Analog Devices Inc. ADL5601-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5601-EVALZ from Analog Devices is a fully populated, RoHS-compliant evaluation board for the ADL5601 15 dB RF gain block, supporting operation from 50 MHz to 4.0 GHz. It enables rapid characterization of gain, OIP3 (43.0 dBm at 900 MHz), P1dB (19.0 dBm), noise figure (3.7 dB), and W-CDMA ACPR performance in RF front-end designs.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5601-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5601-EVALZ schematic, ADL5601-EVALZ layout, or ADL5601-EVALZ power supply configuration, this board provides verified reference design implementation with 0402/0603/1206 passive components, clip-on VCC/GND terminals, and deembedded S-parameter measurement capability up to 4 GHz.

Technical Context

The ADL5601-EVALZ implements the ADL5601 RF gain block in a 3-lead SOT-89 package with internal 50 Ω input/output matching. It uses a 470 nH bias inductor (Coilcraft 0603LS-NX or equivalent) on RFOUT (Pin 3), 0.1 µF ac-coupling capacitors on RFIN and RFOUT, and three-stage power supply decoupling (68 pF, 1.2 nF, 1 µF).

Designed for single 5 V operation at 83 mA quiescent current, the board supports full −40°C to +85°C temperature validation and includes an exposed paddle thermally connected to ground per JEDEC TO-243 (RK-3) standards.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5601-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF amplifier characterization, W-CDMA driver validation, cellular infrastructure prototyping, and broadband test equipment development requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADL5601-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 ADL5601-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave evaluation platform family, designed specifically to accelerate development of high-dynamic-range gain blocks for wireless infrastructure, test instrumentation, and defense communications systems.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the ADL5601-EVALZ evaluation board?

The ADL5601-EVALZ evaluation board is a fully populated platform for characterizing the ADL5601 15 dB RF gain block across its full 50 MHz to 4.0 GHz bandwidth. It provides validated RF layout, calibrated S-parameter measurement points, and standardized power interface to enable accurate gain, OIP3, P1dB, noise figure, and ACPR testing without custom PCB development. The ADL5601-EVALZ includes all recommended external components per the ADL5601 datasheet Rev. A.

Does the ADL5601-EVALZ require external power regulation?

No, the ADL5601-EVALZ accepts a single 5 V dc supply directly via clip-on terminals - no onboard voltage regulation is included. The board relies on clean, stable 5 V input to power the ADL5601 IC, which draws 83 mA typical. Users must ensure supply ripple remains below 10 mV p-p to avoid degradation of OIP3 and noise figure measurements. The ADL5601-EVALZ implements three-stage decoupling (68 pF, 1.2 nF, 1 µF) to maintain RF stability.

Can the ADL5601-EVALZ be used for W-CDMA ACPR testing?

Yes, the ADL5601-EVALZ is explicitly validated for W-CDMA ACPR testing per the ADL5601 datasheet Figure 18, achieving −69 dBc at −5 dBm output and −56 dBc at +5 dBm output with a 2140 MHz carrier. Its edge-mounted SMA connectors, controlled-impedance 50 Ω traces, and deembedded measurement methodology ensure repeatable adjacent channel power ratio results. The ADL5601-EVALZ supports direct connection to spectrum analyzers with instrument noise-correction capability.

What RF connectors are used on the ADL5601-EVALZ?

The ADL5601-EVALZ uses edge-mounted SMA connectors for both RFIN and RFOUT ports. These connectors are mounted directly on the board edge to minimize launch discontinuity and preserve 50 Ω impedance integrity up to 4 GHz. No adapter or cable assembly is required for basic S-parameter or gain measurements, and the layout follows Analog Devices' recommended land pattern for RK-3 (SOT-89) package thermal and RF grounding.

Is the ADL5601-EVALZ RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the ADL5601-EVALZ is fully RoHS-compliant and lead-free, as confirmed in the ADL5601 Ordering Guide (Rev. A, Page 15) and marked with "Z" suffix per Analog Devices' part numbering convention. All passives (0402/0603/1206), PCB substrate, solder mask, and finish meet EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements. The ADL5601-EVALZ ships with IPC-A-610 Class 2 workmanship compliance documentation.