Analog Devices Inc. ADL5320-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5320-EVALZ from Analog Devices is a fully populated evaluation board for the ADL5320 ¼-watt broadband RF driver amplifier, operating from 400 MHz to 2700 MHz. It supports rapid characterization of gain (16.9 dB at 880 MHz), OIP3 (45.0 dBm), P1dB (25.4 dBm), noise figure (4.1 dB), and dynamic bias adjustment across 3.3 V–5 V supply, enabling validation in wireless infrastructure and ISM-band power amplifier stages.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5320-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5320-EVALZ setup guide, ADL5320-EVALZ test procedure, or ADL5320-EVALZ alternative evaluation platforms, this board provides calibrated RF input/output interfaces, pre-installed matching components for 800–960 MHz and 2110–2170 MHz bands, thermal management via exposed paddle grounding, and full support for ACPR vs. output power analysis under variable bias conditions.

Technical Context

The ADL5320-EVALZ implements the ADL5320's internal dynamically adjustable bias circuit, allowing real-time optimization of OIP3 and P1dB by varying the 3.3 V–5 V supply on Pin 3 (RFOUT). It integrates Murata GRM155 (0402) capacitors and Coilcraft 0603CS inductors per Analog Devices' recommended layout, with critical placement of C3 and C7 for impedance tuning across frequency bands.

Designed for SOT-89 packaged ADL5320 devices, the board features a low-thermal-resistance land pattern (θJA = 35°C/W), vias stitching multiple ground layers, and de-embedded RF ports enabling accurate S-parameter measurement up to 2700 MHz - supporting W-CDMA TM1-64 ACPR validation at 2140 MHz with −55 dBc performance.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5320-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure prototyping, automated test equipment development, and ISM/AMR system validation requiring stable component supply and traceable RF evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADL5320-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 RF ICs, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and industrial markets since 1965.

The ADL5320-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF Amplifier Evaluation Platform product line, designed to accelerate RF front-end development for cellular infrastructure, defense systems, and broadband instrumentation applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL5320-EVALZ?

The ADL5320-EVALZ is a fully populated evaluation board for the ADL5320 RF driver amplifier. It enables engineers to characterize gain, OIP3, P1dB, noise figure, and ACPR performance across 400–2700 MHz, using pre-installed matching components and calibrated RF interfaces. The board directly supports dynamic bias testing by applying variable 3.3 V–5 V supply to the ADL5320's RFOUT pin.

Which frequency bands does the ADL5320-EVALZ support out-of-the-box?

The ADL5320-EVALZ ships with matching components optimized for two bands: 800–960 MHz (C1=C2=47 pF, C3=6.8 pF, L1=47 nH) and 2110–2170 MHz (C1=C2=22 pF, C3=0.5 pF, L1=15 nH). These configurations meet −10 dB input return loss and maximize OIP3 per Analog Devices' design guidelines in the ADL5320 datasheet Rev. B.

How does the ADL5320-EVALZ implement thermal management for the ADL5320 device?

The ADL5320-EVALZ uses the recommended land pattern from Analog Devices' AN-772, with the SOT-89 package's exposed paddle soldered directly to a low-impedance ground plane. Multiple vias stitch internal ground layers, achieving a measured junction-to-air thermal resistance (θJA) of 35°C/W - critical for sustained operation at +105°C ambient and high-power RF output conditions.

Can the ADL5320-EVALZ be used to measure ACPR performance per W-CDMA standards?

Yes, the ADL5320-EVALZ supports single-carrier W-CDMA TM1-64 ACPR validation at 2140 MHz. At 5 V supply, it delivers >17 dBm output power with −55 dBc ACPR; reducing bias to 3.3 V lowers the −55 dBc output power to 9 dBm. This capability is confirmed in Figure 2 of the ADL5320 datasheet Rev. B and enabled by the board's de-embedded 50 Ω RF ports and stable bias network.

What external equipment is required to operate the ADL5320-EVALZ?

To operate the ADL5320-EVALZ, users need a vector network analyzer (for S-parameters and return loss), a signal generator and spectrum analyzer (for gain, OIP3, P1dB, and ACPR), a programmable DC power supply (3.3 V–5 V, ≥150 mA), and 50 Ω RF cables with SMA connectors. No additional passive components are required - all matching elements, decoupling capacitors (10 nF/10 µF), and bias inductors are pre-installed per Table 6 of the ADL5320 datasheet.