General Description

The MAX3524 evaluation kit (EV kit) enables RF evalua-
tion of the MAX3524 low-noise, high-linearity broad-
band amplifier and the closed-loop DC gain of the
operational amplifier (op amp) without any additional
support circuitry. The MAX3524 EV kit is assembled
with the MAX3524 and incorporates input and output
components that facilitate testing from 44MHz to
880MHz. The EV kit provides 50

SMA connectors for

the RF input and output signals. Figure 1 shows the
MAX3524 EV kit schematic diagram. For more informa-
tion about the MAX3524, consult the MAX3524 data
sheet.

Features

o Easy Evaluation of the MAX3524
o +4.75V to +5.25V Single-Supply Operation
o RF Input and Output Matched to 50
o SMA Connectors at RF Signal Ports
o 50 to 75 Minimum Loss Pad at the Input

Evaluates: MAX3524

MAX3524 Evaluation Kit

________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products

19-1881; Rev 0; 12/00

Component List

Ordering Information

PART

TEMP RANGE

IC-PACKAGE

MAX3524EVKIT

-40

°C to +85°C

10 µMAX-EP

DESIGNATION

QTY

DESCRIPTION

47pF

±5% ceramic capacitor

(0603)
Murata GRM39COG470J050A

C2, C14

Not installed

C3, C19, C20

µF, 16V ±10% tantalum

capacitors
AVX TAJC106K016

C10, C11, C12,

C13, C15, C16

0.1

µF ±10% ceramic capacitors

(0603)
Murata GRM39X7R104K016A

D1, D2

Diodes
Central Semiconductor
CMDSH-3 (SOD323)

J1, J7

SMA edge mount connectors
EF Johnson 142-0701-801

J2, J3, J4, J5,

J6, J9, TP1,

TP4, TP5

Test points

680nH inductor
Coilcraft 1206CS-681XJBC

43.2

±1% resistor (0603)

Kamaya RMC16-43R2FT

DESIGNATION

QTY

DESCRIPTION

86.6

±1% resistor (0603)

Kamaya RMC16-86R6FT

R3, R7

Not installed

49.9k

±1% resistor (0603)

Kamaya RMC16-4992FT

R5, R6, R10,

R11

±5% resistors (0603)

Kamaya RMC16-302JB

100

±5% resistor (0603)

Kamaya RMC16-101JB

R12

6.19

±1% resistor (0603)

RMC16-6R20FT

Balun transformer
M/A COM ETC1-1-13

MAX3524EUB, 10-pin

µMAX-EP

NOTE: U1 has an exposed
paddle requiring soldering to the
circuit board to insure proper
function of the part.

None

MAX3524 EV kit data sheet

None

MAX3524 Rev C EV kit circuit
board

For price, delivery, and to place orders, please contact Maxim Distribution at 1-888-629-4642,
or visit Maxim's website at www.maxim-ic.com.

Evaluates: MAX3524

MAX3524 Evaluation Kit

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Quick Start

The MAX3524 EV kit is fully assembled and factory test-
ed. Follow the instructions in the Connections and
Setup section for proper device evaluation.

Connections and Setup

This section provides a step-by-step guide to setting up
the MAX3524 EV kit and testing the broadband LNA. Do
not apply DC power or RF signals until all connec-
tions are made.

Broadband Low Noise Amplifier

Note: The input to the LNA is preceded by a minimum
loss pad that transforms the source impedance from
50

to 75. The insertion loss of this is pad is 5.7dB.

1) Connect a DC supply preset to +5V (through an

ammeter, if desired) to the EV kit's V

(J9) and

GND (J6) terminals. Do not turn on the supply.

2) Perform a full two-port calibration on a network ana-

lyzer at a power level of -25dBm. Refer to the net-
work analyzer's operating manual for detailed
instructions.

3) Connect port 1 and port 2 of a network analyzer to

the LNAIN SMA connector (J1) and LNAOUT SMA
connector (J7), respectively.

4) Turn on the DC supply. The supply current should

read approximately 85mA (if using an ammeter).
Measure DC voltage between J9 and J6 to ensure 5V

operation. Adjust power supply output as needed.

5) The network analyzer display should indicate a typi-

cal gain of 4.25dB at 44MHz. The MAX3524 EV kit
utilizes a 50

to 75 pad. The insertion loss of this

pad is approximately 5.7dB. The actual gain of the
MAX3524 when driven by a 75

source is:

Measured Gain + 5.72dB

(The MAX3524 data sheet specifies voltage gain with a
3k

load. This typically results in a voltage gain of

15dB.)

Checking Noise Figure

Noise figure measurements are sensitive to board and
lab setup losses and parasitics. There are many tech-
niques and precautions for measuring a low-noise fig-
ure. 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. The EV kit board con-
sists of a 50

to 75 pad at the input of the amplifier,

which introduces a loss of 5.72dB. To obtain the correct
noise figure of the MAX3524, subtract 5.72dB from the
measured noise figure.

Closed-Loop Gain of Op Amp

1) Connect a DC supply preset to +5V (through an

ammeter, if desired) to the EV kit's V

(J9) and

GND (J6) terminals. Do not turn on the supply.

2) Connect a second DC supply preset to +2V to the

EV kit's terminal J2 and GND (J6) terminals.

3) Turn on the DC supplies.

4) Measure the output of the op amp at TP4 (Test Point

4) using the voltmeter. The voltmeter should display
approximately +2V, taking into account the input
resistor voltage-divider (1/2 and closed-loop gain
+2) of the op amp.

PC Board Layout Considerations

The MAX3524 EV kit can serve as a board layout guide.
Keep PC board trace lengths as short as possible to
minimize parasitics. Long PC board traces at the input
and output of the MAX3524 can degrade gain flatness.
Keep decoupling capacitors as close to the device as
possible, with a low inductance connection to the
ground plane.

Two Power Supplies or a
Dual Voltage Power Supply

One supply capable of
providing at least 200mA at
+4.75V to +5.25V to bias
the RF amplifier and the op
amp. The other supply to
test the closed-loop gain of
the op amp.

Network Analyzer

HP8753D or equivalent for
measuring RF power gain.

Cables (50

)

Two 50

cables with SMA

connectors.

Voltmeter

To measure op amp output.

Ammeter (optional)

For measuring supply
current.

Noise Figure Meter (optional)