Analog Devices Inc. ADL5369-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5369-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize and prototype the ADL5369 300 MHz to 1100 MHz balanced mixer IC with integrated RF balun, LO buffer, and SPDT LO switch. It supports single-ended 50 Ω RF/LO interfaces, delivers 6.2 dB typical power conversion loss, 7.2 dB SSB noise figure, and 28 dBm input IP3 at 5 V operation - enabling rapid validation in cellular base station receiver and transmit observation receiver designs.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5369-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5369-EVALZ layout, ADL5369-EVALZ test setup, or ADL5369-EVALZ performance measurement procedures, this board provides fully populated, impedance-matched signal paths, calibrated IF output transformers, on-board bias control for VGS0/VGS1, and jumper-selectable power-down (PWDN) logic - all optimized for repeatable RF characterization across temperature and frequency sweeps.

Technical Context

The ADL5369-EVALZ implements a complete reference design for the ADL5369 mixer IC, including matched 50 Ω RF and LO input traces, differential IF output routing with 1:1 transformer coupling, and decoupled 3.3 V/5 V supply rails with thermal vias aligned to the ADL5369's exposed pad. It incorporates external components per the datasheet's recommended layout: R9 (1.7 kΩ for 5 V, 226 Ω for 3.3 V) for LO current setting, choke inductors for DC bias injection, and AC-coupling capacitors on RFIN, LOI1, LOI2, and IFOP/IFON.

Board-level features include test points for all critical nodes (RFIN, LOI1/LOI2, IFOP/IFON, PWDN, VGS0/VGS1), solder jumpers for VPMX/VPSW voltage selection and PWDN logic level, and thermal management via a 3×3 via array under the LFCSP-20 footprint. The PCB is a 4-layer design with internal ground planes, matching the θJB = 14.74°C/W thermal impedance documented for the ADL5369-EVALZ in the datasheet.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5369-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF front-end prototyping, cellular base station receiver development, and transmit observation receiver validation requiring stable component supply, traceable calibration history, and full documentation support.

Supply support for ADL5369-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 deep expertise in RF, microwave, and precision signal chain solutions.

The ADL5369-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate time-to-test for high-linearity passive mixers used in demanding wireless infrastructure applications including 4G/5G base stations and radar systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL5369-EVALZ?

The ADL5369-EVALZ is a fully assembled evaluation board for the ADL5369 balanced mixer IC. Its primary function is to provide a validated, impedance-matched platform for measuring key RF parameters - including conversion loss, noise figure, IP3, and LO/RF isolation - across the 300 MHz to 1100 MHz band. It enables immediate bench testing without custom PCB design, supporting both downconversion and upconversion modes as specified in the ADL5369 datasheet Rev. A.

Does the ADL5369-EVALZ support both 3.3 V and 5 V operation of the ADL5369 IC?

Yes, the ADL5369-EVALZ supports both 3.3 V and 5 V operation of the ADL5369 IC via onboard jumpers. For 5 V operation, R9 is configured as 1.7 kΩ; for 3.3 V, it is set to 226 Ω per the ADL5369 datasheet. Separate jumpers select VPMX (IF amplifier supply) and VPSW (LO switch supply) voltages, and the board includes dedicated test points to verify rail stability and current draw during ADL5369-EVALZ characterization.

How is LO switching implemented on the ADL5369-EVALZ?

LO switching on the ADL5369-EVALZ is implemented via the ADL5369's internal SPDT switch, controlled by the LOSW pin. Two SMA connectors (J2 for LOI1, J3 for LOI2) feed independent LO sources. A logic-level signal applied to the LOSW test point selects LOI1 (0 V) or LOI2 (3 V), achieving <40 ns switching time as documented in the ADL5369 datasheet. The board maintains constant 50 Ω input impedance on both LO ports regardless of selection state.

What IF output configuration does the ADL5369-EVALZ use?

The ADL5369-EVALZ routes the differential IF outputs (IFOP and IFON) through a 1:1 center-tapped transformer (T1) to produce a single-ended 50 Ω IF output at J4. This configuration matches the test setup used in the ADL5369 datasheet's performance plots and ensures accurate measurement of conversion loss, noise figure, and spurious content without requiring external baluns or active amplification.

Can the ADL5369-EVALZ be used for upconversion applications?

Yes, the ADL5369-EVALZ supports upconversion per the ADL5369 datasheet's "Upconversion Characteristics" section (Figures 42–43). With IF signals applied to IFOP/IFON and LO to LOI1 or LOI2, the board delivers validated RF output from the RFIN port. All signal paths, bias networks, and termination structures are bidirectional and broadband, enabling direct measurement of upconversion loss, IP3, and spurious performance across 300–1100 MHz using the same ADL5369-EVALZ hardware.