Evaluates: MAX2043
MAX2043 Evaluation Kit
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Quick Start
The MAX2043 EV kit is fully assembled and factory tested. 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 MAX2043. It is intended as a
guide only, and substitutions may be possible:
• DC supply capable of delivering +5.0V and 175mA
• Three RF signal generators capable of delivering
10dBm of output power in the 1GHz to 3GHz frequency
range (i.e., HP 8648)
• RF spectrum analyzer with a minimum 100kHz to
3GHz frequency range (HP 8561E)
• RF power meter (HP 437B)
• 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 precaution 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 in the US PCS
band (reverse channel: 1850MHz to 1910MHz), highside injected LO for a 200MHz IF. Choose the test frequency based on the particular system’s frequency
plan, and adjust the following procedure accordingly.
See Figure 1 for the mixer test setup diagram:
1) Calibrate the power meter for 2100MHz. 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 DUT ends of each of the two
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: 0dBm into DUT at 1900MHz
(this will be about +3dBm before the 3dB pad).
• LO1 signal source: 0dBm into DUT at 2100MHz
(this will be about +3dBm before the 3dB pad).
• LO2 signal source: 0dBm into DUT at 2101MHz
(this will be about +3dBm before the 3dB pad).
4) Disable the signal generator outputs.
5) Connect the RF source (with pad) to the RF port.
6) Connect the LO1 and LO2 signal sources to the EV
kit’s LO1 and LO2 inputs, respectively.
7) Measure the loss in the 3dB pad and cable that will
be connected to the IF port. Losses are frequency
dependent, so test this at 200MHz (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 IF port connector and connect a cable from the pad to the spectrum analyzer.
9) Set the DC supply to +5.0V, and set a current limit
of around 175mA if possible. Disable the output
voltage and connect the supply to the EV kit
(through an ammeter, if desired). Enable 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.
10) Select LO2 by connecting LOSEL (TP3) to GND.
11) 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 201MHz. The level should
be about -10.5dBm (7.5dB conversion loss, 3dB pad
loss). The spectrum analyzer’s absolute magnitude
accuracy is typically no better than ±1dB. Use the power
meter to get an accurate output power measurement.
Disconnect the GND connection to LOSEL. It will be
pulled high by a pullup resistor on the board to select
LO1. Observe that the 200MHz signal increases while
the 201MHz decreases.
Reconfigure the test setup using a combiner or hybrid
to sum the two LO inputs to do a two-tone IP3 measurement if desired. Terminate the unused LO input in 50Ω.
Component List (continued)
Active dual-mixer IC (6mm x 6mm,
36-pin TQFN with exposed paddle)
Maxim MAX2043ETX+
REQUIRES IT TO BE SOLDER
ATTACHED TO A GROUNDED PAD
ON THE CIRCUIT BOARD TO
ENSURE A PROPER
ELECTRICAL/THERMAL DESIGN.