Analog Devices Inc. ADL5385-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5385-EVALZ from Analog Devices is a RoHS-compliant evaluation board designed to characterize and validate the ADL5385 silicon monolithic quadrature modulator - a 30 MHz to 2200 MHz RF modulator with 11 dBm P1dB, −50 dBc sideband suppression at 350 MHz, and integrated temperature sensor output. It supports direct RF and IF modulation in wireless infrastructure transmitters.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5385-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5385-EVALZ setup guide, ADL5385-EVALZ test configuration, or ADL5385-EVALZ compatibility with ADL5385 ICs, this board enables rapid validation of RF output power, carrier feedthrough, sideband suppression, LO drive sensitivity, and thermal behavior across temperature and frequency sweeps.

Technical Context

The ADL5385-EVALZ implements full signal path access for the ADL5385 IC: differential I/Q baseband inputs (IBBP/IBBN/QBBP/QBBN), single-ended 2×LO input (LOIP/LOIN), and single-ended 50 Ω RF output (VOUT). It provides on-board biasing, decoupling, and ac-coupling networks matching the IC's specified 4.75 V–5.5 V supply, 500 mV dc baseband bias, and 50 Ω impedance environment.

Board-level features include ENBL logic control, TEMP voltage monitoring (1.56 V @ 27.15°C, 4.6 mV/°C slope), exposed pad grounding, and calibrated test points for SSB output power, carrier feedthrough, and sideband suppression measurements per ADL5385 Rev. D specifications.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5385-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for radio-link infrastructure, WiMAX/broadband wireless access systems, and cable modem termination system (CMTS) transmitter development requiring stable component supply and validated reference design support.

Supply support for ADL5385-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.

The ADL5385-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform product line, engineered specifically to accelerate characterization and integration of high-frequency modulators, demodulators, and transceivers into wireless infrastructure and broadband communication systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL5385-EVALZ?

The ADL5385-EVALZ is an evaluation board purpose-built to demonstrate and validate the performance of the ADL5385 quadrature modulator IC. It provides full access to all critical signal paths - including differential I/Q baseband inputs, single-ended 2×LO input, and single-ended RF output - with proper biasing, decoupling, and impedance matching per the ADL5385 datasheet requirements. The ADL5385-EVALZ enables engineers to measure key RF metrics such as sideband suppression, carrier feedthrough, output power, and noise floor across its 30 MHz to 2200 MHz operating range.

Does ADL5385-EVALZ support both IF and direct RF modulation configurations?

Yes, the ADL5385-EVALZ supports both IF and direct RF modulation use cases because it fully exposes the ADL5385's dual-mode architecture. The board maintains the required 500 mV dc bias and 1.4 V_p-p differential swing on IBBP/IBBN/QBBP/QBBN inputs, enabling either complex IF drive or baseband drive. Its layout preserves signal integrity up to 2200 MHz, and the LO input path accommodates external 2×LO sources from 60 MHz to 4400 MHz - essential for both IF and direct-RF operation modes of the ADL5385.

How is temperature monitoring implemented on ADL5385-EVALZ?

The ADL5385-EVALZ provides direct access to the ADL5385's integrated temperature sensor via the TEMP pin. This pin delivers a dc voltage proportional to die temperature (1.56 V at 27.15°C, with a slope of 4.6 mV/°C), referenced to a 1 MΩ load. The evaluation board routes TEMP to a test point with appropriate buffering and filtering, allowing users to monitor thermal drift during RF characterization - critical for optimizing sideband suppression and carrier feedthrough over temperature, as specified in the ADL5385 datasheet.

Can ADL5385-EVALZ be used to evaluate LO drive level sensitivity?

Yes, the ADL5385-EVALZ enables precise LO drive level sensitivity analysis. It provides dedicated test points and routing for the LOIP and LOIN pins, supporting LO input power from −10 dBm to +5 dBm (per ADL5385 specs). Users can sweep LO amplitude while measuring resulting changes in SSB output power, sideband suppression, and carrier feedthrough - data directly traceable to Figures 8–9 and Table 1 in the ADL5385 Rev. D datasheet. The board's 50 Ω matched input path ensures accurate source impedance presentation.

Is the ADL5385-EVALZ RoHS-compliant and compatible with standard lab equipment?

Yes, the ADL5385-EVALZ is RoHS-compliant and designed for seamless integration with standard RF test equipment. It features SMA connectors for RF output and LO input, spring-loaded test points for baseband and enable signals, and clearly labeled headers for power and TEMP monitoring. All passive components meet RoHS directives, and the PCB layout follows Analog Devices' recommended grounding and decoupling practices - including soldered exposed pad connection - ensuring repeatable, lab-ready performance consistent with ADL5385 characterization setups described in the datasheet's "Evaluation Board" and "Characterization Setup" sections.