Analog Devices Inc. ADL5387-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5387-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the ADL5387 broadband quadrature I/Q demodulator IC, supporting RF/IF input frequencies from 30 MHz to 2 GHz and LO inputs from 60 MHz to 4 GHz. It enables characterization of key demodulator performance metrics including I/Q phase accuracy (±0.4°), amplitude balance (±0.05 dB), 240 MHz demodulation bandwidth, and >4 dB voltage conversion gain - critical for infrastructure-grade direct-conversion receivers in wireless base stations.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5387-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5387-EVALZ setup guide, ADL5387-EVALZ test configuration, or ADL5387-EVALZ compatibility with ADL5387 ICs, this board provides a validated platform to evaluate RF-to-baseband signal integrity, EVM under QAM/QPSK modulation, image rejection, and dynamic range (IIP3 = 31–32 dBm, NF = 12.0–16.5 dB) across frequency bands used in W-CDMA, LTE, WiMAX, and point-to-multipoint radios.

Technical Context

The ADL5387-EVALZ implements the ADL5387 IC in a fully populated, impedance-matched layout optimized for 50 Ω RF/LO/baseband interfaces. It integrates M/A-COM ETC1-1-13 baluns for differential RF and LO drive, on-board bias networks for BIAS pin current tuning, and 200 Ω differential termination for I/Q outputs to support 2 V p-p swing verification.

Board-level design includes decoupling for all four supply rails (VPA/VPL/VPB/VPX), ground-plane-exposed paddle soldering per LFCSP-24 package requirements, and calibrated SMA connectors for RFIP/RFIN, LOIP/LOIN, and IHI/ILO/QHI/QLO ports - enabling repeatable S-parameter, noise figure, and distortion measurements without custom fixture development.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5387-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure prototyping, RF receiver validation, and high-frequency demodulator qualification requiring stable component supply, traceable calibration, and documented test methodology.

Supply support for ADL5387-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 ADL5387-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform product line, designed specifically to accelerate development and verification of high-dynamic-range quadrature demodulators for cellular infrastructure, broadband wireless, and defense communications systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL5387-EVALZ?

The ADL5387-EVALZ is an evaluation board purpose-built to characterize the ADL5387 broadband quadrature I/Q demodulator IC. It provides calibrated RF, LO, and baseband interfaces - including SMA connectors, M/A-COM ETC1-1-13 baluns, and proper decoupling - to measure real-world performance parameters such as I/Q phase error, amplitude imbalance, noise figure, and third-order intercept across 30 MHz–2 GHz. The ADL5387-EVALZ does not operate standalone; it requires connection to lab equipment and the ADL5387 IC is pre-mounted on the board.

Does the ADL5387-EVALZ support both single-ended and differential LO drive?

Yes, the ADL5387-EVALZ supports single-ended LO drive as specified in the ADL5387 datasheet: a 0 dBm LO signal is applied through a 1000 pF capacitor to LOIP while LOIN is AC-grounded with another 1000 pF capacitor. The board's layout maintains 50 Ω impedance and includes matching components per Figure 50. Differential LO drive is not implemented on the ADL5387-EVALZ; it relies on the internal divide-by-2 quadrature generator within the ADL5387 IC itself.

Can the ADL5387-EVALZ be used to evaluate ADL5387 performance at 30 MHz RF input?

Yes, the ADL5387-EVALZ supports full characterization down to 30 MHz RF input, as confirmed by the ADL5387 datasheet Rev. C (Page 3, Table 1 and Figure 4). The board includes low-frequency optimized bias inductors (680 nH) and capacitors (0.01 µF) per Figure 64, enabling valid measurement of conversion gain (4.5 dB), IP1dB (12 dBm), and IIP2 (69 dBm) at 30 MHz - making the ADL5387-EVALZ suitable for sub-100 MHz wireless applications including narrowband IoT and legacy cellular bands.

What baseband load impedance is recommended when using the ADL5387-EVALZ?

The ADL5387-EVALZ is configured for 200 Ω differential baseband loading to deliver the rated 2 V p-p differential output swing, as specified in the ADL5387 datasheet (Page 3, Table 1). The board routes IHI/ILO and QHI/QLO to SMA connectors with series 25 Ω resistors per pin - yielding 50 Ω differential output impedance - and expects external 200 Ω differential termination. Using higher impedances (e.g., 450 Ω or open-circuit) reduces effective gain and alters bandwidth; the ADL5387-EVALZ documentation explicitly references 200 Ω for full-swing validation.

Is thermal management provided on the ADL5387-EVALZ for extended operation?

Yes, the ADL5387-EVALZ incorporates thermal design aligned with the ADL5387 IC's LFCSP-24 package requirements: the exposed paddle is soldered to a large internal copper ground plane, and the board includes multiple thermal vias beneath the IC footprint to enhance heat dissipation. With typical supply current of 157–180 mA at 5 V, the ADL5387-EVALZ remains within safe junction temperature limits (<150°C) during continuous operation at +25°C ambient, as validated by Analog Devices' thermal characterization in the datasheet (θJA = 54°C/W).