Analog Devices Inc. ADL5324-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5324-EVALZ from Analog Devices is a fully populated evaluation board for the ADL5324 ½ W RF driver amplifier, supporting operation from 400 MHz to 4000 MHz. It enables rapid characterization of gain (14.6 dB at 2140 MHz), OIP3 (43.1 dBm), P1dB (29.1 dBm), noise figure (3.8 dB), and dynamically adjustable bias across 3.3 V–5 V supply range - used in wireless infrastructure power amplifier stages and automated test equipment signal chains.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5324-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5324-EVALZ setup guide, ADL5324-EVALZ RF performance validation, or ADL5324-EVALZ matching network configuration, this page delivers verified layout guidance, component placement rules, thermal management data, S-parameter de-embedding methodology, and W-CDMA ACPR test results at 2140 MHz under varying bias conditions.

Technical Context

The ADL5324-EVALZ implements a fixed-frequency broadband matching network optimized for 2110–2170 MHz (default), with provision for reconfiguration to 420–494 MHz, 728–768 MHz, 869–961 MHz, 1880–1990 MHz, 2300–2400 MHz, 2570–2690 MHz, and 3500–3700 MHz via discrete component swaps. It uses Murata GRM615/GRM155 high-Q 0402 capacitors and Coilcraft 0603CS inductors, with critical placement rules for C1/C2/C3 per band.

Thermal design follows JEDEC JESD51 simulation guidelines: the exposed paddle is soldered to a multi-layer ground plane with stitching vias, achieving θ_JA = 37°C/W (measured) and θ_JC = 9°C/W. Power delivery includes 100 pF, 10 nF, and 10 µF decoupling on the 5 V rail, with L1 (15 nH) providing DC bias to RFOUT while maintaining RF isolation.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5324-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure prototyping, RF test equipment calibration, and ISM-band power amplifier development requiring stable component supply, traceable evaluation hardware, and documented matching procedures.

Supply support for ADL5324-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 design centers worldwide and ISO 9001-certified manufacturing.

The ADL5324-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF Amplifier Evaluation Platform product line, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for broadband driver amplifiers by delivering pre-validated layouts, thermally optimized land patterns, and frequency-specific matching component tables aligned with production-grade PCB practices.

FAQ

What is the default operating frequency band configured on the ADL5324-EVALZ?

The ADL5324-EVALZ is factory configured for the 2110–2170 MHz band (LTE Band 1/TDD), using C1 = 2.0 pF, C2 = 2.2 pF, C3 = 2.4 pF, L1 = 15 nH, and zero-ohm jumpers R1/R2. This matches the ADL5324's peak OIP3 (43.1 dBm) and P1dB (29.1 dBm) at 2140 MHz as specified in the Rev. B datasheet.

Can the ADL5324-EVALZ be reconfigured for sub-1 GHz frequencies like 869–961 MHz?

Yes - the ADL5324-EVALZ supports 869–961 MHz (GSM/EDGE) via component replacement per Table 6: C1 = 8 pF, C2 = 3.6 pF, C3 = 10 pF, L1 = 18 nH, and R2 = 2.4 nH (Coilcraft 0402CS). Layout spacing λ1/λ2 must be adjusted to 207/413 mils, and C1/C2 placement becomes non-critical per datasheet Section 13.

What thermal management practices are required when using the ADL5324-EVALZ as a reference for production PCB design?

Per datasheet Figure 35 and Section 13, the ADL5324-EVALZ requires soldering the exposed paddle to a low-impedance ground plane with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter, 0.8 mm pitch) connecting to inner ground layers. This replicates the measured θ_JA = 37°C/W; omitting vias increases junction temperature by >15°C at 133 mA.

Does the ADL5324-EVALZ include de-embedded S-parameter data for the ADL5324 die?

Yes - the ADL5324-EVALZ documentation provides de-embedded S-parameter data (Table 2, Page 5) up to the device pins, corrected for test fixture effects. This enables accurate simulation of the bare ADL5324 in ADS or Cadence without modeling board parasitics, supporting impedance matching and stability analysis.

How does supply voltage variation (3.3 V vs. 5 V) affect ACPR performance on the ADL5324-EVALZ?

At 2140 MHz, the ADL5324-EVALZ achieves −55 dBc ACPR at 17 dBm output with 5 V bias, dropping to −55 dBc at 15 dBm with 3.3 V bias (Figure 2). This 2 dB output power reduction reflects the ADL5324's dynamically adjustable bias architecture - enabling lower power consumption during low-SNR conditions without redesigning the evaluation board.