19-1614; Rev 0; 6/00
MAX2374 Evaluation Kit
General Description
The MAX2374 evaluation kit (EV kit) simplifies the evalu-
ation 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.
The MAX2374 EV kit is assembled with the MAX2374
and incorporates input and output matching compo-
nents 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-parame-
ters to design matching networks at other frequen-
cies.
o
Easy Evaluation of MAX2374
o
+2.7V to +5.5V Single-Supply Operation
o
RF Input and Output Matched to 50Ω at 880MHz
o
All Critical Peripheral Components Included
o
Jumpers for Easy Configuration of Gain and
Linearity
Features
Evaluates: MAX2374
Component Suppliers
SUPPLIER
EFJohnson
Kamaya
Murata Electronics
PHONE
402-474-4800
219-489-1533
800-831-9172
FAX
402-474-4858
219-489-2261
814-238-0490
MAX2374EVKIT
PART
Ordering Information
TEMP.
RANGE
-40°C to +85°C
IC
PACKAGE
6 UCSP
UCSP
TOP
MARK
AAB
1GB
Component List
DESIGNATION QTY
C1
C2, C7
C3, C8, C9
3
1
DESCRIPTION
2pF
±0.25pF,
25V min ceramic
capacitor (0402)
Murata GRM36COG020C050A
Not installed
0.01µF
±10%,
10V min ceramic
capacitors (0402)
Murata GRM36X7R103K016A
5pF
±0.25pF,
25V min ceramic
capacitor (0402)
Murata GRM36COG050C050A
100pF
±5%,
25V min ceramic
capacitor (0402)
Murata GRM36COG101J050A
0.01µF
±10%,
25V min ceramic
capacitor (0805)
Murata GRM40X7R103K050A
SMA connectors (edge mount)
EFJohnson 142-0701-801
Test points
DESIGNATION QTY
JU1
JU2
L1
L2
R1
R2
R3
R4
U1
None
None
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
DESCRIPTION
2x2 header with one shunt
2x4 header with one shunt
8.2nH inductor
Murata LQW1608A8N2D00
6.8nH inductor
LQW1608A6N8C00
10kΩ
±1%
resistor (0402)
20kΩ
±1%
resistor (0402)
43.2kΩ
±1%
resistor (0402)
10Ω
±1%
resistor (0402)
MAX2374EBT
MAX2374 circuit board, Rev B
MAX2374 data sheet
C4
1
C5
1
C6
1
J1, J2
J3, J4
2
2
________________________________________________________________
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.
MAX2374 Evaluation Kit
Evaluates: MAX2374
Quick Start
The MAX2374 EV kit is fully assembled and factory test-
ed. Follow the instructions in the
Connections and Setup
section for proper device evaluation.
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 display-
ing input and output return loss. Refer to the network
analyzer manufacturer’s user manual for setup
details.
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 harmon-
ics (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 cur-
rent
•
(Optional) A noise figure meter (HP 8970B, for exam-
ple)
•
(Optional) A network analyzer (HP 8753D, for exam-
ple) to measure return loss and gain
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.
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 V
CC
and GND ter-
minals.
2) Set the generator for an output frequency of 880MHz
at a power level of -30dBm. Connect the signal gen-
erator 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 sup-
ply current. JU2 also places the MAX2374 in shut-
down 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
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 spac-
ing 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 fre-
quencies, ensure that a DC-blocking capacitor is part of
the matching network.
Figure 1 shows the MAX2374 EV kit schematic.
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