Evaluates: MAX9995
MAX9995 Evaluation Kit
2
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Quick Start
The MAX9995 EV kit is fully assembled and factory test-
ed. Follow the instructions in the
Connections and
Setup
section for proper device evaluation.
Test Equipment Required
Table 1 lists the equipment required to verify the opera-
tion of the MAX9995 EV kit. It is intended as a guide
only, and some substitutions are possible.
Connections and Setup
This section provides a step-by-step guide to testing
the basic functionality of the EV kit. As a general pre-
caution to prevent damaging the outputs by driving
high-VSWR loads,
do not turn on DC power or RF
signal generators until all connections are made:
1) Calibrate the power meter for 1900MHz. For safety
margin, use a power sensor rated to at least
+20dBm, or use padding to protect the power head
as necessary.
2) Connect 3dB pads to the DUT ends of each of the
three RF signal generators’ SMA cables. This
padding improves VSWR, and reduces the errors
due to mismatch.
3) Use the power meter to set the RF signal generators
according to the following:
• RF signal source: -5dBm into DUT at 1900MHz
• LO1 signal source: 0dBm into DUT at 1700MHz
(f
IF
= 200MHz)
• LO2 signal source: 0dBm into DUT at 1701MHz
(f
IF
= 199MHz)
4) Disable all three signal sources. Connect the LO1
and LO2 signal sources to the EV kit LO inputs.
5) Connect the signal sources to the appropriate SMA
inputs. The RF input can be connected to either the
RFMAIN or RFDIV inputs, depending on test.
6) Measure loss in 3dB pad and cable that is connect-
ed to IFMAIN/IFDIV. Losses are frequency depen-
dent, so test this at 200MHz (the IF frequency). Use
this loss as an offset in all output power/gain
calculations.
7) Connect this 3dB pad to the EV kit’s appropriate
IFMAIN/IFDIV connector, and connect a cable from
the pad to the spectrum analyzer.
8) Set the DC supply to +5.0V and set a current limit
around 500mA, if possible. Connect supplies to the
EV kit through the ammeter. Turn on the supply.
Readjust the supply to get +5.0V at the EV kit.
There will be a voltage drop across the ammeter
when the mixer is drawing current.
9) Select LO2 by grounding LOSEL.
10) Enable the LO and the RF sources.
Testing the Mixer
Adjust the center and span of the spectrum analyzer to
observe the IF output tone at 199MHz. The level should
be about -2dBm (6dB conversion gain, 3dB pad loss).
The spectrum analyzer’s absolute magnitude accuracy
is typically no better than ±1dB. Use the power meter to
Component List (continued)
DESIGNATION
QTY
DESCRIPTION
L3, L6
2
10nH
±
5% wire-wound inductors
(0603)
Coilcraft 0603CS-10NXJBC
R1, R4
2
1.21k
Ω
±1% resistors (0402)
R2, R5
2
392
Ω
±
1% resistors (0402)
R3, R6
2
10
Ω
±
1% resistors (1206)
R7
1
47k
Ω
±
5% resistor (0603)
T1, T2
2
4:1 transformers ( 200:50 )
Mini Circuits TC4-1W-7A
TP1
1
Large test point for 0.062in PC board
(red)
Mouser 151-107 or equivalent
TP2
1
Large test point for 0.062in PC board
(black)
Mouser 151-103 or equivalent
DESIGNATION
QTY
DESCRIPTION
TP3
1
Large test point for 0.062in PC board
(white)
Mouser 151-101 or equivalent
U1
1
Active dual mixer IC (6mm x 6mm
thin QFN, exposed paddle) Maxim:
MAX9995ETX
NOTE: U1 HAS AN EXPOSED
PADDLE CONDUCTOR THAT
REQUIRES IT TO BE SOLDER
ATTACHED TO A GROUNDED PAD
ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD TO
ENSURE PROPER
ELECTRICAL/THERMAL DESIGN.