EVAL-ADL5961 Evaluation Board
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Specifications
- Frequency Range: 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz
- Integrated bidirectional bridge for forward-coupled and
reverse-coupled signal measurements - Low insertion loss: approximately 1 dB to 2 dB depending on
frequency - Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) port for programmable
features - Printed Circuit Board (PCB) RF transmission lines with 50-ohm
controlled impedance on Rogers RO3003 substrate material
Product Usage Instructions
Preparations for Testing
Ensure you have a 5 V power supply with a minimum current rating
of 500 mA. No external 3.3 V supply is required as it is provided
by the DC2026C Linduino One board.
Test Setup
Connect an RF signal generator capable of operating up to 26.5
GHz to the RFIN port. Connect the RFOUT port to a spectrum analyzer
or impedance standards for calibration or evaluation purposes.
LO Input Port
The LO input port is differential via the LOP and LOM pins. For
single-ended operation, terminate the unused side with a 50-ohm SMA
termination.
FAQ
1. What power supply is recommended for the ADL5961-EVALZ
board?
A 5 V power supply with a minimum current rating of 500 mA is
recommended for the board.
2. What equipment is needed for evaluating the ADL5961?
You will need a power supply, one or two RF signal generators, a
spectrum analyzer or oscilloscope, the DC2026C Linduino One board,
and experimental impedances such as open, short, and load.
3. How do I access the programmable features of the
ADL5961?
Use the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) port to access
programmable local oscillator (LO) and offset mixer versatility
features, as well as programmable IF gain and bandwidth.
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User Guide | EVAL-ADL5961
UG-2279
Evaluating the ADL5961 9 kHz to 26.5 GHz, Integrated Vector Network Analyzer Front End
FEATURES
Full featured evaluation board for the ADL5961 Integrated bidirectional bridge measures forward-coupled and
reverse-coupled signal
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Power supply One or two RF signal generators Spectrum analyzer or oscilloscope DC2026C (Linduino One) board (included in the ADL5961-KIT-
EVALZ kit) Experimental impedances such as open, short, and load
ADL5961-EVALZ BOARD PHOTOGRAPH
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The ADL5961-EVALZ allows evaluation of the ADL5961 vector network analyzer (VNA) front-end IC.
The ADL5961 with integrated bridge derives inline incident and reflected power samples at up to 26.5 GHz, while maintaining low insertion loss, approximately 1 dB to 2 dB depending on frequency. Integrated mixers downconvert the incident and reflected samples to IF while preserving phase information. The serial peripheral interface (SPI) port provides access to programmable local oscillator (LO) and offset mixer versatility features, plus programmable IF gain and bandwidth.
For optimal performance, the printed circuit board (PCB) RF transmission lines are 50 -controlled impedance on Rogers RO3003 low loss substrate material.
For full details on the ADL5961, see the ADL5961 data sheet, which must be consulted in conjunction with this user guide when using the ADL5961-EVALZ.
PLEASE SEE THE LAST PAGE FOR AN IMPORTANT WARNING AND LEGAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
Figure 1. Evaluation Board Photograph Rev. 0 | 1 of 8
User Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Features………………………………………………………. 1 Equipment Needed…………………………………………1 ADL5961-EVALZ Board Photograph………………… 1 General Description………………………………………..1 Evaluation Board Test Setup ………………………….. 3 Test Procedure……………………………………………… 4
REVISION HISTORY
10/2024–Revision 0: Initial Version
EVAL-ADL5961
Preparations for Testing………………………………. 4 Power-Up Sequence…………………………………… 4 RF Functional Demonstration………………………..5 ADL5960 Evaluation Software Application GUI…..6 Quick Reference………………………………………….7
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User Guide
EVALUATION BOARD TEST SETUP
The ADL5961-EVALZ requires a 5 V power supply with a recommended minimum current rating of 500 mA.
An external 3.3 V for OVDD is not needed because this voltage is supplied by the DC2026C Linduino One board.
The RFIN port requires an RF signal generator capable of operating at up to 26.5 GHz for the full frequency range.
The RFOUT port can be connected to the spectrum analyzer or various impedance standards for demonstration, device calibration, or evaluation of the insertion loss and directivity of the ADL5961.
The LO input port is differential via the LOP and LOM pins. The LO drive also functions well when simply driven single-ended, with the unused side terminated with 50 Subminiture Version A (SMA) termination.
IF outputs are differential, via the IFFP and IFFM pins (forward channel) and the IFRP and IFRM pins (reverse channel), for forward and reverse paths, respectively. All IF outputs are AC-coupled, 50 source impedance, and the outputs can be directly connected to a 50 spectrum analyzer or oscilloscope for singleended or differential measurement. Unused IF outputs can be either left open or terminated with 50 .
The ADL5960 Evaluation Software graphical user interface (GUI) can be used for ADL5961 test and demonstration purposes. This software is available for download at www.analog.com/EVAL-
EVAL-ADL5961
ADL5960 and runs on the Microsoft Windows environment. If not already installed, this GUI must be downloaded and installed before proceeding further. Installing the GUI also installs the USB drivers necessary to support the DC2026C Linduino One hardware. Be sure to install the GUI before connecting the USB of the DC2026C Linduino One board to the PC.
A DC2026C Linduino One is shipped with the ADL5961-KIT-EVALZ kit. The DC2026C Linduino One board has custom firmware preinstalled to support the ADL5960 Evaluation Software GUI. The custom firmware installation is signified by an ADL5961 label adhered to the DC2026C Linduino One board, on the outer shell of the USB receptacle.
A 14-conductor ribbon cable provides SPI and regulated 3.3 V connections between the DC2026C Linduino One board and the ADL5961-EVALZ board. The 3.3 V from the DC2026C Linduino One powers the ADL5961 OVDD pin, thus powering the ADL5961 on-chip digital interface. Without this power source, the ADL5961 is not enabled and it is not functional.
An RF test trace is provided near the top edge of the ADL5961EVALZ. This transmission line is provided for de-embedding purposes, having the same cross sectional dimensions as the RFIN and RFOUT printed transmission lines. The RF test trace connectors are not normally supplied but can be taken from the RFIN and RFOUT locations for test purposes or purchased separately.
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Figure 2. ADL5961-EVALZ Basic Test Setup
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User Guide
TEST PROCEDURE
Test setup begins with basic preparation and a power-up sequence that establishes SPI communications. See the Preparations for Testing section and Power-Up Sequence section for additional details. After setup, see the RF Functional Demonstration section for a functional demonstration procedure.
PREPARATIONS FOR TESTING
To prepare the ADL5961-EVALZ for testing, take the following steps:
1. Confirm that the ADL5961-EVALZ is not connected to the 14-pin ribbon cable. It is important to always turn on the 5 V DC power supply to the ADL5961-EVALZ under test before connecting the ribbon cable.
2. Confirm the DC2026C Linduino One board has the correct firmware installed (as confirmed by the ADL5961-EVALZ label affixed to the DC2026C Linduino One board).
3. On the DC2026C Linduino One board, verify that VCCIO is set to 3.3 V, which is its normal configuration. See Figure 3.
EVAL-ADL5961
POWER-UP SEQUENCE
To prevent the ADL5961-EVALZ damage, the following power-up sequence is required:
1. Apply 5 V of power to VCC on the ADL5961-EVALZ. 2. Connect the USB cable from the DC2026C Linduino One to the
PC. Wait for the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stop blinking. When the LEDs stop blinking, the ADL5961 is enabled. The 5 V power nominally consumes approximately 120 mA of current. 3. Connect the DC2026C Linduino One board to the ADL5961EVALZ using the supplied 14-pin ribbon cable. 4. Launch the ADL5961 Evaluation Software GUI on the PC. The ADL5960 Evaluation Software GUI Connection tab shows that the PC automatically discovers the DC2026C Linduino One (see Figure 4). Click Connect to connect to the ADL5961 IC under test. The Main Controls tab opens, which shows the register settings that can be changed (see Figure 5).
To power down the test setup, follow the power-up sequence in reverse:
1. Close the ADL5960 Evaluation Software GUI. 2. Disconnect the USB cable, and the ADL5961 then becomes
disabled. 3. Turn off or disconnect the 5 V power source.
Figure 3. Confirm Linduino 3.3 V, Input and Output Voltage Setting
4. Ensure that the EN jumper on the ADL5961-EVALZ is installed, which is the default setup when the ADL5961-EVALZ ships. This jumper is seen at the top of the ADL5961-EVALZ near the RF test trace.
5. Set up the 5 V power supply for at least 300 mA of current capability. First, turn the power source off. Then, connect the 5 V power supply and a ground return path to the VCC turret.
6. Ensure that the ADL5960 Evaluation Software GUI has been downloaded and installed on the PC. If not, download the software from www.analog.com/EVAL-ADL5960.
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User Guide
TEST PROCEDURE
RF FUNCTIONAL DEMONSTRATION
The most fundamental ADL5961 demonstration occurs when an LO is supplied externally at a frequency offset by the desired IF output frequency, as follows:
1. Connect an RF signal generator to drive the RF port. Set the power level to 10 dBm and the frequency to 1 GHz.
2. Connect a second RF signal generator to the LO port. The unused differential LO port must be terminated with a 50 SMA termination. Set the LO drive power to 0 dBm, and the frequency to 1.01 GHz.
3. Leave the RFOUT port unconnected. 4. Connect both IF port outputs to an oscilloscope. If only a
2-channel oscilloscope is available, drive each oscilloscope channel single-ended with the downconverted IF incident and reflected signals. If the oscilloscope has four channels, connect all four IF output connectors to the oscilloscope and configure the oscilloscope to display two differential signals, incident and reflected. 5. Downconverted incident and reflected output signals can be observed on the oscilloscope at the difference frequency, 10
EVAL-ADL5961
MHz. Increasing the IF gain register settings to approximately 20 dB typically result in a higher signal-to-noise ratio at the IF outputs without overdrive problems. 6. With the RFOUT port remaining unconnected (open), observe that there are large signals at both incident and reflected IF output ports. The reflected IF port signal is expected to be slightly lower than the incident port signal because of the insertion loss of the ADL5961. 7. Install an RF short onto the RFOUT port. Observe that the IF incident and the reflected port magnitudes remain relatively constant; however, the phase of the reflected IF port signal flips 180° compared to the prior RFOUT = open test condition. 8. Connect a 50 SMA RF load (termination) to the RFOUT port. Observe that the IF incident port magnitude remains relatively constant, while the IF reflected port magnitude drops by a large amount, typically 30 dB, which is the approximate directivity specification of the ADL5961 at 1 GHz. Note that the external SMA 50 load termination on RFOUT must be accurate and wide band for this test. This measurement is never better than the directivity of the ADL5961 or the return loss performance of the 50 termination on RFOUT.
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User Guide
EVAL-ADL5961
ADL5960 EVALUATION SOFTWARE APPLICATION GUI
Figure 4 shows the Connection tab of the ADL5960 Evaluation Software GUI, and Figure 5 shows the Main Controls table of the ADL5960 Evaluation Software GUI, which can also be used to evaluate the ADL5961-EVALZ.
Figure 4. Connection Tab
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Figure 5. Main Controls Tab
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ADL5960 EVALUATION SOFTWARE APPLICATION GUI
EVAL-ADL5961
QUICK REFERENCE
For full and complete information on the ADL5961, consult the ADL5961 data sheet.
Table 1. ADL5961 Register Quick Reference
Bit Name
Description
BYPASS
OFMODE LOMODE CT2, CT4 IGAIN, RGAIN CIF1, CIF2 PWR_MODE
When asserted, these bits set the LO path to bypass the LO multipliers or dividers. OFMODE and LOMODE have no effect. When these bits are de-asserted, the LO path is via the selected LO multiplier or divider. Configures the offset input dividers. Configures the LO path multipliers and dividers. CT2 and CT4 configure the LO chain ×2 and the ×4 filter frequency settings, respectively. IGAIN and RGAIN configure the forward and reverse path IF gain settings, respectively. CIF1 and CIF2 configure the first and second IF filter stage settings, respectively. Mode 2 and Mode 3 disable the device.
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User Guide
NOTES
EVAL-ADL5961
ESD Caution ESD (electrostatic discharge) sensitive device. Charged devices and circuit boards can discharge without detection. Although this product features patented or proprietary protection circuitry, damage may occur on devices subjected to high energy ESD. Therefore, proper ESD precautions should be taken to avoid performance degradation or loss of
functionality.
Legal Terms and Conditions By using the evaluation board discussed herein (together with any tools, components documentation or support materials, the “Evaluation Board”), you are agreeing to be bound by the terms and conditions set forth below (“Agreement”) unless you have purchased the Evaluation Board, in which case the Analog Devices Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale shall govern. Do not use the Evaluation Board until you have read and agreed to the Agreement. Your use of the Evaluation Board shall signify your acceptance of the Agreement. This Agreement is made by and between you (“Customer”) and Analog Devices, Inc. (“ADI”), with its principal place of business at Subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, ADI hereby grants to Customer a free, limited, personal, temporary, non-exclusive, non-sublicensable, non-transferable license to use the Evaluation Board FOR EVALUATION PURPOSES ONLY. Customer understands and agrees that the Evaluation Board is provided for the sole and exclusive purpose referenced above, and agrees not to use the Evaluation Board for any other purpose. Furthermore, the license granted is expressly made subject to the following additional limitations: Customer shall not (i) rent, lease, display, sell, transfer, assign, sublicense, or distribute the Evaluation Board; and (ii) permit any Third Party to access the Evaluation Board. As used herein, the term “Third Party” includes any entity other than ADI, Customer, their employees, affiliates and in-house consultants. The Evaluation Board is NOT sold to Customer; all rights not expressly granted herein, including ownership of the Evaluation Board, are reserved by ADI. CONFIDENTIALITY. This Agreement and the Evaluation Board shall all be considered the confidential and proprietary information of ADI. Customer may not disclose or transfer any portion of the Evaluation Board to any other party for any reason. Upon discontinuation of use of the Evaluation Board or termination of this Agreement, Customer agrees to promptly return the Evaluation Board to ADI. ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS. Customer may not disassemble, decompile or reverse engineer chips on the Evaluation Board. Customer shall inform ADI of any occurred damages or any modifications or alterations it makes to the Evaluation Board, including but not limited to soldering or any other activity that affects the material content of the Evaluation Board. Modifications to the Evaluation Board must comply with applicable law, including but not limited to the RoHS Directive. TERMINATION. ADI may terminate this Agreement at any time upon giving written notice to Customer. Customer agrees to return to ADI the Evaluation Board at that time. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. THE EVALUATION BOARD PROVIDED HEREUNDER IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND ADI MAKES NO WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS OF ANY KIND WITH RESPECT TO IT. ADI SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY REPRESENTATIONS, ENDORSEMENTS, GUARANTEES, OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, RELATED TO THE EVALUATION BOARD INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, TITLE, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NONINFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. IN NO EVENT WILL ADI AND ITS LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM CUSTOMER’S POSSESSION OR USE OF THE EVALUATION BOARD, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOST PROFITS, DELAY COSTS, LABOR COSTS OR LOSS OF GOODWILL. ADI’S TOTAL LIABILITY FROM ANY AND ALL CAUSES SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT OF ONE HUNDRED US DOLLARS ($100.00). EXPORT. Customer agrees that it will not directly or indirectly export the Evaluation Board to another country, and that it will comply with all applicable United States federal laws and regulations relating to exports. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (excluding conflict of law rules). Any legal action regarding this Agreement will be heard in the state or federal courts having jurisdiction in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, and Customer hereby submits to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts. The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods shall not apply to this Agreement and is expressly disclaimed.
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Documents / Resources
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ANALOG DEVICES EVAL-ADL5961 Evaluation Board [pdf] User Guide ADL5961-EVALZ, EVAL-ADL5961 Evaluation Board, EVAL-ADL5961, Evaluation Board, Board |