Analog Devices Inc. ADL5602-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5602-EVALZ from Analog Devices is a fully populated, RoHS-compliant evaluation board designed to characterize the ADL5602 20 dB RF gain block operating from 50 MHz to 4.0 GHz. It supports single 5 V supply operation, integrates input/output AC-coupling capacitors (0.1 µF), bias inductor (470 nH), and three-stage power decoupling (68 pF, 1.2 nF, 1 µF), enabling rapid validation in cellular, W-CDMA, and instrumentation signal chains.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5602-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5602-EVALZ layout, ADL5602-EVALZ schematic, or ADL5602-EVALZ component placement, this page delivers verified board-level specifications, thermal design guidance, supply interface details, and application-specific performance data-including W-CDMA ACPR at 2140 MHz-to accelerate RF amplifier prototyping and system integration.

Technical Context

The ADL5602-EVALZ implements the ADL5602 SOT-89 packaged RF gain block with fixed 20 dB gain, 50 Ω input/output matching, and integrated bias control. It uses a 470 nH inductor (Coilcraft 0603LS-NX or equivalent) for DC feed to Pin 3 (RFOUT), and three decoupling capacitors (68 pF, 1.2 nF, 1 µF) to stabilize the 5 V supply under broadband RF conditions.

Board-level performance reflects the underlying ADL5602's key metrics: OIP3 of 42.0 dBm and P1dB of 19.3 dBm at 2.0 GHz, noise figure of 3.3 dB, and −75 dBc ACPR at −5 dBm output in W-CDMA (2140 MHz). The PCB land pattern follows JEDEC TO-243 (SOT-89) standards with exposed paddle soldered to ground for thermal management.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5602-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF front-end development, W-CDMA driver stage validation, and broadband instrumentation amplifier testing requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADL5602-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 ADL5602-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate characterization and integration of broadband gain blocks into wireless infrastructure, test equipment, and defense communication systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL5602-EVALZ?

The ADL5602-EVALZ is a dedicated evaluation board for the ADL5602 20 dB RF gain block. It provides a ready-to-use platform with pre-populated matching components, bias network, and decoupling to validate the device's performance across 50 MHz–4.0 GHz-enabling immediate measurement of gain, OIP3, noise figure, and ACPR without custom PCB design. The ADL5602-EVALZ simplifies RF amplifier evaluation in lab and pre-production environments.

Does the ADL5602-EVALZ require external power regulation?

No, the ADL5602-EVALZ accepts a raw 5 V supply directly via clip-on terminals (VCC and GND); it contains no onboard voltage regulator. The board relies on the user's clean, low-noise 5 V source and implements three-tier decoupling (68 pF, 1.2 nF, 1 µF) to suppress supply noise across RF bands. This design ensures accurate characterization of the ADL5602's native 5 V operation as specified in its datasheet.

How is RF matching implemented on the ADL5602-EVALZ?

The ADL5602-EVALZ leverages the ADL5602's internal 50 Ω input/output matching. It uses 0.1 µF AC-coupling capacitors (C1, C2) at RF ports and a 470 nH bias inductor (L1) connected to Pin 3 (RFOUT) to isolate DC from the RF path. No external matching networks are required-this configuration enables plug-and-play S-parameter measurements and gain flatness verification from 50 MHz to 4 GHz using standard 50 Ω test equipment.

What W-CDMA performance data is validated on the ADL5602-EVALZ?

The ADL5602-EVALZ demonstrates −75 dBc adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) at −5 dBm output power using a single-carrier W-CDMA Test Model 1-64 signal at 2140 MHz. At +5 dBm output, ACPR remains at −61 dBc-confirming suitability for PA driver stages. These results are measured directly on the ADL5602-EVALZ per the datasheet's Figure 18 and reflect the ADL5602's high linearity and low distortion under real-world modulated signals.

Is thermal management addressed on the ADL5602-EVALZ PCB?

Yes-the ADL5602-EVALZ implements JEDEC TO-243 (SOT-89) compliant layout with the ADL5602's exposed paddle soldered directly to a low-impedance ground plane. This minimizes thermal resistance (θJC = 5.0°C/W) and prevents junction overheating during continuous-wave or modulated RF operation. The board's land pattern follows AN-772 guidelines, including via stitching between ground layers where multilayer PCBs are used.