Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ

Overview

EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board for the ADRF6755 highly integrated I/Q modulator with fractional-N PLL and VCO, operating from 100 MHz to 2400 MHz. It supports RF signal generation in satellite, cellular, and broadband communications systems, featuring 47 dB gain control, 1 Hz frequency resolution, and dual SPI/I²C interface control.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ datasheet, EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ hardware setup, EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ test configuration, or EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ compatibility with ADRF6755-based transmitters, this board enables rapid characterization of modulation linearity (IP3 up to 23 dBm), noise floor (−161 dBm/Hz), sideband suppression (−70 dBc), and LO feedthrough (−55 dBc) across full RF band.

Technical Context

The EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ implements a complete reference design for the ADRF6755 IC, including matched 50 Ω RF output path, calibrated baseband input coupling, loop filter components for the integrated fractional-N PLL, and configurable power regulation for VCC (5 V) and VREG (3.3 V) domains. It provides access to all critical analog and digital pins-including VTUNE, CP, REFIN, LOMON, and TXDIS-for real-time tuning and diagnostics.

Board-level features include on-board SMA connectors for RFOUT, REFIN, and baseband I/Q inputs; jumper-selectable SPI/I²C mode; LED indicators for LDET (PLL lock) and power status; and provisioned test points for VTUNE, SDO, and monitor outputs. The PCB layout follows RF best practices with controlled-impedance traces, dedicated AGND/DGND planes, and thermal vias under the exposed paddle.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF transceiver development, wireless infrastructure prototyping, and satellite modem validation requiring stable component supply and documented reference design support.

Supply support for EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ 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 technologies, headquartered in Norwood, MA.

The EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform family, designed to accelerate time-to-test for highly integrated transceivers used in 5G infrastructure, aerospace telemetry, and broadband wireless systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ evaluation board?

The EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ is a fully assembled and tested evaluation platform for the ADRF6755 quadrature modulator IC. It enables engineers to validate RF performance-including output IP3 (up to 23 dBm), noise floor (−161 dBm/Hz), sideband suppression (−70 dBc), and LO feedthrough (−55 dBc)-across the full 100 MHz to 2400 MHz band without custom PCB design. The board integrates all necessary biasing, filtering, and interface circuitry required to operate the ADRF6755 under real-world conditions.

Does the EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ support both SPI and I²C communication with the ADRF6755?

Yes, the EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ supports both interfaces via on-board jumpers that configure the ADRF6755's CS pin and serial port mode. SPI operation runs up to 20 MHz with dedicated SDI, SDO, and CLK lines; I²C mode uses SDI/SDA and CLK/SCL with slave addresses 0x40 (CS low) or 0x60 (CS high). Both protocols allow full read/write access to all 31 internal registers of the ADRF6755, enabling precise control of PLL settings, gain steps, and power-down modes.

Can the EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ be used to characterize phase noise and frequency settling behavior of the ADRF6755?

Yes, the EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ provides direct access to VTUNE, CP, and LOMON pins-critical for phase noise analysis-and includes a properly compensated third-order loop filter optimized for 100 kHz bandwidth. Measured ADRF6755 phase noise on this board reaches −131 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset (LO = 1800 MHz), and frequency settling to ±100 Hz occurs in 0.17 ms. The board's low-noise power distribution and ground isolation preserve the ADRF6755's intrinsic jitter and spectral purity.

What RF output connector and impedance does the EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ use?

The EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ uses a standard SMA female connector for the RFOUT signal, with a 50 Ω characteristic impedance matched to the ADRF6755's single-ended RF output stage. The RF path includes ac-coupling capacitors and series resistors optimized for flat response from 100 MHz to 2400 MHz, supporting accurate power calibration and spectrum analyzer measurements without external matching networks.

Is the EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ compatible with standard RF test equipment such as signal analyzers and vector signal generators?

Yes, the EVAL-ADRF6755SDZ is fully compatible with industry-standard RF test equipment. Its REFIN input accepts 10–300 MHz ac-coupled clock signals (e.g., from a signal generator), while RFOUT drives spectrum analyzers or demodulators directly via 50 Ω SMA connection. Baseband I/Q inputs accept 0.9 V_p-p differential sine waves with 500 mV dc bias-matching typical AWG output levels. All digital control lines are 3.3 V CMOS-compatible and accessible via 0.1" headers for automated test integration.