Analog Devices Inc. ADL8104-EVALZ

Overview

ADL8104-EVALZ from Analog Devices is a 4-layer RF evaluation board designed to characterize the ADL8104 GaAs pHEMT MMIC low-noise amplifier across 0.4 GHz to 7.5 GHz. It features 3.5 mm female RF connectors, 50 Ω coplanar waveguide traces, SMT test points for VDD, VBIAS, and GND, and a depopulated through-calibration path between J1 and J2 for trace loss compensation in lab measurements.

For engineers reviewing the ADL8104-EVALZ datasheet, ADL8104-EVALZ pinout, ADL8104-EVALZ application, or ADL8104-EVALZ equivalent, this board supports high-frequency LNA validation, S-parameter measurement, bias sequencing verification, and insertion/return loss calibration in microwave receiver front-ends, spectrum analyzer preamps, and radar test setups.

Technical Context

The ADL8104-EVALZ implements a grounded coplanar waveguide layout on Rogers 4350B (10 mil) and Isola 370HR substrates, achieving nominal 62 mil thickness. Its RF paths maintain 50 Ω impedance with end-launch 3.5 mm connectors and direct ground paddle vias for thermal and electrical integrity.

Bias is applied via SMT test points: VDD and VBIAS accept 5 V/300 mA, while R2 = 90.9 Ω sets IDQ = 150 mA per the ADL8104 data sheet. The through-calibration path (J1–J2) delivers ≤0.2 dB insertion loss and >16 dB return loss from 0.4–7.5 GHz, enabling de-embedding of board effects during network analyzer measurements.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL8104-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave LNA characterization, RF front-end validation, and high-frequency test fixture development requiring stable component supply, traceable sourcing, and documented calibration support.

Supply support for ADL8104-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 RF ICs, headquartered in Norwood, MA, serving communications, industrial, and defense markets since 1965.

The ADL8104-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF/Microwave Evaluation Board product line, engineered specifically to accelerate prototyping and performance validation of wideband GaAs MMIC amplifiers in laboratory and production test environments.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL8104-EVALZ?

The ADL8104-EVALZ is an evaluation board purpose-built to assess the RF performance of the ADL8104 GaAs pHEMT low-noise amplifier. It provides calibrated 50 Ω signal paths, accessible bias and ground test points, and a depopulated through-calibration path-enabling accurate S-parameter measurement, gain flatness verification, and noise figure characterization across 0.4 GHz to 7.5 GHz without custom PCB design.

Does the ADL8104-EVALZ include the ADL8104 device?

Yes, the ADL8104-EVALZ evaluation board ships with the ADL8104 monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) pre-mounted and fully assembled. The U1 position on the board is populated with the ADL8104 GaAs pHEMT LNA, ready for immediate RF testing upon connection of 5 V power and RF sources.

What power supply requirements does the ADL8104-EVALZ have?

The ADL8104-EVALZ requires a 5 V, 300 mA DC power supply connected to the VDD and VBIAS SMT test points, with ground referenced to the GND test point. The onboard R2 = 90.9 Ω resistor sets the ADL8104's quiescent drain current to 150 mA, matching the conditions used to specify performance in the ADL8104 data sheet.

How is calibration performed on the ADL8104-EVALZ?

Calibration on the ADL8104-EVALZ uses the depopulated through path between J1 and J2 connectors. When J1 and J2 are installed, this path enables full 2-port S-parameter calibration (S11, S22, S21, S12) on a vector network analyzer. Table 1 in UG-1813 confirms insertion loss ≤0.2 dB and return loss >16 dB from 0.4–7.5 GHz, allowing precise de-embedding of board losses from DUT measurements.

Can the ADL8104-EVALZ be used outside its specified frequency range?

No-the ADL8104-EVALZ is optimized for 0.4 GHz to 7.5 GHz operation, as validated by its 50 Ω coplanar waveguide layout, Rogers 4350B substrate, and connector selection. Performance outside this band (e.g., <0.4 GHz or >7.5 GHz) is not characterized; impedance mismatch, increased loss, or resonance effects may compromise measurement fidelity and cannot be guaranteed by Analog Devices.