NXP Semiconductors MC13852-434EVK

Overview

MC13852-434EVK from Freescale Semiconductor is an evaluation kit for the MC13852 low-noise amplifier, designed specifically for 434 MHz ISM-band RF front-end validation. It implements a tuned matching network with discrete Murata and KOA components, delivers 20.3 dB active gain and 1.65 dB noise figure at 434 MHz, and supports programmable high-gain, bypass, and standby modes via logic-controlled Enable and Gain pins - enabling rapid prototyping of battery-powered smart metering and RKE systems.

For engineers reviewing the MC13852-434EVK datasheet, MC13852-434EVK pinout, MC13852-434EVK application, or MC13852-434EVK equivalent, this kit provides verified 434 MHz reference performance including S-parameter data, noise circles, bill-of-materials, PCB layout, and measured OIP3 (10.6 dBm), P1dB (7.8 dBm), and input/output return loss (S11/S22) - critical for validating LNA integration in constrained-space, low-current receiver designs.

Technical Context

The MC13852-434EVK implements a fixed-frequency, surface-mount evaluation platform centered on the MLPD-8 packaged MC13852 SiGe BiCMOS LNA. Its circuit topology uses Murata 402-case passive components (C1–C5, L1–L3, R1–R3) to achieve conjugate-matched trade-offs between gain, noise figure, and linearity at 434 MHz, with external bias resistor R1 (1.2 kΩ) setting 5.5 mA supply current in active mode.

It supports three operational states: high-gain amplification (20.3 dB), low-loss bypass (−8.5 dB), and sub-1 µA standby - all controlled by TTL-compatible logic inputs (Enable, Gain) referenced to Vcc. The board includes SMA connectors, ground-soldered thermal flag, and documented stability enhancements (e.g., R2 = 30 Ω for isolation, R3 = 82 Ω for L2 de-Q).

Key Specifications

Availability

MC13852-434EVK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF front-end validation, ISM-band receiver prototyping, and low-power wireless sensor development requiring stable component supply and documented reference design support.

Supply support for MC13852-434EVK 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

Freescale Semiconductor (now part of NXP Semiconductors) is a global leader in embedded processing and analog RF solutions, delivering high-performance silicon for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications.

The MC13852 product line was engineered for cost-sensitive, battery-operated 400–1000 MHz RF receivers - emphasizing ultra-low standby current, integrated bypass switching, and external bias tuning to balance NF, gain, and IP3 across diverse ISM-band use cases.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MC13852-434EVK?

The MC13852-434EVK is a dedicated evaluation kit for the MC13852 low-noise amplifier, configured and validated for 434 MHz operation. It provides a fully assembled, test-ready platform with SMA connectors, documented bill-of-materials, and measured RF performance - enabling immediate characterization of gain, noise figure, linearity, and mode-switching behavior without custom PCB design. The MC13852-434EVK directly supports rapid development of smart metering and remote keyless entry systems.

Does the MC13852-434EVK include the MC13852 IC?

Yes, the MC13852-434EVK includes one MC13852 IC mounted in its native MLPD-8 package (2.0 × 2.0 × 0.6 mm). The device is soldered to the evaluation board alongside Murata 402 capacitors/inductors and KOA resistors, with pin 1 marked and the thermal flag grounded per Freescale's assembly guidelines. The MC13852-434EVK is not a bare board - it ships as a functional, calibrated unit ready for RF testing.

What are the key measured RF parameters of the MC13852-434EVK at 434 MHz?

At 434 MHz and Vcc = 2.75 V, the MC13852-434EVK delivers 20.3 dB typical active gain, 1.65 dB noise figure, 10.6 dBm output third-order intercept point (OIP3), and 7.8 dBm output 1 dB compression point (P1dB). Input and output return losses are −6.7 dB (S11) and −14.5 dB (S22) respectively in active mode - all verified on the supplied evaluation board using the specified 1.2 kΩ bias resistor (R1).

How does the MC13852-434EVK support power optimization in battery-powered devices?

The MC13852-434EVK demonstrates the MC13852's ultra-low-power modes: active mode draws 5.5 mA, bypass mode draws only 4 µA, and standby mode consumes <1 µA. With 20% active / 80% bypass duty cycling, average current drops below 0.6 mA - enabling multi-year battery life in applications like utility smart meters. The MC13852-434EVK validates this behavior through documented current measurements and logic control timing (1.37 µs RF turn-on).

Can the MC13852-434EVK be used for frequencies other than 434 MHz?

No - the MC13852-434EVK is a fixed-frequency evaluation board optimized exclusively for 434 MHz. Its Murata matching components (e.g., C1 = 1.3 pF, L1 = 27 nH, L2 = 47 nH) are selected for that band; substituting values for 900 MHz or other frequencies requires redesign. Freescale provides a separate 900 MHz evaluation board (MC13852-900EVK); the MC13852-434EVK is not tunable or broadband by design.