Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ

Overview

EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ from Analog Devices is a fully assembled, USB-powered evaluation board implementing a portable 9 kHz to 6 GHz RMS RF power measurement system. It integrates the ADL5904 RF power detector, AD7091R 12-bit ADC, and ADP160 3.3 V linear regulator, delivering ±0.57 dB accuracy across frequency and supporting −30 dBm to +15 dBm input range with SPI-based PC interface.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ datasheet, EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ pinout, EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ application, or EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ equivalent, this board enables rapid validation of RF power metering subsystems in lab, calibration, and field-deployable test equipment - with pre-verified signal chain performance, on-board calibration lookup tables, and GUI-driven measurement workflow.

Technical Context

The EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ implements a complete analog front-end for RF power metrology: an ac-coupled ADL5904 (dc–6 GHz, 45 dB dynamic range) feeds a directly connected AD7091R (1 MSPS, 12-bit SAR, internal 2.5 V reference), both powered by an ADP160 (3.3 V, 42 μA quiescent current) from 5 V USB. Calibration data is stored externally in PC software and applied per-frequency during measurement.

Signal processing follows a deterministic sequence: SDP-S GPIO asserts CONVST → AD7091R samples VRMS → SPI transfers 12-bit code → GUI applies frequency-selected slope/intercept from LUT → computes PIN(dBm) = (CODERMS/m′) + Int′. Measurement timing is fixed at ~1 ms per sample, with 1-second display hold in continuous mode.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF test equipment development, production line power verification, and educational RF metrology labs requiring stable component supply and documented reference design integration.

Supply support for EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ 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 industrial markets since 1965.

EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ belongs to the Circuits from the Lab® reference design portfolio - engineered and lab-tested analog subsystems intended for direct integration into RF test, calibration, and measurement applications without redesign.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ evaluation board?

The EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ evaluation board implements a portable, USB-powered RF power meter capable of measuring input signals from 9 kHz to 6 GHz with ±0.57 dB accuracy. It integrates the ADL5904 detector, AD7091R ADC, and ADP160 regulator into a complete, pre-tested signal chain. The EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ requires connection to an SDP-S interface board and runs with dedicated GUI software for calibration and real-time power readout.

Does the EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ require external power or can it operate solely from USB?

The EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ operates entirely from a standard 5 V USB supply - no external power source is needed. Its onboard ADP160 regulator generates a clean 3.3 V rail for the ADL5904 and AD7091R. An alternative 3.3 V external supply may be applied via VPOS/GND test points only if R15 is removed to isolate the regulator, but this is optional and not required for normal operation of the EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ.

How is calibration performed on the EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ?

Calibration on the EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ is performed using the included GUI software via a 3-point method at each target frequency: users apply three known input power levels (e.g., −20 dBm, −10 dBm, 0 dBm), store corresponding ADC codes, and compute two slope/intercept pairs for piecewise-linear correction. These values are saved in a PC-side lookup table and automatically selected during measurement based on operating frequency and ADC code magnitude.

Which interface board is required to operate the EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ?

The EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ requires the EVAL-SDP-CS1Z (SDP-S) System Demonstration Platform board for USB-to-SPI communication with a Windows PC. The SDP-S connects to the EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ via a 120-pin FMC-style connector and provides GPIO control, SPI clock/data lines, and power distribution. No other interface hardware is supported for standard operation of the EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ.

Can the EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ measure signals below 9 kHz?

No - the EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ has a hard lower frequency limit of 9 kHz due to the 0.47 μF ac-coupling capacitor at the RFIN input, which forms a high-pass filter with the ADL5904 input impedance. Signals below 9 kHz are attenuated beyond usable detection range. This cutoff is fixed by the board layout and cannot be modified without hardware changes to the EVAL-CN0399-SDPZ.