Analog Devices Inc. ADL5336-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5336-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the ADL5336 dual cascaded IF variable gain amplifier (VGA) with integrated RMS detectors. It supports full characterization of VGA1/VGA2 gain control (0–48 dB total), AGC setpoint programming (−24 to −3 dBV), and SPI-configurable operation across 100 kHz–1 GHz. Engineers use it to validate RF receiver front-ends in point-to-multipoint radios and instrumentation systems.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5336-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5336-EVALZ pinout, ADL5336-EVALZ application, or ADL5336-EVALZ equivalent, this board enables rapid prototyping of dual-VGA signal chains requiring differential I/Q path gain matching, programmable AGC response (1.5 ms step), and 5 V single-supply operation with <80 mA typical current draw.

Technical Context

The ADL5336-EVALZ implements a complete test platform for the ADL5336 IC, featuring matched 200 Ω differential input paths for VGA1 and dual-select inputs (IP2A/IM2A, IP2B/IM2B) for VGA2, plus 100 Ω differential output loads. It integrates decoupling networks for VPOS/VPSD rails, common-mode bypassing at VCM1/VCM2, and SPI interface routing (LE/CLK/DATA/SDO) compliant with 20 MHz timing.

Board-level design includes balun interfaces for 50 Ω system integration, on-board jumpers for MODE (VGA/AGC), ENBL (enable/disable), and GAIN1/GAIN2 analog control, plus detector output access (DTO1/DTO2) for RSSI validation. The layout follows RF best practices with ground plane isolation, controlled-impedance traces, and exposed paddle thermal management per ADL5336's 32-lead LFCSP package.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5336-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF receiver development, instrumentation calibration, and medical imaging signal chain validation requiring stable component supply and full-characterization reference hardware.

Supply support for ADL5336-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, with R&D and manufacturing operations worldwide.

The ADL5336-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of high-linearity, wide-dynamic-range IF signal chains for wireless infrastructure and precision measurement equipment.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL5336-EVALZ?

The ADL5336-EVALZ is an evaluation board for the ADL5336 dual variable gain amplifier IC. It provides a fully assembled, tested platform to characterize gain control, AGC behavior, noise figure, and distortion performance of the ADL5336 in real-world RF signal chains. Users can configure VGA1 and VGA2 independently via SPI or analog inputs, validate detector outputs, and interface with standard 50 Ω test equipment using onboard SMA connectors and baluns.

Does ADL5336-EVALZ support both VGA and AGC modes of the ADL5336?

Yes, ADL5336-EVALZ fully supports both operational modes. The MODE jumper selects between VGA mode (gain controlled by GAIN1/GAIN2 voltage or SPI) and AGC mode (autonomous gain adjustment based on DTO1/DTO2 detector outputs). On-board resistors and test points allow direct monitoring of detector setpoints and AGC loop response, including 1.5 ms step response with 0.1 µF CAGC capacitors as specified in the ADL5336 datasheet.

Can ADL5336-EVALZ be used with 50 Ω source and load impedances?

Yes, ADL5336-EVALZ includes 1:4 baluns on both input and output paths to convert between the ADL5336's native 200 Ω differential input and 100 Ω differential output impedances and standard 50 Ω test equipment. SMA connectors are provided for INP1/INM1 (VGA1), IP2A/IM2A and IP2B/IM2B (VGA2 inputs), and OPP1/OPM1 & OPP2/OPM2 (outputs), enabling direct connection to vector network analyzers and signal generators without external impedance matching.

What power supply requirements does ADL5336-EVALZ have?

ADL5336-EVALZ operates from a single 5 V supply (4.5–5.5 V), drawing 80 mA typical current when enabled and 4 mA in power-down mode. The board includes dedicated VPOS and VPSD supply lines with multi-stage decoupling (10 µF tantalum + 0.1 µF ceramic per rail) and low-impedance ground planes tied to the ADL5336's exposed paddle. Power is delivered via a 2-pin screw terminal or optional USB-powered adapter (not included).

Is SPI programming supported on ADL5336-EVALZ?

Yes, ADL5336-EVALZ provides full SPI access to the ADL5336's 8-bit register map via LE, CLK, DATA, and SDO pins routed to a 0.1″ header. The board supports 20 MHz clock rates and includes pull-up/pull-down resistors for proper CMOS logic levels (VINH > 2.2 V, VINL < 1.8 V). Example firmware and control software are available from Analog Devices to configure gain codes, detector setpoints, and enable/disable sequences without requiring custom hardware.