Data Sheet

ADL5960

10 MHz to 20 GHz Integrated Vector Network Analyzer Front End

Rev. A

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FEATURES

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Wideband integrated bidirectional bridge

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Raw directivity: 24.1 dB at 1 GHz, 12.8 dB at 18 GHz

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Low insertion loss: 1.1 dB at 1 GHz, 1.9 dB at 18 GHz

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Return loss: >12 dB typical

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SPI configurable LO interface

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Divide by 2; multiply by 1, 2, or 4

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Offset LO interface enables drive with fRF = fLO

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Single-ended or differential drive

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SYNC function—synchronization across multiple devices

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High dynamic range wideband IF signal path

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SPI-programmable IF bandwidth from 1 MHz to 100 MHz

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SPI-programmable IF gain, 6 dB step size

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Externally adjustable output common-mode level

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5-bit SPI readable temperature sensor

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Low power shutdown mode

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3 mm × 4 mm, 26-lead LGA

APPLICATIONS

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Broadband, multiport vector network analyzers

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S-parameter magnitude and phase measurement

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Inline RF power measurement

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Automated test equipment

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Reflectometers

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Materials analysis

FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM

Figure 1. Functional Block Diagram

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The ADL5960 is a wideband, small form factor vector network

analyzer front end consisting of a resistive bidirectional bridge,

downconversion mixers, programmable IF amplifiers and filters, and

a highly flexible local oscillator (LO) interface. The bridge provides

>14 dB of directivity up to 17 GHz. The primary transmission line

from RFIN to RFOUT is wideband matched to 50 Ω with only 1.1 dB

loss at low frequencies, increasing to 1.8 dB loss at 20 GHz.

The ADL5960 supports several different LO interface configurations

that simplify the clocking design of a vector network analyzer (VNA)

solution as well as the interfacing of the device to an analog-to-dig-

ital converter (ADC). The frequency divider and multipliers in the

LO interface enable measurement sweeps beyond the operating

frequency range of the LO source, enabling operation over the full

20 GHz frequency range of the ADL5960 using a 6 GHz synthesiz-

er. The IF frequency offset mixer, driven through the offset interface

formed by the OFP and OFM pins, enables further simplification

by allowing the swept RF and LO interfaces to share the same

frequency source. The frequency of the IF output signals is then

determined by the low-frequency source driving the OFP/OFM in-

terface. When this interface is driven at the ADC sample frequency

with the divide by 4 enabled, it automatically centers the IF output

signal in the first Nyquist zone.

The IF filters with programmable bandwidth and IF amplifiers

with individually programmable gain enable simultaneous dynamic

range optimization of the IF output signals of the forward channel

(IFFP, IFFM) and reverse channel (IFRP, IFRM). The IF amplifiers

have an adjustable output common-mode level, sufficient drive

capability, and wide output voltage swing to enable direct interfacing

to a wide range of ADCs.

All configurations and functions in the ADL5960 are fully program-

mable through a 3-wire serial peripheral interface (SPI). The

ADL5960 is offered in a 3 mm × 4 mm, 26-lead land grid array

(LGA) package.