MAX9986 Evaluation Kit

2

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Quick Start

The MAX9986 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

This section lists the recommended test equipment to

verify the operation of the MAX9986. It is intended as a

guide only, and substitutions may be possible:

• One DC supply capable of delivering +5.0V and

300mA

• Three RF signal generators capable of delivering

10dBm of output power in the 700MHz to 1500MHz

frequency range (i.e., HP 8648)

• One RF spectrum analyzer with a minimum 100kHz

to 3GHz frequency range (HP 8561E)

• One RF power meter (HP 437B)

• One power sensor (HP 8482A)

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.

This procedure is specific to operation at an RF frequency

of 910MHz using high-side injected LO for a 160MHz IF.

Choose the test frequency based on the particular

system’s frequency plan, and adjust the following proce-

dure accordingly. See Figure 1 for the mixer test setup

diagram:

1) Calibrate the power meter for 910MHz. 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

910MHz (this will be approximately -2dBm

before the 3dB pad).

•

LO1 signal source: 0dBm into DUT at

1070MHz (this will be approximately 3dBm

before the 3dB pad).

•

LO2 signal source: 0dBm into DUT at

1069MHz (this will be approximately 3dBm

before the 3dB pad).

4) Disable the signal generator outputs.

5) Connect the RF source (with pad) to RFIN.

6) Connect the LO1 and LO2 signal sources to the EV

kit’s LO1 and LO2 inputs, respectively.

7) Measure loss in 3dB pad and cable that will be con-

nected to IFOUT. Losses are frequency dependent,

so test this at 160MHz (the IF frequency). Use this

loss as an offset in all output power/gain calculations.

8) Connect this 3dB pad to the EV kit’s IFOUT connec-

tor and connect a cable from the pad to the spec-

trum analyzer.

Component List (continued)

DESIGNATION

QTY

DESCRIPTION

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

TP3

1

Large test point for 0.062in PC board

(white)

Mouser 151-101 or equivalent

U1

1

Active mixer IC (5mm x 5mm, 20-pin

QFN, EP)

Maxim MAX9986ETP

NOTE: U1 HAS AN EXPOSED

PADDLE CONDUCTOR THAT

REQUIRES IT TO BE SOLDER

ATTACHED TO A GROUNDED PAD

ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD TO

ENSURE A PROPER

ELECTRICAL/THERMAL DESIGN.