Analog Devices Inc. ADL5504-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5504-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the ADL5504 TruPwr™ true rms RF power detector IC, supporting 450 MHz to 6000 MHz operation with ±0.25 dB accuracy over temperature and 35 dB dynamic range. It enables rapid characterization of complex modulation waveforms-including W-CDMA, LTE, WiMAX, and QAM/OFDM-in RF transmitter and receiver signal chains.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5504-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5504-EVALZ setup guide, ADL5504-EVALZ RF calibration procedure, or ADL5504-EVALZ layout recommendations, this board provides verified reference design, calibrated measurement traceability, and configurable filtering (FLTR/COUT) for accurate rms detection across multi-carrier and high-crest-factor signals.

Technical Context

The ADL5504-EVALZ implements a two-stage detection architecture: first stripping the RF carrier to extract the envelope, then performing proprietary translinear rms computation in the square domain. Its on-chip 140 kHz averaging filter is augmented by user-configurable external capacitance at the FLTR pin (1 kΩ internal resistor) and output low-pass filtering via COUT and the 100 Ω series output resistance.

It supports single-supply operation from 2.5 V to 3.3 V, draws 1.8 mA quiescent current, and delivers rail-to-rail VRMS output with <3 µs pulse response (no filter). The board includes decoupling (100 pF + 0.1 µF), 75 Ω input termination, and test points for RFIN, VRMS, VPOS, ENBL, COMM, and FLTR-enabling direct probing and signal injection without soldering.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5504-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF power calibration, 5G base station development, cellular infrastructure testing, and wireless transceiver validation requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADL5504-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 ADL5504-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave evaluation platform family, designed to accelerate development of precision RF power measurement systems for cellular infrastructure, aerospace, and test equipment applications.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL5504-EVALZ?

The ADL5504-EVALZ is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for the ADL5504 true rms RF power detector IC. It provides a ready-to-use platform for characterizing rms power detection performance across 450 MHz–6000 MHz, supporting complex waveforms like LTE, W-CDMA, and OFDM with calibrated accuracy and configurable filtering. Engineers use ADL5504-EVALZ to validate signal chain power control loops before integrating the ADL5504 into final designs.

Does ADL5504-EVALZ require external power supplies or additional components to operate?

No-ADL5504-EVALZ operates from a single 2.5 V to 3.3 V DC supply applied to the VPOS header. It includes all necessary decoupling (100 pF + 0.1 µF), a 75 Ω input termination, and accessible test points for FLTR and VRMS. No external resistors, capacitors, or bias networks are required for basic operation; users only need a calibrated RF source and measurement instrument to begin testing ADL5504-EVALZ.

How does ADL5504-EVALZ support high-crest-factor waveform measurement?

ADL5504-EVALZ leverages the ADL5504's proprietary translinear rms core and configurable filtering: the FLTR pin accepts external capacitance (via test point) to extend square-domain averaging for low-frequency modulation components, while the VRMS output's 100 Ω series resistance allows simple addition of COUT to suppress residual ripple. This dual-filtering capability-verified across W-CDMA, LTE, and 802.16 OFDM waveforms-ensures ADL5504-EVALZ maintains ±0.25 dB accuracy even at crest factors >10 dB.

Can ADL5504-EVALZ be used for production-level RF power monitoring?

No-ADL5504-EVALZ is strictly an evaluation and development tool, not qualified for production deployment. Its PCB layout, component selection, and thermal design prioritize measurement fidelity and debug accessibility-not long-term reliability, environmental robustness, or regulatory compliance. For production, designers must implement the ADL5504 IC in their own application-specific layout per Analog Devices' layout guidelines; ADL5504-EVALZ serves only to de-risk that integration.

Where can I find schematics, layout files, and calibration data for ADL5504-EVALZ?

Full design resources for ADL5504-EVALZ-including schematic PDF, Gerber files, bill of materials, and measured performance data-are available on the Analog Devices website under the ADL5504 product page (analog.com/en/products/adl5504.html), specifically in the "Design Resources" tab. Aetrix Electronics provides direct links to these official files upon request to ensure ADL5504-EVALZ users access unmodified, manufacturer-validated documentation.