Analog Devices Inc. ADRF6701-EVALZ

Overview

ADRF6701-EVALZ from Analog Devices is a lead-free evaluation board for the ADRF6701 400–1250 MHz quadrature modulator with integrated 750–1150 MHz fractional-N PLL and VCO. It enables rapid characterization of RF output power, sideband suppression, carrier feedthrough, and phase noise across cellular and broadband wireless bands. The board supports SPI programming, external loop filter integration, and 5 V single-supply operation.

For engineers reviewing the ADRF6701-EVALZ datasheet, ADRF6701-EVALZ pinout, ADRF6701-EVALZ application, or ADRF6701-EVALZ equivalent, this evaluation platform provides validated reference schematics, layout guidelines, thermal management provisions, and software-controlled register access to verify modulator linearity (OIP3 = 30.1 dBm @ 1100 MHz), baseband bandwidth (750 MHz, 3 dB), and integrated PLL performance (−222 dBc/Hz/Hz FOM).

Technical Context

The ADRF6701-EVALZ implements the full signal chain of the ADRF6701 IC: differential I/Q baseband inputs (IP/IN/QP/QN), programmable charge pump (CP) and VTUNE interface for loop filter connection, RFOUT single-ended 50 Ω output, and LOP/LON local oscillator ports configurable as input or output via LOSEL control. All 40 pins of the 6 mm × 6 mm LFCSP are routed to test points or SMA connectors.

It integrates on-board decoupling (100 pF + 0.1 µF per VCC pin), REFIN termination (50 Ω), MUXOUT lock-detect monitoring, and ENOP-controlled RFOUT enable/disable. The board supports both internal VCO operation and external LO injection modes, with provision for temperature sensor readout via MUXOUT.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADRF6701-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF transceiver development, cellular infrastructure prototyping, and broadband wireless access system validation requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADRF6701-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 ADRF6701-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform product line, designed to accelerate time-to-test for highly integrated transceivers used in 4G/5G infrastructure, satellite modems, and point-to-point radios.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADRF6701-EVALZ?

The ADRF6701-EVALZ is an evaluation board specifically built to characterize and validate the ADRF6701 integrated quadrature modulator and fractional-N PLL/VCO. It provides full access to all critical signals-including differential I/Q inputs, RFOUT, VTUNE, CP, LOP/LON, and SPI interface-to measure RF performance metrics such as sideband suppression, carrier feedthrough, OIP3, and phase noise across its 400–1250 MHz operating range. The ADRF6701-EVALZ does not perform modulation itself; it hosts and interfaces the ADRF6701 IC.

Does the ADRF6701-EVALZ support external LO injection?

Yes, the ADRF6701-EVALZ fully supports external LO injection into the LOP/LON pins. When LOSEL is set low and Register 5's LDRV and LXL bits are configured appropriately, the ADRF6701 IC disables its internal VCO and accepts an external 1× or 2× LO signal. The ADRF6701-EVALZ provides proper 50 Ω termination and biasing for this mode, enabling verification of modulator-only performance independent of PLL/VCO behavior.

What power supply requirements does the ADRF6701-EVALZ have?

The ADRF6701-EVALZ requires a single 5 V DC supply with capability to deliver ≥300 mA peak current. This accommodates the ADRF6701 IC's 240 mA typical consumption in full Tx mode (PLL + IQ modulator enabled) and up to 290 mA when the internal LO buffer is active. The board includes dedicated 100 pF + 0.1 µF decoupling per VCC pin (VCC1–VCC7) and uses the exposed paddle ground plane for thermal and electrical integrity.

How is SPI communication implemented on the ADRF6701-EVALZ?

The ADRF6701-EVALZ exposes CLK, DATA, and LE signals to a 12-pin header compatible with Analog Devices' SDP (System Development Platform) controllers. It supports 24-bit register writes at up to 20 MHz clock rate, with timing compliant to Table 3 of the ADRF6701 datasheet (t1–t7 setup/hold constraints). The board routes all SPI lines with controlled impedance and includes series resistors for signal integrity-enabling reliable register configuration of the ADRF6701, including PLL dividers, charge pump current, and LO path selection.

Can the ADRF6701-EVALZ be used to measure temperature-dependent performance?

Yes, the ADRF6701-EVALZ allows direct measurement of the ADRF6701's on-chip temperature sensor via the MUXOUT pin. When configured via Register 4 (DB21–DB23), MUXOUT outputs a voltage proportional to absolute temperature (VPTAT = 1.63 V at 25°C, 3.75 mV/°C slope). The ADRF6701-EVALZ brings MUXOUT to a test point with appropriate load (>10 kΩ) and grounding, enabling correlation of RF parameters-such as OP1dB drift or phase noise variation-with junction temperature during extended testing.