19-1614; Rev 0; 6/00 MAX2374 Evaluation Kit Features ♦ Easy Evaluation of MAX2374 The MAX2374 EV kit is assembled with the MAX2374 and incorporates input and output matching components optimized for an RF frequency of 880MHz. All matching components may be changed to match RF frequencies from 750MHz to 1000MHz. Refer to Table 1 in the MAX2374 data sheet for the device’s S-parameters to design matching networks at other frequencies. ♦ Jumpers for Easy Configuration of Gain and Linearity ♦ +2.7V to +5.5V Single-Supply Operation ♦ RF Input and Output Matched to 50Ω at 880MHz ♦ All Critical Peripheral Components Included Ordering Information Component Suppliers PHONE FAX EFJohnson SUPPLIER 402-474-4800 402-474-4858 Kamaya 219-489-1533 219-489-2261 Murata Electronics 800-831-9172 814-238-0490 PART TEMP. RANGE IC PACKAGE MAX2374EVKIT -40°C to +85°C UCSP TOP MARK 6 UCSP AAB 1GB Component List DESIGNATION QTY C1 1 C2, C7 DESCRIPTION 2pF ±0.25pF, 25V min ceramic capacitor (0402) Murata GRM36COG020C050A Not installed DESIGNATION QTY DESCRIPTION JU1 1 2x2 header with one shunt JU2 1 2x4 header with one shunt L1 1 8.2nH inductor Murata LQW1608A8N2D00 L2 1 6.8nH inductor LQW1608A6N8C00 C3, C8, C9 3 0.01µF ±10%, 10V min ceramic capacitors (0402) Murata GRM36X7R103K016A 1 10kΩ ±1% resistor (0402) 1 5pF ±0.25pF, 25V min ceramic capacitor (0402) Murata GRM36COG050C050A R1 C4 R2 1 20kΩ ±1% resistor (0402) 100pF ±5%, 25V min ceramic capacitor (0402) Murata GRM36COG101J050A R3 1 43.2kΩ ±1% resistor (0402) R4 1 10Ω ±1% resistor (0402) 0.01µF ±10%, 25V min ceramic capacitor (0805) Murata GRM40X7R103K050A U1 1 MAX2374EBT None 1 MAX2374 circuit board, Rev B None 1 MAX2374 data sheet C5 C6 1 1 J1, J2 2 SMA connectors (edge mount) EFJohnson 142-0701-801 J3, J4 2 Test points ________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products 1 For free samples and the latest literature, visit www.maxim-ic.com or phone 1-800-998-8800. For small orders, phone 1-800-835-8769. Evaluates: MAX2374 General Description The MAX2374 evaluation kit (EV kit) simplifies the evaluation of the MAX2374 low-noise amplifier (LNA). It enables testing of the device’s RF performance and requires no additional support circuitry. The signal input and output ports use SMA connectors to facilitate the connection of RF test equipment. Evaluates: MAX2374 MAX2374 Evaluation Kit Quick Start The MAX2374 EV kit is fully assembled and factory tested. Follow the instructions in the Connections and Setup section for proper device evaluation. Test Equipment Required This section lists the recommended test equipment to verify operation of the MAX2374. It is intended as a guide only, and some substitutions are possible: • One RF signal generator capable of delivering at least 0dBm of output power up to 1.0GHz (HP 8648C or equivalent) • An RF spectrum analyzer that covers the MAX2374’s operating frequency range as well as a few harmonics (HP 8561E, for example) • A power supply capable of delivering +2.7V to +5.5V • Two 50Ω SMA cables • (Optional) An ammeter for measuring the supply current • (Optional) A noise figure meter (HP 8970B, for example) • (Optional) A network analyzer (HP 8753D, for example) to measure return loss and gain Connections and Setup Checking Power Gain This section provides a step-by-step guide to operating the EV kit and exercising its function: 1) Connect a DC supply set to +2.75V (through an ammeter, if desired) to the EV kit’s VCC and GND terminals. 2) Set the generator for an output frequency of 880MHz at a power level of -30dBm. Connect the signal generator to the RF IN SMA connector. 3) Connect a spectrum analyzer to the EV kit’s RF OUT SMA connector. Set it to a center frequency of 880MHz, a total span of 30MHz, and a reference level of -10dBm. 4) Verify that JU1 is set to HI and JU2 is set to R2. Jumper JU2 alters the linearity of the MAX2374. Connect JU2 to R1 to increase linearity and supply current. Connect to R3 to decrease linearity and supply current. JU2 also places the MAX2374 in shutdown mode. Connect JU2 to GND or leave open to enable shutdown. 5) Turn on the DC supply. The supply current should read approximately 8.5mA (if using an ammeter). 6) Activate the RF generator’s output. A signal on the spectrum analyzer’s display should indicate a typical 2 power of -15dB after accounting for cable and board losses. 7) Move JU1 to GND (LO) to reduce the gain to about 1dB. The spectrum analyzer should indicate a typical power of -29dBm after accounting for cable and board losses. 8) (Optional) Another method for determining gain is by using a network analyzer. This has the advantage of displaying gain vs. frequency, in addition to displaying input and output return loss. Refer to the network analyzer manufacturer’s user manual for setup details. Checking Noise Figure Noise figure measurements on low-noise devices such as the MAX2374 are extremely sensitive to lab setup and board losses and parasitics. There are many techniques and precautions for measuring a low noise-figure device. Detailed explanation of these items goes beyond the scope of this document. For more information on how to perform this level of noise figure measurement, refer to the noise figure meter operating manual as well as to Hewlett Packard application note #57-2, Noise Figure Measurement Accuracy. Layout Considerations Design the layout for the IC as compact as possible to minimize the parasitics. The chip-scale IC package uses a bump pitch of 0.5mm (19.7mil) and a bump diameter of 0.3mm (~13mil). Therefore, lay out the solder pad spacing on 0.5mm (19.7mil) centers, and use a pad size of 0.25mm (~10mil) and a solder mask opening of 0.33mm (~13mil). Round or square pads are permissible. Connect multiple vias from the ground plane as close as possible to the ground pins. Install capacitors as close as possible to the IC supply voltage pin and supply end of the series inductor. Place the ground end of these capacitors near the IC GND pins to provide a low-impedance return path for the signal current. Modifying the EV Kit The MAX2374 EV kit is factory-configured for operation at 880MHz and is easily configured to operate from 750MHz to 1000MHz. Use the device’s parameters listed in Table 1 of the MAX2374 data sheet to determine the proper input and output matching components at other frequencies. The MAX2374 is designed for AC-coupled operation. When determining matching components for other frequencies, ensure that a DC-blocking capacitor is part of the matching network. Figure 1 shows the MAX2374 EV kit schematic. _______________________________________________________________________________________ MAX2374 Evaluation Kit Evaluates: MAX2374 VCC J3 GND J4 VCC C6 0.01µF R4 10Ω C5 100pF A3 C4 5pF J1 SMA RF IN GND C3 0.01µF VCC L1 8.2nH B3 C1 2pF MAX2374 B2 LNAIN LNAOUT A2 1 U1 2 A1 L2 6.8nH GAIN BIAS C2 OPEN B1 R1 10k JU1 VCC 1 J2 2 SMA RF OUT C8 0.01µF VCC HI LO C7 OPEN R2 20k R3 43.2k JU2 C9 0.01µF Figure 1. MAX2374 EV Kit Schematic _______________________________________________________________________________________ 3 Evaluates: MAX2374 MAX2374 Evaluation Kit 1.0" 1.0" Figure 2. MAX2374 EV Kit Component Placement Guide— Component Side Figure 3. MAX2374 EV Kit PC Board Layout—Component Side 1.0" 1.0" Figure 4. MAX2374 EV Kit PC Board Layout—Solder Side Figure 5. MAX2374 EV Kit PC Board Layout—Ground Plane 1.0" Figure 6. MAX2374 EV Kit PC Board Layout—Power Plane Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time. 4 _____________________Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600 © 2000 Maxim Integrated Products Printed USA is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products.