MAX3558 Evaluation Kit

2

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Quick Start

The MAX3558 EV kit is fully assembled and factory test-

ed. Follow the instructions in the Connections and

shows the schematics. Figures 2–7 are component

placement guides and PC board layouts.

Test Equipment Required

• An RF signal generator capable of delivering

+13dBm of output power up to 900MHz

• A spectrum analyzer covering the operating fre-

quency range of the device

• A +4.75V to +5.25V power supply that can source

500mA

• A 0 to +3V adjustable DC supply that can source

1mA for AGC input

• A voltmeter or multimeter for monitoring the power-

detector output

• (Optional) An ammeter for measuring supply current

• (Optional) A network analyzer for measuring gain

and return loss

Connections and Setup

This section provides a step-by-step guide to operating

the EV kit and testing the device’s functions. Do not

turn on any DC power or RF signal generator until

all connections are completed.

LNA Output Testing

1)

Make sure there are shunts installed on JPS2,

JPS3, and JPS4 in the OFF position, and a shunt in

the ON position for JPS1. This setting activates

OUT1 while turning off the remaining outputs.

2)

Connect a DC power supply, preset to +5.0V, to

terminals on the EV kit. If available, set the current

limit to 400mA.

3)

Connect an adjustable DC power supply, preset to

+0V, to the JPA1 jumper and GND terminals on

the EV kit. If available, set the current limit to 1mA.

The JPA1 is the AGC1 input.

4)

Connect the RF signal generator to the RFIN F-

connector. Do not turn on the generator’s output.

Set the generator for an output frequency of

50MHz. Set the level to +15dBmV.

5)

Connect the spectrum analyzer to the OUT1 F-

connector. Set the center frequency to 50MHz and

set the span to 5MHz.

6)

Turn on the DC power supplies and the RF signal

generator.

7)

Slowly increase the adjustable supply to +3V for

the gain control.

8)

You should see the output signal on the spectrum

analyzer. Adjust the voltage on the JPA1 pin to

observe the gain-control range.

9)

When measuring the gain, be sure to account for

balun losses (0.08dB at 50MHz), cable losses,

and circuit board losses (0.1dB).

10) Repeat the steps for output OUT2 to OUT4, if

desired.

11) (Optional) Another method for determining gain is

by using a network analyzer. This has the advan-

tage of displaying gain over a swept frequency

band and input power. Refer to the network ana-

lyzer manufacturer’s user manual for setup details.

Power-Detector Testing

1)

If connected, remove the adjustable DC power

supply connected to the JPA1.

2)

Make sure there are shunts on JPPD, JPA1, JPRA

(either side), and JPS1 is in the ON position.

3)

Vary the signal generator’s output power to

observe the LNA’s output power. Once the input

power reaches the attack point, the LNA’s output

power should be relatively constant.

Layout

The EV kit PC board can serve as a guide for layout

using the MAX3558. Keep traces carrying RF signals as

short as possible to minimize radiation and insertion

loss due to the PC board. Keep the differential output

traces together and of equal length to ensure signal

amplitude balance. Solder the entire bottom side

exposed paddle evenly to the board ground plane.