Analog Devices Inc. ADL5391-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5391-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the ADL5391 ultrafast symmetric analog multiplier IC, supporting DC-to-2.0 GHz operation with fully differential X/Y/Z inputs and W output, ±2 V differential output swing, 2 GHz small-signal bandwidth, and single 4.5–5.5 V supply. It enables rapid validation of wideband multiplication, square-law detection, and fast VGA/modulator functions in RF and instrumentation systems.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5391-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5391-EVALZ schematic, ADL5391-EVALZ layout, or ADL5391-EVALZ configuration options, this board provides accessible SMA interfaces (single-ended and differential), on-board biasing, test points for all critical nodes (XP/XM/YP/YM/ZP/ZM/WP/WM/GADJ/ENBL/VMID), configurable matching networks, and documented jumper/resistor settings per application mode - enabling immediate functional verification without custom PCB design.

Technical Context

The ADL5391-EVALZ implements a complete, ready-to-use test platform for the ADL5391 16-lead LFCSP IC, featuring Mini-Circuits TC1-1-13M baluns for high-frequency single-ended-to-differential conversion, 56.2 Ω input matching resistors (R1, R2, R3), 24.9 Ω Z-input termination (R5, R6), and configurable DC blocking (C2/C4/C7/C8/C14/C17/C18/C20) and bypass (C11/C12/C3/C10) networks. All signal paths support both AC-coupled RF and DC-coupled baseband operation.

Board-level design accommodates multiple operational modes: broadband differential (via J2/J4/J7/J9), high-frequency single-ended (via J1/J5/J6/J8), GADJ control (J3), and enable/disable (SW1 + TP10). Test loops (TP1–TP14) provide direct access to all pins and internal nodes, while silkscreened metal layers (Fig. 24–25) and schematic (Fig. 23) ensure unambiguous hardware correlation.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5391-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF front-end prototyping, analog signal processing validation, high-speed modulator characterization, and square-law detector development requiring stable component supply and documented reference hardware.

Supply support for ADL5391-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 decades of expertise in RF, precision measurement, and signal synthesis technologies.

The ADL5391-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' precision RF evaluation platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in and performance verification of their advanced analog multipliers - emphasizing symmetry, bandwidth, and configurability for demanding RF and instrumentation applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL5391-EVALZ?

The ADL5391-EVALZ is an evaluation board purpose-built to demonstrate and validate the ADL5391 ultrafast symmetric analog multiplier IC. It provides full access to all device pins via SMA connectors and test points, supports both AC- and DC-coupled operation, and includes configurable matching, biasing, and balun-based signal conditioning to enable immediate functional testing across DC to 2.0 GHz - without requiring custom PCB design or external signal conditioning circuitry.

Does the ADL5391-EVALZ support DC-coupled operation for the ADL5391?

Yes, the ADL5391-EVALZ supports true DC-coupled operation. Baluns (T1–T4) can be removed and replaced with 0 Ω jumpers, and DC-blocking capacitors (C1/C5/C6/C9/C13/C15/C16/C19) are left unpopulated by default. Input common-mode levels down to ground are supported, and test points like XP_DC, XM_DC, YP_DC, YM_DC, ZP_DC, ZM_DC, WP_DC, and WM_DC provide direct access to DC-biased nodes for low-frequency and baseband applications using the ADL5391.

How do I configure the ADL5391-EVALZ for differential RF input/output?

To configure the ADL5391-EVALZ for differential RF operation, populate SMA connectors J2 (WP/WM), J4 (ZP/ZM), J7 (YP/YM), and J9 (XP/XM); remove baluns T1–T4 and replace with 0 Ω resistors; and remove DC-blocking capacitors C14, C15, C18, and C20. This route establishes direct differential paths between the ADL5391 pins and SMA jacks, preserving phase integrity and minimizing imbalance - essential for high-fidelity multiplication, modulation, and harmonic generation using the ADL5391.

What power supply requirements does the ADL5391-EVALZ have?

The ADL5391-EVALZ requires a single 4.5 V to 5.5 V DC supply connected to the VPOS header (J10 pin 1) and COMM (J10 pin 2). The board draws approximately 135 mA under normal operation (matching ADL5391's typical supply current), and includes C11 (4.7 µF) and C12 (0.1 µF) for VPOS filtering. An onboard enable switch (SW1) controls power to the ADL5391, allowing quick disable/enable cycles during testing of the ADL5391's 7.5 mA standby mode.

Where can I find the schematic and layout documentation for the ADL5391-EVALZ?

The complete schematic for the ADL5391-EVALZ is published as Figure 23 in the ADL5391 Rev. A datasheet. Component-side metal (Figure 24) and silkscreen (Figure 25) views are also provided in the same document. Table 4 lists all configurable components (jumpers, resistors, capacitors) with default values and functional descriptions. No separate user guide is required - all hardware implementation details, test point mappings, and configuration options are fully documented within the official ADL5391 datasheet, ensuring full transparency and reproducibility for the ADL5391-EVALZ.