Analog Devices Inc. EVAL-CN0534-EBZ

Overview

EVAL-CN0534-EBZ from Analog Devices is a fully assembled and tested evaluation board for a 5.8 GHz high-gain RF receiver system featuring +23 dB small-signal gain, 2 dB noise figure, SMA RF input/output connectors, automatic overpower protection with fast recovery, and single 5 V micro-USB power supply - designed for ISM band test, SDR front-end validation, and RF receiver characterization.

For engineers reviewing the EVAL-CN0534-EBZ datasheet, EVAL-CN0534-EBZ pinout, EVAL-CN0534-EBZ application, or EVAL-CN0534-EBZ equivalent, this board enables rapid prototyping of 5.8 GHz receiver chains with integrated gain, filtering, and over-power shutdown - supporting ADALM-Pluto-based lab setups, RF education, and wireless infrastructure signal path verification.

Technical Context

The EVAL-CN0534-EBZ implements a complete 5.8 GHz RF receive path using HMC717A low-noise amplifier (LNA), ADL5405 RMS detector, HMC802A SPDT switch, LTC6991 programmable oscillator, LT8335 boost converter, and ADM7150/ADP150 LDOs - all coordinated to deliver stable gain and automatic RF overload response.

It interfaces directly with ADALM-Pluto via SMA cables and micro-USB power, enabling loopback and real-time IIO-Oscilloscope monitoring of RSSI, gain, and shutdown behavior at -30 dBFS and -10 dBFS transmit levels - with measured 22 dB net gain and 20 dB attenuation during auto-shutdown mode.

Key Specifications

Availability

EVAL-CN0534-EBZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF education labs, SDR development, 5.8 GHz wireless infrastructure validation, and ISM-band receiver characterization requiring stable component supply and full documentation support.

Supply support for EVAL-CN0534-EBZ 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, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and industrial markets since 1965.

EVAL-CN0534-EBZ belongs to Analog Devices' Circuits from the Lab® reference design series - engineered to accelerate RF system prototyping with validated 5.8 GHz receiver architectures and open-source integration guides.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the EVAL-CN0534-EBZ evaluation board?

The EVAL-CN0534-EBZ evaluation board implements a complete 5.8 GHz RF receiver front-end with +23 dB gain, 2 dB noise figure, and automatic overpower protection. It is designed to validate receiver performance in ISM band applications and integrate seamlessly with ADALM-Pluto SDR hardware for lab-based RF testing and education. The EVAL-CN0534-EBZ supports real-time gain measurement, RSSI monitoring, and overload recovery verification.

Which RF components are used on the EVAL-CN0534-EBZ board?

The EVAL-CN0534-EBZ board integrates the HMC717A low-noise amplifier, ADL5405 RMS detector, HMC802A SPDT switch, LTC6991 oscillator, LT8335 boost converter, and ADM7150/ADP150 LDOs. These components collectively enable high-gain, low-noise amplification, precise RF power detection, fast overload switching, and clean local power regulation - all verified in the CN0534 Circuit Note.

How does the EVAL-CN0534-EBZ protect connected equipment from RF overload?

The EVAL-CN0534-EBZ uses the ADL5405 detector and HMC802A switch to monitor input RF power and trigger automatic shutdown when exceeding +2.5 dBm - the absolute maximum rating of ADALM-Pluto's RX port. During overload, the switch attenuates the signal path by ~20 dB, and the system recovers automatically once input power drops into safe range. This protects sensitive SDR receivers without manual intervention.

Can the EVAL-CN0534-EBZ be powered solely from a PC USB port?

Yes, the EVAL-CN0534-EBZ is powered exclusively via its P1 micro-USB connector with 5 V DC, compatible with standard PC USB ports or 5 V USB chargers. No external power supply or voltage conversion is required. The onboard LT8335 and ADM7150/ADP150 regulators generate all necessary internal rails, and DS1 LED illumination confirms proper power-up and operational status of the EVAL-CN0534-EBZ.

What software tools are required to operate the EVAL-CN0534-EBZ with ADALM-Pluto?

To operate the EVAL-CN0534-EBZ with ADALM-Pluto, users need Pluto firmware v0.30, AD9364-compatible configuration (via fw_setenv), and the latest IIO-Oscilloscope application from Analog Devices' GitHub repository. The IIO-Oscilloscope provides real-time RSSI, gain, and spectral analysis - essential for validating EVAL-CN0534-EBZ performance in both normal and auto-shutdown modes.