Evaluate: MAX2640/MAX2641 19-1384 Rev 1 2/99 MAX2640/MAX2641 Evaluation Kits General Description Features The MAX2640/MAX2641 evaluation kits (EV kits) simpli- Easy Evaluation of MAX2640/MAX2641 fy the evaluation of the MAX2640/MAX2641 low-noise +2.7V to +5.5V Single-Supply Operation amplifiers (LNAs). They enable testing of the devices RF performance and require no additional support cir- RF Input and Output Matched to 50 at 900MHz cuitry. The signal inputs and outputs use SMA connec- (MAX2640) tors to facilitate the connection of RF test equipment. RF Input and Output Matched to 50 at 1900MHz The MAX2640 EV kits are assembled with the MAX2640 (MAX2641) and incorporate input and output matching components optimized for an RF frequency of 900MHz. The All Critical Peripheral Components Included MAX2641 EV kits are assembled with the MAX2641 and incorporate input and output matching components optimized for an RF frequency of 1900MHz. All match- ing components may be changed to match RF frequen- cies from 400MHz to 1500MHz for the MAX2640 and Ordering Information from 1400MHz to 2500MHz for the MAX2641. Consult Tables 1 through 4 in the MAX2640/MAX2641 data TEMP. IC SOT TOP PART sheet for devices S-parameters and noise parameters RANGE PACKAGE MARK for the design of matching networks at other MAX2640EVKIT -40C to +85C SOT23-6 AAAV frequencies. MAX2641EVKIT -40C to +85C SOT23-6 AAAW Component Suppliers SUPPLIER PHONE FAX Coilcraft 847-639-6400 847-639-1469 Murata Electronics 800-831-9172 814-238-0490 Component List DESIGNATION DESIGNATION QTY DESCRIPTION QTY DESCRIPTION MAX2640 MAX2641 MAX2640 MAX2641 EV Kit EV Kit EV Kit EV Kit 470pF 5% ceramic caps (0805) 9.85nH 5% air-core inductor C1, C4 C1, C4 2 Z1 1 Murata GRM40COG471J50V Coilcraft 1606-9-5 3pF 0.1pF ceramic cap (0805) 2.55nH 5% air-core inductor C2 1 Z1 1 Murata GRM40COG3R0B50V Coilcraft 0906-3-5 100pF 5% ceramic cap (0805) SMA connectors (PC edge C2 1 RFIN, RFIN, Murata GRM40COG101J50V 2 mount) RFOUT RFOUT EF Johnson 142-0701-801 10F ceramic cap (1206) C3 C3 1 AVX TAJA106K010R MAX2640EUT-T (topmark: U1 1 AAAV), 6-pin SOT23-6 2pF 0.1pF ceramic cap (0805) Z 1 M1 Murata GRM40COG2R0B50V MAX2641EUT-T (topmark: U1 1 AAAW), 6-pin SOT23-6 1pF 0.1pF ceramic caps (0603) Z , Z 2 M1 M2 Murata GRM39COG1R0B50V None 1 MAX2640 EV kit PC board Z Not installed None 1 MAX2641 EV kit PC board M2 Maxim Integrated Products 1 For free samples & the latest literature: MAX2640/MAX2641 Evaluation Kits cal gain of 15.1dB for the MAX2640 and 14.4dB for Quick Start the MAX2641 after accounting for cable and board The MAX2640/MAX2641 EV kits are fully assembled losses. Table EV1 lists board losses at specific fre- and factory tested. Follow the instructions in the quencies. Connections and Setup section for proper device 6) (Optional) Another method for determining gain is evaluation. using a network analyzer. This has the advantage of Test Equipment Required displaying gain versus a swept frequency band, in This section lists the recommended test equipment to addition to displaying input and output return loss. verify operation of the MAX2640/MAX2641. It is intend- Refer to the network analyzer manufacturers user ed as a guide only, and some substitutions are possi- manual for setup details. ble. Checking Noise Figure One RF signal generator capable of delivering at Noise figure measurements on low-noise devices such least 0dBm of output power up to 2.5GHz as the MAX2640/MAX2641 are extremely sensitive to (HP8648C, or equivalent) board and lab setup losses and parasitics. There are An RF spectrum analyzer that covers the operating many techniques and precautions for measuring a frequency range of the MAX2640/MAX2641 as well noise figure below 1dB. Detailed explanation of these as a few harmonics (HP8561E, for example) items goes beyond the scope of this document. For more information on how to perform this level of noise A power supply capable of up to 100mA at +2.7V to figure measurement, refer to the noise figure meter +5.5V operating manual as well as the Hewlett Packard appli- An optional ammeter for measuring the supply cur- cation note 57-2 Noise Figure Measurement rent Accuracy. Two 50 SMA cables Layout Considerations (Optional) A noise figure meter (HP8970B, for exam- A good PC board layout is an essential part of an RF ple) circuit design. The EV kit PC board can serve as a (Optional) Network analyzer (HP8753D, for exam- guide for laying out a board using the MAX2640/ ple) to measure return loss and gain MAX2641. Generally, each V node on the PC board CC should have its own decoupling capacitor. This mini- Connections and Setup mizes supply coupling from one section of the IC to Checking Power Gain another. A star topology for the supply layout, in which This section provides a step-by-step guide to operating each V node on the circuit has a separate connec- CC the EV kits and their function. tion to a central V node, can further minimize cou- CC pling between sections of the circuit board. 1) Connect a DC supply set to +3V (through an amme- ter, if desired) to the V and GND terminals on the CC Modifying the EV kit EV kit. The MAX2640 EV kit is factory-configured for operation 2) Set the generator for an output frequency of at 900MHz and is easily configured to operate from 900MHz for the MAX2640 and 1900MHz for the 400MHz to 1500MHz. Use device parameters listed in MAX2641 at a power level of -34dBm. Connect one Tables 1 and 3 of the MAX2640/MAX2641 data sheet to RF signal generator to the RFIN SMA connector. determine the proper input and output matching compo- 3) Connect a spectrum analyzer to the RFOUT SMA nents at other frequencies. To evaluate the MAX2641 at connector on the EV kit. Set it to a center frequency frequencies other than the factory configured 1900MHz, of 900MHz for the MAX2640 and 1900MHz for the use device parameters listed in Tables 2 and 4 of the MAX2641, a total span of 200MHz, and a reference MAX2640/MAX2641 data sheet to determine the proper level of -10dBm. input and output matching components. Table 1 lists recommended matching component values for the 4) Turn on the DC supply. The supply current should MAX2641 at 1575MHz and 2450MHz. read approximately 3.5mA for either the MAX2640 or MAX2641 (if using an ammeter). The MAX2640/MAX2641 are designed for AC-coupled operation. When determining matching components for 5) Activate the RF generators output. A signal on the other frequencies, ensure that a DC-blocking capacitor spectrum analyzers display should indicate a typi- is part of the matching network. 2 Evaluate: MAX2640/MAX2641