Analog Devices Inc. ADL5903-EVALZ

Overview

ADL5903-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the ADL5903 true RMS RF power detector IC, enabling rapid characterization of 200 MHz–6 GHz RF signal power in systems requiring ±1.0 dB accuracy, 35 dB dynamic range, and waveform-independent response to LTE/W-CDMA/GSM signals. It supports single-ended 50 Ω input drive, operates from 3.0 V to 5.0 V, and delivers logarithmic output (35.5 mV/dB at 900 MHz) with temperature-stable performance across −55°C to +125°C.

For engineers reviewing the ADL5903-EVALZ datasheet, ADL5903-EVALZ schematic, ADL5903-EVALZ test setup, or ADL5903-EVALZ calibration procedure, this board provides verified measurement configurations-including RF burst response, ENBL gating, and supply voltage sweep-alongside documented layout practices, component selection guidance (e.g., CRMS capacitor values), and traceable performance data across frequency, temperature, and modulation formats.

Technical Context

The ADL5903-EVALZ implements the full functional interface of the ADL5903 detector IC: RFIN accepts single-ended 50 Ω RF input; VRMS delivers a DC voltage proportional to log₁₀(Pᵢₙ); ENBL enables/disables operation with logic-level control; CREG and CRMS pins support on-chip regulator bypassing and RMS averaging via external capacitors; and the exposed pad ensures thermal/electrical grounding. The board includes calibrated SMA connectors, decoupling networks, and jumpers for supply voltage selection (3.3 V or 5.0 V).

It replicates key measurement setups defined in the ADL5903 datasheet Rev. B - including RF burst response (Figure 36), ENBL gating (Figure 38), and power supply gating (Figure 37) - using 1 MΩ oscilloscope probe interfaces at VRMS and trigger-synchronized instrumentation paths. Layout follows RF best practices: controlled-impedance 50 Ω microstrip, minimized parasitic inductance on GND/VPOS paths, and isolated analog/digital ground domains.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL5903-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF power amplifier linearization, transmitter power control, and RF instrumentation applications requiring stable component supply, traceable calibration data, and validated high-frequency measurement infrastructure.

Supply support for ADL5903-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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies for precision measurement, RF, and industrial applications.

The ADL5903-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform family, designed to accelerate development of accurate, wideband RF power measurement subsystems in wireless infrastructure, test equipment, and aerospace/defense systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL5903-EVALZ?

The ADL5903-EVALZ is an evaluation board for the ADL5903 true RMS RF power detector IC. It enables engineers to characterize RF input power from 200 MHz to 6 GHz with ±1.0 dB accuracy, validate logarithmic output scaling (e.g., 35.5 mV/dB at 900 MHz), and verify temperature-stable performance across −55°C to +125°C. The ADL5903-EVALZ includes all necessary passive components, SMA interfaces, and jumper-configurable supply options to replicate production-ready measurement conditions without custom PCB design.

Does the ADL5903-EVALZ support modulated signal measurements like LTE or W-CDMA?

Yes, the ADL5903-EVALZ fully supports modulated signal measurements as specified for the ADL5903 IC. Datasheet Figures 4–8 and 15–32 confirm accurate RMS detection of QPSK, 16/64 QAM, one-carrier/four-carrier W-CDMA, and LTE TM1 (20 MHz) signals at frequencies up to 5.8 GHz. The ADL5903-EVALZ preserves the intrinsic ripple-free transfer function and crest-factor independence of the ADL5903, enabling reliable TSSI and PA linearization validation under real-world modulation conditions.

How is the ADL5903-EVALZ powered, and what supply voltages are supported?

The ADL5903-EVALZ is powered via screw terminals and supports two selectable supply voltages: 3.3 V or 5.0 V, configured using on-board jumpers. This matches the ADL5903's operational range of 3.0 V to 5.25 V. At 5.0 V, the ADL5903 draws 3 mA quiescent current; in power-down mode (ENBL low), consumption drops below 100 µA. The board includes appropriate decoupling (CREG bypass) and filtering to maintain stability across the full temperature range.

Can the ADL5903-EVALZ be used to measure RF burst signals or gated RF envelopes?

Yes, the ADL5903-EVALZ is explicitly designed for RF burst and gated envelope measurements. Datasheet Figures 10, 11, 13, and 14 - referenced in the "Measurement Setups" section (Figures 36–38) - define test configurations replicated on the ADL5903-EVALZ. It supports timing-critical evaluations such as ENBL-controlled enable/disable response (Figure 38), RF burst rise/fall time analysis (Figure 36), and supply-voltage-gated operation (Figure 37), with documented VRMS transient behavior down to sub-millisecond resolution.

What calibration or setup steps are required before using the ADL5903-EVALZ?

No factory calibration is required for basic operation of the ADL5903-EVALZ. However, for ±1.0 dB accuracy across its full dynamic range, a three-point calibration (e.g., at −15 dBm, −3 dBm, +13 dBm per datasheet Table 1) is recommended using a traceable RF signal generator and power meter. The ADL5903-EVALZ provides direct access to VRMS, RFIN, ENBL, and VPOS for integration into automated test systems, and its layout adheres to Analog Devices' reference design guidelines to minimize measurement uncertainty.