Analog Devices Inc. ADL9005-EVALZ

Overview

ADL9005-EVALZ from Analog Devices is a fully assembled, RoHS-compliant evaluation board designed to simplify characterization and integration of the ADL9005 wideband low-noise amplifier (LNA) - a GaAs pHEMT MMIC operating from 0.01 GHz to 26.5 GHz with 17.5 dB typical gain, 2.5 dB noise figure (0.01–14 GHz), and 5 V single-supply operation. It supports rapid prototyping in microwave radio, test instrumentation, and military communications systems.

For engineers reviewing the ADL9005-EVALZ datasheet, ADL9005-EVALZ user guide (UG-1859), ADL9005-EVALZ layout, or ADL9005-EVALZ component sourcing, this board provides verified RF input/output matching, biasing via ACG pins and RBIAS resistor, on-board decoupling, and direct SMA connectivity for immediate S-parameter and gain/noise figure measurement without custom PCB development.

Technical Context

The ADL9005-EVALZ implements the ADL9005 LNA in its native 4 mm × 4 mm LFCSP (CP-24-15) package mounted on a multilayer FR-4 PCB with controlled-impedance 50 Ω microstrip traces. It incorporates four AC-grounding capacitors (ACG1–ACG4), a 300 Ω RBIAS resistor for 80 mA quiescent current, and SMA connectors for RFIN and RFOUT - all aligned to the interface schematics and bias recommendations in UG-1859 and the ADL9005 datasheet Rev. A.

Board-level design follows Analog Devices' application guidance for surface-mount bias tees and thermal management: exposed pad soldered to internal ground planes, optimized capacitor placement per Figure 74, and layout practices minimizing parasitic inductance at RF ports to preserve broadband performance up to 26.5 GHz.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL9005-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave radio development, RF test instrumentation validation, and defense-grade signal chain prototyping requiring stable component supply and documented reference designs.

Supply support for ADL9005-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, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and defense markets since 1965.

The ADL9005-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' Microwave & RF Evaluation Platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate time-to-test for wideband GaAs and GaN amplifiers by providing validated layouts, calibrated measurement paths, and complete documentation (UG-1859).

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the ADL9005-EVALZ?

The ADL9005-EVALZ is an evaluation board designed exclusively for the ADL9005 wideband LNA. It enables immediate RF performance verification - including gain, noise figure, OP1dB, and return loss - across 0.01 GHz to 26.5 GHz without custom PCB design. The board implements all biasing, matching, and decoupling per Analog Devices' UG-1859 and ADL9005 datasheet Rev. A, making ADL9005-EVALZ ideal for lab characterization and system integration.

Does ADL9005-EVALZ support alternative bias configurations like ACG4/VDD2?

Yes, ADL9005-EVALZ supports the ACG4/VDD2 drain bias option as described in the ADL9005 datasheet Section "Providing Drain Bias Through the ACG4/VDD2 Pin". While shipped with default 5 V bias via RFOUT/VDD, the board includes test points and routing to reconfigure ACG4/VDD2 (Pin 24) for 8.5 V operation - enabling higher output power where needed. This flexibility is documented in UG-1859 and validated in Figures 67–72 of the ADL9005 datasheet Rev. A.

What RF connectors are used on ADL9005-EVALZ?

ADL9005-EVALZ uses industry-standard SMA female connectors for both RFIN and RFOUT ports. These connectors are directly soldered to 50 Ω microstrip transmission lines routed with tight impedance control and minimal discontinuity, ensuring accurate S-parameter measurements up to 26.5 GHz as confirmed in the ADL9005 datasheet's typical performance figures (e.g., Figures 7, 19, 34).

Is the ADL9005-EVALZ RoHS-compliant and MSL-rated?

Yes, ADL9005-EVALZ is RoHS-compliant and built with MSL3-compatible assembly processes. The ADL9005IC itself is rated MSL3 (peak reflow 260°C), and the evaluation board uses only RoHS-compliant components and finishes. Full compliance documentation, including material declarations and reflow profile guidance, is provided in UG-1859 and the ADL9005 ordering guide.

Where can I find the schematic, layout files, and bill of materials for ADL9005-EVALZ?

The complete ADL9005-EVALZ design package - including schematic (PDF), PCB layout (Gerber), BOM, and assembly drawings - is available in the official ADL9005-EVALZ User Guide UG-1859, published by Analog Devices. UG-1859 also lists all recommended external component part numbers (e.g., Murata BLM15GG471SN1D for ferrite beads) and provides step-by-step setup instructions for using ADL9005-EVALZ with network analyzers and spectrum analyzers.