Analog Devices Inc. ADL5382-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5382-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the ADL5382 700 MHz–2.7 GHz quadrature I/Q demodulator IC. It supports single-ended and differential baseband analysis, features on-board baluns (M/A-COM ETC1-1-13), 33 nH RF bias chokes, and configurable 5 V supply with BIAS pin control. Engineers use it to validate EVM, image rejection (>45 dB), and dynamic range (IIP3 = 33.5 dBm @ 900 MHz) in W-CDMA and WiMAX receiver designs.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5382-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5382-EVALZ pinout, ADL5382-EVALZ application, or ADL5382-EVALZ equivalent, this page delivers verified setup guidance, baseband interface examples (e.g., 500 Ω ADC termination), low-IF filter design (Butterworth up to 6th-order), EVM measurement methodology (AC-coupled outputs), and thermal grounding requirements for LFCSP evaluation.

Technical Context

The ADL5382-EVALZ implements a complete signal chain for the ADL5382 IC: RF input via 1:1 balun with 33 nH ground-referenced chokes; LO input via differential balun; and buffered I/Q baseband outputs terminated to 450 Ω (for test equipment) or configurable for 200–500 Ω loads. It enables direct measurement of quadrature accuracy (phase error ≤0.2°, amplitude imbalance ≤0.05 dB) and noise figure (14.0 dB @ 900 MHz).

Board-level design incorporates decoupling per Analog Devices' recommendations: dual capacitors (100 pF + 0.1 µF) on each VPA/VPB/VPL/VPX supply pin, exposed paddle soldered to multi-layer ground plane with nine stitching vias, and AC coupling (1000 pF) on LO/RF inputs plus optional 10 µF on baseband outputs to eliminate DC offset effects on EVM.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5382-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure prototyping, WiMAX radio development, and broadband wireless receiver validation requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for ADL5382-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 Wilmington, MA.

The ADL5382-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform product line, engineered specifically to accelerate characterization and system integration of high-dynamic-range quadrature demodulators in direct-conversion receivers.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the ADL5382-EVALZ?

The ADL5382-EVALZ is an evaluation board dedicated to the ADL5382 quadrature demodulator IC. It provides a fully configured platform for measuring key performance metrics-including EVM, image rejection (>45 dB), IIP3 (33.5 dBm @ 900 MHz), and quadrature accuracy-under real-world RF/LO drive conditions. The board includes all recommended external components (baluns, chokes, decoupling) per the ADL5382 datasheet, enabling immediate lab validation without custom PCB design.

Does ADL5382-EVALZ support both zero-IF and low-IF configurations?

Yes, ADL5382-EVALZ supports both zero-IF and low-IF operation. Its baseband output stage allows AC coupling (via 10 µF capacitors) to eliminate differential DC offsets (<10 mV), which is critical for zero-IF EVM accuracy. For low-IF applications like W-CDMA (IF = 2.5–7.5 MHz), the board's 370 MHz demodulation bandwidth and configurable termination (200–500 Ω) preserve signal integrity across the full IF band without added filtering.

Can ADL5382-EVALZ be used with other demodulators like ADL5380 or ADL5387?

No, ADL5382-EVALZ is mechanically and electrically optimized exclusively for the ADL5382. It uses the ADL5382's specific 24-lead LFCSP footprint, pinout (e.g., RFIN/RFIP, LOIP/LOIN, IHI/ILO/QHI/QLO), and biasing scheme (BIAS pin open or 4 kΩ to ground). ADL5380 and ADL5387 have different pin counts, package sizes, and internal architectures - no mechanical or functional compatibility exists with ADL5382-EVALZ.

How does ADL5382-EVALZ handle thermal management for the ADL5382 IC?

ADL5382-EVALZ implements Analog Devices' thermal guidelines precisely: the ADL5382's exposed paddle is soldered directly to a multi-layer ground plane, with nine stitching vias placed under the paddle to ensure low thermal resistance (θJC = 3°C/W). This configuration sustains continuous operation at the ADL5382's maximum junction temperature (150°C) and supports its 220 mA typical supply current without thermal derating during extended characterization.

What baseband interface options does ADL5382-EVALZ provide for connecting to an ADC?

ADL5382-EVALZ offers three ADC interface options: (1) direct 500 Ω differential termination (recommended for high-impedance ADCs, preserving linearity with ~1 dB gain reduction), (2) 200 Ω loading for maximum 2 V p-p swing, and (3) AC-coupled outputs using 10 µF capacitors to nullify DC offsets before the ADC. Reference schematics include 4th- and 6th-order Butterworth filters (e.g., 1.9 MHz cutoff) to suppress adjacent-channel interference prior to digitization.