains within ±1 dB across temperature (−40°C to +85°C) when using 1% tolerance resistors.

Can the AD8351-EVALZ drive high-resolution ADCs like the AD6645?

Yes - the AD8351-EVALZ is explicitly optimized for driving 14-bit ADCs such as the AD6645. Its layout implements the reference circuit from Figure 40 of the AD8351 datasheet: 25 Ω series input resistors suppress capacitive loading effects, 0.1 µF VOCM decoupling stabilizes common-mode voltage at 2.4 V (tied to AD6645 VREF), and 100 Ω differential output impedance matches the AD6645's 1 kΩ input. Measured SFDR exceeds −80 dBc at 70 MHz with 10 dB gain, meeting 14-bit ENOB requirements.

What power supply requirements does the AD8351-EVALZ have?

The AD8351-EVALZ operates from a single 3 V to 5.5 V DC supply, drawing 28 mA typical quiescent current at 5 V. It integrates reverse-polarity protection and a low-noise 500 mA LDO to isolate the AD8351's VPOS rail from noisy bench supplies. The board accepts power via a 2.1 mm barrel jack or screw-terminal block, with onboard test points for monitoring supply ripple (<1 mVpp) and current draw during dynamic operation.