Analog Devices Inc. ADL5372-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5372-EVALZ from Analog Devices is a fully assembled, RoHS-compliant evaluation board for the ADL5372 fixed-gain quadrature modulator IC, supporting RF output frequencies from 1500 MHz to 2500 MHz, >500 MHz baseband bandwidth, and single-ended LO drive at 0 dBm typical. It enables rapid characterization of modulation linearity (OIP2 up to 65 dBm), carrier feedthrough (−45 dBm), and sideband suppression (−45 dBc) in zero-IF transmitters for cellular infrastructure.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5372-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5372-EVALZ pinout, ADL5372-EVALZ application, or ADL5372-EVALZ equivalent, this board provides validated RF layout, calibrated baseband interface paths, on-board 50 Ω matching networks for VOUT and LOIP, and direct DAC coupling support for AD9779/AD9122-family transmit DACs - critical for WCDMA, LTE, and WiMAX transmitter development.

Technical Context

The ADL5372-EVALZ implements the full signal chain for the ADL5372 IC: differential I/Q baseband inputs (IBBP/IBBN/QBBP/QBBN) are routed through 50 Ω bias-setting resistors and AC-coupling capacitors; the single-ended LO signal enters via LOIP with 100 pF AC coupling and ground-referenced LOIN; the RF output at VOUT is AC-coupled and matched to 50 Ω using discrete components per Figure 25 of the ADL5372 datasheet Rev. 0.

All five VPS supply pins (VPS1–VPS5) are decoupled with individual 0.1 µF capacitors tied to a solid ground plane connected to COM1–COM4 and the exposed paddle; thermal management follows AN-772 guidelines with multi-layer grounding vias under the LFCSP footprint, enabling stable operation across −40°C to +85°C ambient.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5372-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure prototyping, RF transceiver validation, and broadband wireless access system development requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADL5372-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 design centers worldwide.

The ADL5372-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform product line, engineered specifically to accelerate time-to-test for high-linearity quadrature modulators used in 3G/4G/5G base station transmitters and satellite communication systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL5372-EVALZ?

The ADL5372-EVALZ is an evaluation board designed exclusively for the ADL5372 fixed-gain quadrature modulator IC. It provides a fully populated, impedance-controlled platform to characterize RF performance-including output power, carrier feedthrough, sideband suppression, and OIP3-across 1500–2500 MHz. The board implements all recommended layout practices from the ADL5372 datasheet Rev. 0, including proper grounding of COM pins and the exposed paddle, making it essential for validating zero-IF transmitter designs before custom PCB spin.

Does ADL5372-EVALZ support differential LO input?

No. The ADL5372-EVALZ is configured strictly for single-ended LO drive as specified for the ADL5372 IC: LO signal is applied to LOIP via a 100 pF AC-coupling capacitor, while LOIN is AC-coupled to ground. The board does not provide differential LO routing, termination, or balun circuitry. This matches the ADL5372's native architecture, which uses an internal polyphase quadrature splitter and limiting amplifier optimized for single-ended LO input.

Can ADL5372-EVALZ be used with DACs other than AD9779?

Yes - ADL5372-EVALZ supports any current-output DAC delivering 0–20 mA per channel with differential outputs, provided the DAC's common-mode voltage aligns with the ADL5372's required 500 mV dc bias. The board's 50 Ω shunt resistors establish this bias point, and its baseband input traces are impedance-matched and length-matched. Users have successfully interfaced AD9122, AD9144, and AD9788 DACs using identical resistor-based biasing, confirming compatibility beyond the AD9779 reference case described in the datasheet.

What calibration or nulling features does ADL5372-EVALZ include?

The ADL5372-EVALZ does not include onboard trimmers, DACs, or active nulling circuitry. Carrier feedthrough and sideband suppression optimization must be performed externally - either by adjusting DC offset voltages injected into the I/Q baseband paths (per Fig. 26–27), or by digitally calibrating the DAC output data in the host system. The board provides test points for all four baseband inputs (IBBP/IBBN/QBBP/QBBN), LOIP, and VOUT to facilitate such measurements, but no passive or active nulling components are mounted.

Is the ADL5372-EVALZ RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes. The ADL5372-EVALZ is a Pb-free, RoHS-compliant evaluation board, consistent with Analog Devices' environmental compliance policy and the ADL5372 IC's 24-lead LFCSP_VQ package construction. All solder mask, silkscreen, substrate materials, and passives meet JEDEC J-STD-609 Category 1 requirements, and the board ships with IPC-A-610 Class 2 process documentation for manufacturing traceability.