Analog Devices Inc. ADL5321-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5321-EVALZ from Analog Devices is a fully populated evaluation board for the ADL5321 2.3–4.0 GHz RF driver amplifier, enabling rapid characterization of gain (14.0 dB at 2.6 GHz), OIP3 (41.0 dBm), P1dB (25.7 dBm), noise figure (4.0 dB), and ACLR (−59 dB at 10 dBm rms) in WiMAX and cellular infrastructure applications.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5321-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5321-EVALZ pinout, ADL5321-EVALZ application, or ADL5321-EVALZ equivalent, this board supports quick validation of broadband RF driver performance across 2.3–4.0 GHz with tunable matching networks, thermal management via SOT-89 paddle grounding, and configurable biasing from 3.3 V to 5 V.

Technical Context

The ADL5321-EVALZ implements a fixed 2500–2700 MHz tuning configuration using Murata GRM155 0402 capacitors (C1 = 1.0 pF, C2 = 10 pF, C3 = 1.2 pF, C4 = 10 pF, C7 = open) and Coilcraft 0603CS 9.5 nH inductor L1, with 25-mil IS410 PCB traces optimized for minimal parasitic coupling and stable S-parameter measurement.

It provides direct access to RFIN, RFOUT/VCC, and GND pins of the ADL5321 in a 3-lead SOT-89 package, supporting vector network analyzer (VNA) calibration up to 4 GHz, ACLR/EVM testing under WiMAX 64-QAM (10 MHz BW), and dynamic bias evaluation via external supply adjustment.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5321-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF design validation, production test system integration, and WiMAX/4G infrastructure prototyping requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADL5321-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, headquartered in Norwood, MA, with deep expertise in signal chain solutions for communications, instrumentation, and defense.

The ADL5321-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF Amplifier Evaluation Platform product line, designed specifically to accelerate development of broadband driver amplifiers used in wireless infrastructure, automated test equipment, and ISM-band power amplifier stages.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL5321-EVALZ?

The ADL5321-EVALZ is a fully populated evaluation board for the ADL5321 RF driver amplifier. It enables engineers to characterize key RF parameters-including gain, OIP3, P1dB, noise figure, and ACLR-across the 2.3–4.0 GHz band without custom PCB design. The board ships pre-tuned for 2500–2700 MHz operation and supports reconfiguration for other bands using documented matching component swaps.

Which frequency bands does the ADL5321-EVALZ support out of the box?

The ADL5321-EVALZ ships configured for 2500–2700 MHz operation, with verified performance metrics including 14.0 dB gain and −59 dB ACLR at 10 dBm rms output. Alternate configurations for 3400–3850 MHz are supported via component changes per Table 10 in the ADL5321 datasheet, using the same board layout with adjusted capacitor values (e.g., C1 = 10 pF, C7 = 1.0 pF).

Does the ADL5321-EVALZ require external power supplies or biasing circuits?

No. The ADL5321-EVALZ accepts a single 3.3–5 V DC supply via red/black test loops connected to the RFOUT (VCC) and GND pins. Bias current flows through the onboard 9.5 nH inductor (L1) to the ADL5321's RFOUT pin, eliminating need for external bias networks. Supply current ranges from 37 mA (3.3 V) to 90 mA (5 V) depending on operating conditions.

How is thermal performance managed on the ADL5321-EVALZ?

The ADL5321-EVALZ thermally manages the ADL5321 by soldering the exposed paddle of its SOT-89 package directly to a large internal ground plane. This achieves a measured junction-to-air thermal resistance (θJA) of 35°C/W, validated per JEDEC JESD51 standards. The board layout follows Analog Devices' AN-772 land pattern guidelines, including via stitching between ground layers for low-impedance heat dissipation.

Can the ADL5321-EVALZ be used for ACLR and EVM measurements in WiMAX systems?

Yes. The ADL5321-EVALZ supports full spectral integrity validation, including adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) and relative constellation error (RCE/EVM) measurements under WiMAX 64-QAM (10 MHz bandwidth) conditions. At 2.6 GHz and 10 dBm rms output, it delivers −59 dB ACLR and −46.6 dB RCE (<0.5% EVM), as confirmed in Figure 33 and Figure 34 of the ADL5321 datasheet Rev. D.