Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z

Overview

EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to validate the ADF5002BCPZ 4 GHz–18 GHz divide-by-8 RF prescaler in microwave PLL systems. It supports differential 2 GHz output generation from 16 GHz input, operates from a single 3.0 V–3.6 V supply, features SMA RF connectors (J2/J3/J4), and enables CE pin control via test point T1 for power-down mode verification.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z datasheet, EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z pinout, EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z application, or EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z equivalent, this board provides verified RF layout practices, Rogers RO4003C PCB stack-up with controlled 50 Ω impedance, integrated decoupling, and direct interface to ADF4156/ADF4106 PLLs - critical for high-frequency synthesizer development and phase noise characterization.

Technical Context

The EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z implements the ADF5002BCPZ prescaler in a production-ready RF layout optimized for 4–18 GHz operation. It uses Emerson SMA connectors (142-0701-851 and 142-0761-801) with mechanical compatibility across SMA/3.5 mm/2.92 mm interfaces and integrates Murata GRM188R71H104KA93D (0.1 µF) and GRM1555C1H100JZ01D (10 pF) decoupling capacitors per supply rail.

Its four-layer Rogers RO4003C-based stack-up achieves 50 Ω characteristic impedance with 0.015-inch RF trace width, includes exposed paddle grounding per ADF5002 datasheet requirements, and supports both single-ended and differential RF output configurations - enabling accurate measurement of −153 dBc/Hz phase noise at 100 kHz offset from 12 GHz input.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave synthesizer validation, PLL frequency range extension, and communications test equipment development requiring stable component supply and traceable RF evaluation hardware.

Supply support for EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z 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 IC design, headquartered in Norwood, MA, with deep expertise in precision signal processing and microwave system solutions.

The EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z belongs to Analog Devices' RF evaluation board product line, engineered specifically to accelerate prototyping and characterization of ultra-high-frequency prescalers used in point-to-point radios, VSAT systems, and test instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z evaluation board?

The EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z evaluation board is designed to validate the ADF5002BCPZ divide-by-8 RF prescaler in real-world microwave PLL applications. It provides a fully laid-out, impedance-controlled platform with SMA connectors, proper decoupling, and CE control to verify 4–18 GHz operation, phase noise performance, and differential output interface capability - all essential for integrating the ADF5002 into high-frequency synthesizer designs.

Which PLL ICs is the EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z optimized to interface with?

The EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z is optimized to interface directly with Analog Devices' ADF4156 and ADF4106 PLL ICs using its differential 100 Ω RF outputs (J2/J3). The board's layout and termination match the differential input requirements of those PLLs, enabling seamless integration without external baluns or level-shifting circuitry - as confirmed by the application circuit in the ADF5002 datasheet (Figure 10).

Does the EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z support single-ended RF output testing?

Yes, the EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z supports single-ended RF output testing. While the ADF5002BCPZ provides complementary differential outputs, the board allows use of either J2 or J3 alone with proper 50 Ω termination on the unused port. This configuration validates single-ended output power (−10 to −5 dBm into 50 Ω) and harmonic content per the ADF5002 datasheet specifications, making it suitable for legacy or simplified test setups.

What PCB material and stack-up does the EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z use, and why?

The EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z uses Rogers RO4003C laminate (0.008″ thick, ε_r = 3.38) with a four-layer stack-up that maintains 50 Ω characteristic impedance via 0.015″ RF trace width. This material was selected to minimize dielectric loss and dispersion above 10 GHz - critical for preserving signal integrity and phase noise performance when evaluating the ADF5002BCPZ up to 18 GHz, as specified in the datasheet's RF characteristics table.

How is power delivered and managed on the EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z board?

Power is delivered to the EVAL-ADF5002EB2Z via the J1 SMA connector (3.0 V–3.6 V) or directly through test points T3 (VDDx) and T2 (GND). On-board Murata GRM188R71H104KA93D (0.1 µF) and GRM1555C1H100JZ01D (10 pF) capacitors provide broadband decoupling per ADF5002's dual-supply (VDD1/VDD2) requirements. This ensures stable 30 mA active-mode and 7 mA power-down current draw - matching the datasheet's IDD specifications under 10 GHz input conditions.