Analog Devices Inc. ADL5726-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5726-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the ADL5726 21.2 GHz–23.6 GHz SiGe low-noise amplifier (LNA), featuring matched 50 Ω single-ended input and 100 Ω differential outputs, +85°C operating temperature support, and integrated 1.8 V/3.3 V LDO regulators for lab validation of microwave radio receiver front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5726-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5726-EVALZ pinout, ADL5726-EVALZ application, or ADL5726-EVALZ equivalent, this board enables rapid RF performance verification-including gain >22.5 dB, noise figure ≤3.4 dB, and IIP3 ≥3.0 dBm at 23.6 GHz-using a single 5 V supply and standard 180° hybrid measurement setup.

Technical Context

The ADL5726-EVALZ implements the ADL5726 LNA in a fully populated, impedance-controlled PCB layout with deembedded RF paths, optimized thermal grounding via soldered exposed pad, and calibrated 50 Ω SMA connectors on input (RFIN) and differential outputs (RFOP/RFON). It supports both 5 V-only operation and discrete 1.8 V/3.3 V biasing via configurable jumpers and zero-ohm resistors.

On-board ADM7170ACPZ-1.8 and ADM7172ACPZ-3.3 regulators provide low-noise, high-PSRR power delivery to VCC1 and VCC2 pins; RBIAS is fixed at 442 Ω using a 0402 resistor; all critical supply lines are decoupled with multi-value capacitor stacks (4.7 nF, 33 pF, 0.1 µF, 4.7 µF, 1000 pF) per Analog Devices' RF layout guidelines.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5726-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave radio link development, SATCOM terminal prototyping, and phased array receiver characterization requiring stable component supply, repeatable RF evaluation infrastructure, and full manufacturer-supported reference design fidelity.

Supply support for ADL5726-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 deep expertise in RF, microwave, and precision signal chain solutions.

The ADL5726-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate validation of high-frequency LNAs in point-to-point radios, instrumentation, and defense-grade SATCOM systems where 20+ GHz noise and linearity performance must be verified pre-integration.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the ADL5726-EVALZ?

The ADL5726-EVALZ is a fully assembled evaluation board for the ADL5726 low-noise amplifier, enabling engineers to measure real-world RF performance-including gain, noise figure, IIP3, and P1dB-across its 21.2 GHz to 23.6 GHz band using standard lab equipment. It integrates all necessary biasing, decoupling, and 50 Ω interconnects so users can validate the ADL5726 without custom PCB design.

Does the ADL5726-EVALZ support standalone 5 V operation?

Yes, the ADL5726-EVALZ supports standalone 5 V dc input operation. Onboard ADM7170ACPZ-1.8 and ADM7172ACPZ-3.3 LDO regulators automatically generate the required 1.8 V (VCC1) and 3.3 V (VCC2) supplies for the ADL5726. Total board current draw is approximately 90 mA at 5 V, as specified in the ADL5726-EVALZ documentation.

How are the differential outputs of the ADL5726 accessed on the ADL5726-EVALZ?

The ADL5726-EVALZ provides the ADL5726's differential outputs via two separate 50 Ω SMA connectors labeled RFOP and RFON. These are intended to feed a 180° hybrid coupler; the hybrid's difference port connects to a spectrum analyzer, while its sum port must be terminated to 50 Ω. This configuration preserves the ADL5726's native 100 Ω differential output impedance.

Is the ADL5726-EVALZ compatible with other members of the ADL572x family?

No-the ADL5726-EVALZ is specifically laid out and tuned for the ADL5726 LNA. While the ADL5721, ADL5723, ADL5724, and ADL5725 share the same 2.00 mm × 2.00 mm LFCSP package and pinout, their frequency bands and internal matching differ. Using another ADL572x device on this board may yield degraded RF performance due to unoptimized trace lengths and impedance tuning.

What decoupling strategy does the ADL5726-EVALZ use for the ADL5726's power pins?

The ADL5726-EVALZ employs a multi-tier decoupling strategy per Analog Devices' RF best practices: 4.7 nF and 33 pF capacitors near VCC1/VCC2 pins for high-frequency suppression; 0.1 µF for mid-band; and bulk 4.7 µF and 1000 pF capacitors placed close to the LDO outputs. All supply traces are short, wide, and routed over solid ground planes with thermal vias beneath the ADL5726's exposed pad.