Analog Devices Inc. AD8352-EVALZ

Overview

AD8352-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the AD8352 ultralow-distortion differential RF/IF amplifier. It supports differential and single-ended input configurations, enables gain adjustment (3 dB to 25 dB) via external resistor RG, distortion optimization via RD/CD networks, and operates from 3 V to 5.5 V with 37 mA quiescent current. The board facilitates high-fidelity ADC driver validation up to 2.2 GHz bandwidth.

For engineers reviewing the AD8352-EVALZ datasheet, AD8352-EVALZ pinout, AD8352-EVALZ application, or AD8352-EVALZ equivalent, this board provides verified reference schematics, layout-optimized transmission line routing, balun-based differential interface options, and documented loading schemes for SAW filter, mixer, and high-speed ADC (e.g., AD9445) interfacing - all critical for RF front-end prototyping and production design-in.

Technical Context

The AD8352-EVALZ implements the AD8352 in a 16-lead 3 mm × 3 mm LFCSP package with exposed thermal pad grounded per datasheet requirements. It integrates configurable gain-setting resistors (RG), distortion-tuning components (RD, CD), and dual-output baluns (Mini-Circuits ADT1-1WT or equivalent) for low-frequency HD2 cancellation below 50 MHz.

Board-level design supports both differential input (VIP/VIN) and single-ended input (VIP only with RN = 200 Ω) operation, maintains constant 3 kΩ input resistance across gain settings, and delivers 100 Ω differential output impedance matched to 200 Ω or 1 kΩ loads. Layout follows RF best practices including controlled-impedance traces, ground plane integrity, and decoupling at VCC, VCM, and ENB pins.

Key Specifications

Availability

AD8352-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF front-end development, high-speed ADC driver qualification, SAW filter interface validation, and broadband IF gain block testing requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for AD8352-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 Norwood, MA.

The AD8352-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of high-linearity, wideband amplifiers into communications infrastructure, test equipment, and defense electronics.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the AD8352-EVALZ?

The AD8352-EVALZ is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the AD8352 differential RF/IF amplifier. It enables rapid characterization of gain, noise, harmonic distortion, and intermodulation performance across 10 MHz to 2.2 GHz. Engineers use AD8352-EVALZ to validate signal chain behavior before integrating the AD8352 into final PCB designs for ADC driving, SAW filtering, or IF gain staging.

Does AD8352-EVALZ support both differential and single-ended input modes?

Yes, AD8352-EVALZ supports both configurations. For differential input, VIP and VIN are used with matched source termination. For single-ended input, only VIP is driven while RGN is tied through RN = 200 Ω to ground - a configuration explicitly documented in the AD8352 datasheet Figure 26 and validated on AD8352-EVALZ. Performance metrics (e.g., HD2/HD3, OIP3) remain consistent with datasheet specifications in both modes.

Which balun is recommended for low-frequency operation on AD8352-EVALZ?

The AD8352-EVALZ documentation specifies the Mini-Circuits ADT1-1WT transformer as the recommended balun for frequencies below 50 MHz to achieve balanced differential output and enable effective second-harmonic distortion (HD2) cancellation. This replacement is required because the default onboard balun does not provide sufficient low-frequency balance, as noted in AD8352 datasheet footnote 1 on Page 5.

How is gain adjusted on the AD8352-EVALZ?

Gain on AD8352-EVALZ is set by populating the external resistor RG between pins RGP and RGN. Datasheet Table 5 defines RG values (e.g., 115 Ω for 10 dB, 35 Ω for 18 dB) for 200 Ω differential loads. The board includes footprint options for RG, RD, and CD, allowing precise tuning of both gain and third-order distortion per application frequency and load condition - all without modifying the AD8352-EVALZ PCB layout.

Can AD8352-EVALZ be used to drive high-speed ADCs like the AD9445?

Yes, AD8352-EVALZ is explicitly configured for high-performance ADC driving, including the AD9445 14-bit converter. Reference schematics in the AD8352 datasheet (Figures 34–35) show AD8352-EVALZ interfaced with AD9445 using 24 Ω series output resistors and proper termination. Measured 100 MHz FFT results (Figures 36–37) confirm SFDR > 80 dBc, validating AD8352-EVALZ's suitability for 12- to 16-bit ADC front ends.