Analog Devices Inc. ADL5610-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5610-EVALZ from Analog Devices is a fully populated, RoHS-compliant evaluation board designed to characterize the ADL5610 30 MHz–6 GHz RF/IF gain block amplifier. It supports single 5 V operation, delivers 18.4 dB fixed gain at 900 MHz, achieves +20.4 dBm P1dB and +38.8 dBm OIP3, and enables rapid prototyping in wireless infrastructure, cellular front-end, and broadband test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5610-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5610-EVALZ layout, ADL5610-EVALZ schematic, or ADL5610-EVALZ power supply configuration, this board provides validated RF matching, thermal management via exposed-pad grounding, and configurable low- and high-frequency operation using selectable bias inductors and coupling capacitors.

Technical Context

The ADL5610-EVALZ implements the ADL5610 SOT-89 amplifier in a 4-layer FR-4 PCB with controlled-impedance 50 Ω microstrip traces, optimized for minimal parasitic effects across 30 MHz–6 GHz. It integrates three decoupling capacitors (68 pF, 1.2 nF, 1 µF), a 43 nH bias inductor for 500 MHz–6 GHz operation, and 100 nF AC-coupling capacitors at input/output.

Board-level design includes solderable clip-on terminals for VCC/GND, a configurable L1 position supporting 1000 nH for 30–500 MHz use, and thermal vias under the ADL5610's exposed pad to achieve 52°C/W junction-to-air thermal resistance - matching the datasheet-specified θJA for the SOT-89 package.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5610-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF front-end validation, cellular base station development, spectrum analyzer pre-amplifier staging, and broadband receiver sensitivity testing requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADL5610-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 ADL5610-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for broadband gain blocks by providing production-ready layouts, calibrated S-parameter data, and documented thermal performance.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL5610-EVALZ?

The ADL5610-EVALZ is an evaluation board purpose-built to demonstrate and validate the ADL5610 RF gain block amplifier. It provides all necessary passive components - including bias inductor, decoupling capacitors, and AC-coupling caps - along with SMA connectors and thermal management features, enabling immediate RF characterization without custom PCB design.

Does the ADL5610-EVALZ support both low-band (30–500 MHz) and high-band (500 MHz–6 GHz) operation?

Yes, the ADL5610-EVALZ supports both frequency ranges via configurable component placement. The default 43 nH bias inductor (L1) is optimized for 500 MHz–6 GHz; replacing it with a 1000 nH inductor (per Table 6 in the ADL5610 datasheet) enables improved noise figure and gain flatness in the 30–500 MHz band.

What power supply requirements does the ADL5610-EVALZ have?

The ADL5610-EVALZ accepts a single 5 V DC supply via clip-on terminals, aligned with the ADL5610's specified 4.75–5.25 V operating range. Total quiescent current draw is 92 mA, and the board includes three-stage decoupling (68 pF, 1.2 nF, 1 µF) to ensure stable RF performance across temperature and frequency.

How is thermal performance managed on the ADL5610-EVALZ?

Thermal performance on the ADL5610-EVALZ is managed through direct soldering of the ADL5610's exposed pad to a dedicated internal ground plane, augmented by multiple thermal vias connecting to inner and bottom ground layers. This achieves the datasheet-specified 52°C/W junction-to-air thermal resistance, critical for sustained operation at +105°C ambient.

Can the ADL5610-EVALZ be used for W-CDMA ACPR measurements?

Yes - the ADL5610-EVALZ has been validated for W-CDMA ACPR testing, as confirmed in Figure 30 of the ADL5610 datasheet. At 2140 MHz with a Test Model 1-64 signal, the board enables measurement of −81 dBc ACPR at −5 dBm output power and −65 dBc at +5 dBm, demonstrating linearity consistent with the ADL5610's +36.8 dBm OIP3 at that frequency.