Analog Devices Inc. ADL5386-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5386-EVALZ from Analog Devices is a fully assembled, 4-layer evaluation board for the ADL5386 quadrature modulator IC, enabling rapid RF transmitter characterization across 50 MHz to 2200 MHz. It supports direct RF and low-IF modulation, integrates on-board VVA control and logarithmic detector interfaces, and provides SMA connectors for LO, baseband, and RF paths - used in WiMAX, cable modem termination, and cellular infrastructure prototyping.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5386-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5386-EVALZ pinout, ADL5386-EVALZ application, or ADL5386-EVALZ equivalent, this board delivers calibrated RF performance validation, AGC loop testing capability, detector output measurement, and VVA dynamic range verification without custom PCB development.

Technical Context

The ADL5386-EVALZ implements the full signal chain of the ADL5386 IC: differential I/Q baseband inputs (IBBP/IBBN/QBBP/QBBN), single-ended LO input at 2× output frequency (LOIP/LOIN), RF output (MODOUT), VVA interface (ATTI/ATTO/ATTCM/VDET-VCTL), and detector feedback path (INHI/INLO/VSET/CLPF). All critical biasing, decoupling, and impedance-matching networks are pre-installed per Analog Devices' reference design.

It supports both open-loop VVA control (via external voltage on VDET/VCTL) and closed-loop AGC operation (using CLPF capacitor and VSET setpoint), with temperature compensation enabled via TADJ resistor. The board includes jumpers for ENBL activation, COMM grounding, and detector enable/disable - matching the ADL5386's functional block diagram and pin configuration exactly.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5386-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for WiMAX base station development, cable modem termination system validation, and cellular infrastructure RF front-end prototyping requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADL5386-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 ICs, headquartered in Norwood, MA, serving communications, industrial, and aerospace markets since 1965.

The ADL5386-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF Transmitter Evaluation Platform product line, designed specifically to accelerate time-to-test for broadband quadrature modulators used in next-generation wireless infrastructure transmitters.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL5386-EVALZ?

The ADL5386-EVALZ is an evaluation board that enables full functional validation of the ADL5386 quadrature modulator IC. It provides ready-to-use RF, LO, and baseband interfaces, on-board power regulation, and configurable AGC/VVA/detector circuitry - allowing engineers to characterize modulation accuracy, sideband suppression, carrier feedthrough, and detector linearity without custom layout. The ADL5386-EVALZ directly supports the ADL5386's specified 50 MHz–2200 MHz operating range and all key features documented in Rev. 0 of its datasheet.

Does the ADL5386-EVALZ support both open-loop and closed-loop AGC modes?

Yes, the ADL5386-EVALZ supports both modes. In closed-loop AGC, the board provides a CLPF capacitor footprint and VSET test point to configure loop bandwidth and setpoint voltage per the ADL5386's internal log detector and VVA control architecture. In open-loop mode, the VDET/VCTL pin is accessible for external voltage-driven attenuation control, with VREF routed to a test point for 2 V reference application. These configurations match the ADL5386's dual-mode operation as defined in its functional block diagram and pin descriptions.

Can the ADL5386-EVALZ be used to measure detector output linearity and dynamic range?

Yes. The ADL5386-EVALZ exposes the VDET/VCTL and VSET pins, along with INHI/INLO, enabling direct connection to test equipment for measuring detector transfer function, ±1 dB dynamic range (24–28 dB depending on frequency), slope (−21 to −23.2 mV/dB), and intercept (12.6–18.2 dBm). The board maintains the ADL5386's specified detector performance across 50 MHz–2150 MHz, including video bandwidth (15 MHz) and noise floor (73 nV/√Hz), as verified in the datasheet's Typical Performance Characteristics section.

What power supply requirements does the ADL5386-EVALZ have?

The ADL5386-EVALZ requires a single 5 V DC supply (4.75 V to 5.5 V), capable of delivering up to 245 mA during full-power modulation at 25°C. It includes on-board 0.1 μF ceramic bypass capacitors at each VPOS pin (Pins 21, 22, 23, 35, 36, 37, 38) as specified in the ADL5386's Power Supplies section. The board also supports sleep mode (2.2 mA) when ENBL is grounded and TADJ is tied to VPOS - consistent with the ADL5386's absolute maximum ratings and supply current specifications.

Is thermal management addressed on the ADL5386-EVALZ board?

Yes. The ADL5386-EVALZ implements the ADL5386's thermal design requirements by soldering the exposed paddle (EPAD) directly to an internal solid ground plane, achieving the specified θJA of 38°C/W. The board layout follows Analog Devices' recommended thermal vias and copper pour guidelines, and includes thermal relief pads for reliable reflow. This ensures junction temperature remains within −40°C to +85°C operating limits during continuous RF output testing, as validated in the ADL5386's Absolute Maximum Ratings and Thermal Characteristics sections.