Analog Devices Inc. ADL5370-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5370-EVALZ from Analog Devices is a fully assembled, Pb-free evaluation board for the ADL5370 fixed-gain quadrature modulator IC, supporting RF output frequencies from 300 MHz to 1000 MHz with >500 MHz baseband bandwidth, −41 dBc sideband suppression at 450 MHz, and −50 dBm carrier feedthrough-designed for lab validation of zero-IF transmitters in cellular infrastructure and broadband wireless systems.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5370-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5370-EVALZ pinout, ADL5370-EVALZ application, or ADL5370-EVALZ equivalent, this board enables rapid characterization of modulation linearity (OIP2 = 60 dBm, OIP3 = 24 dBm), noise floor (−160 dBm/Hz), and LO drive sensitivity (−7 to +7 dBm) under real-world biasing, filtering, and DAC interfacing conditions per AN-772 and AD9779 reference designs.

Technical Context

The ADL5370-EVALZ implements the full signal chain for the ADL5370 IC: single-ended 50 Ω LO input (LOIP/LOIN), differential 500 mV-biased I/Q baseband inputs (IBBP/IBBN/QBBP/QBBN), and ac-coupled 50 Ω RF output (VOUT), all routed on a 4-layer FR-4 PCB with optimized grounding via exposed paddle vias and 0.1 μF local decoupling on each VPS pin.

It supports direct interface with Analog Devices TxDACs (e.g., AD9779) using 50 Ω dc-bias resistors and optional shunt resistors (e.g., 100 Ω) for AC swing control, plus third-order elliptical low-pass filtering (3 MHz cutoff) between DAC and modulator-enabling GSM EVM, spectral mask, and carrier nulling verification per Figures 34–33 in the ADL5370 Rev. 0 datasheet.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5370-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF transceiver prototyping, cellular infrastructure development, and broadband wireless access system validation requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADL5370-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 IC design, headquartered in Norwood, MA, with expertise in precision signal processing and radio frequency solutions.

The ADL5370-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform product line, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for high-speed quadrature modulators used in 4G/LTE infrastructure, WiMAX, and satellite modem applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL5370-EVALZ?

The ADL5370-EVALZ is a dedicated evaluation board for the ADL5370 fixed-gain quadrature modulator IC. It provides complete signal routing, power conditioning, and grounding per the ADL5370's 24-lead LFCSP_VQ package requirements, enabling engineers to validate RF output performance-including sideband suppression, carrier feedthrough, and noise floor-under real-world DAC interfacing and LO drive conditions as specified in the ADL5370 Rev. 0 datasheet.

Does the ADL5370-EVALZ support both single-ended and differential LO inputs?

No-the ADL5370-EVALZ is configured exclusively for single-ended LO drive, per the ADL5370 IC's recommended operation: LO signal applied to LOIP through an ac-coupling capacitor, with LOIN ac-coupled to ground. The board layout and schematic (Fig. 25) do not provide provisions for differential LO termination, and the ADL5370 datasheet specifies that differential LO use requires external balun implementation not included on the ADL5370-EVALZ.

Can the ADL5370-EVALZ be used to characterize carrier feedthrough nulling?

Yes-the ADL5370-EVALZ supports carrier feedthrough nulling per the ADL5370 datasheet's optimization procedure (Section "Carrier Feedthrough Nulling"). It provides accessible test points for I/Q baseband inputs and includes design provisions compatible with AD9779 auxiliary DAC-based offset injection (Fig. 33), enabling iterative dc offset adjustment to reduce carrier feedthrough from −50 dBm to near the noise floor (−160 dBm/Hz) at 450 MHz.

What DACs are officially supported for interfacing with the ADL5370-EVALZ?

The ADL5370-EVALZ is validated for direct interface with Analog Devices TxDAC family devices, specifically the AD9779, using 50 Ω dc-bias resistors and optional 100 Ω shunt resistors for AC swing control (Fig. 29–30). The board's baseband input network matches the AD9779's 0–20 mA current output range and supports auxiliary DAC integration for carrier nulling (Fig. 33), as documented in the ADL5370 Rev. 0 Applications Information section.

Is the ADL5370-EVALZ RoHS-compliant and Pb-free?

Yes-the ADL5370-EVALZ is explicitly described in the ADL5370 Rev. 0 datasheet as a "Pb-free evaluation board" (General Description, Page 1). Its construction adheres to RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU, with lead-free solder paste, halogen-free laminates, and compliant surface finishes consistent with Analog Devices' environmental policy and manufacturing standards.