NXP Semiconductors UM10480, BGA7210 User Manual

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UM10480

Variable gain amplifier BGA7210

Rev. 2 — 26 July 2011 User manual

Document information

Info Content Keywords BGA7210, VGA, variable gain amplifier Abstract This user manual describes how to evaluate the variable gain amplifier

BGA7210 using a customer evaluation kit

Page 2

NXP Semiconductors

UM10480

Variable gain amplifier BGA7210

Revision history

Rev Date Description

v.2 20110726

• Section 1 “Introduction” text altered.

• Section 5 “Controlling the customer RF evaluation board” amended to include Section

5.1 “Improving linearity”

v.1 20110520 first version

Contact information

For more information, please visit: http://www.nxp.com For sales office addresses, please send an email to: salesaddresses@nxp.com

User manual Rev. 2 — 26 July 2011 2 of 13

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NXP Semiconductors

1. Introduction

The BGA7210 customer evaluation kit enable s the use r to ev aluat e th e pe rf or ma n ce of the variable gain amplifier BGA7210.

The BGA7210 performance information is available in the BGA7210 data sheet.

2. Quick start

1. Connect the interface board to the RF evaluation board using the flat cable.

2. Power the RF evaluation board with a 5 V, 1 W power supply.

3. Insert the interface board in a free USB slot.

4. Insert the USB flash drive in another free USB slot.

5. Launch the customer software bga7210_mswin.exe from the USB flash drive.

3. Installation

UM10480

Variable gain amplifier BGA7210

USB interface boardflat cableRF evaluation boardcalibration port RF in

BGA7210

GND

RF out

Fig 1. BGA7210 customer evaluation kit parts

supply

jumpers

connectorcalibration port

019aac406

Remark: Do not change the jumper settings until you are familiar with the functions. The jumpers are intended for evaluating the current on each su pply pin. If configured correctly the VGA can be powered by the USB bus, however RF performance might be compromised. See Section 7 “

Jumpers and connectors” on page 10.

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NXP Semiconductors

4. Customer evaluation kit contents

The evaluation kit contains the following items:

• ESD safe casing

• RF evaluation board

• USB interface board

• Flat cable

• USB flash drive containing:

– This user manual – Customer software bga7210_mswin.exe – BGA7210 data sheet

UM10480

Variable gain amplifier BGA7210

User manual Rev. 2 — 26 July 2011 4 of 13

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NXP Semiconductors

5. Controlling the customer RF evaluation board

5.1 Improving linearity

The RF evaluation board is configured without using a shunt capacitor on the output. Adding a shunt capacitor improves linearity around 2.8 GHz. For other operating frequencies it is recommended not to add a shunt capacitor. Please refer to the Data Sheet for performance information.

Place a shunt capacitor of 0.68 pF at a distance of 5.3 mm from the BGA7210 RF_OUT pin, see Figure 2

UM10480

Variable gain amplifier BGA7210

aaa-000268

Fig 2. BGA7210 RF evaluation board PCB layout

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019aac407

increase attenuation

attenuation slider

decrease attenuation

power save mode

attenuation entryamplifier 2 currentamplifier 1 current

set optimal currents device versionUSB statuswrite status

5.2 Quick tour

UM10480

Variable gain amplifier BGA7210

Fig 3. User interface

The customer software offers advanced features for controlling the current and attenuation of the BGA7210. The software also provides a tick box for saving power and a tick box for automatically selecting the optimal current per attenuation setting, yielding maximum linearity.

5.3 Setting current

The current to each amplifier can be set either automatically or manually.

• Automatically: depending on the attenuator setting, each amplifier current setting is

selected automatically. This mode optimizes current consumption without compromising linearity

• Manually: each amplifier current can be set manually

5.4 Setting attenuation

There are three methods available for setting attenuation in the range 0 dB to 31.5 dB using:

• the attenuator entry

• attenuation slider

• 0.5 dB step button

5.5 Power save

In Power save mode, the RF blocks are switched off but it is still possible to communicate with the chip.

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out

dBmPindBms21dB+=

019aac408

OPTIONAL

PRE-AMPLIFIER

POWER SUPPLY

MMIC

DUT

PORT 1 PORT 2

2 PORT (or 4 PORT) NETWORK ANALYZER

OPTIONAL

ATTENUATOR

6. BGA7210 evaluation

Remark: The RF evaluation board output is configured with a shunt capacitor to yield

optimal linearity at approximately 2 GHz. It is recommended that the shunt capacitor is removed at other operating frequencies. Please refer to the BGA7210 data sheet for performance information.

6.1 Calibration

The calibration port can be used to determine the PCB losses.

6.2 S-parameters and output compression point

Both S-parameters and the output compression point (P1 dB) are measured with a NetWork Analyzer (NWA); see Figure 4

The P1 dB is measured by sweeping the input power , and observing where the S21 of th e device is compressed by 1 dB compared to the linear gain. In order for th is measureme nt to accurately measure the input power, the input must first be calibrated with a power head. The output power of the device is calculated using equation Equation 1

UM10480

Variable gain amplifier BGA7210

(1)

The drive power can be optionally enhanced with a driver amplifier. To prevent the output signal driving the NWA receiver into compression, an attenuator can be inser te d at the NWA input. Both driver amplifier and attenuator should be included in the calibration path.

Fig 4. S-parameter and output compression power set-up

In order to maintain small signal conditions for the S-parameter measurements, an input power of 20 dBm is applied.

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019aac410

POWER SUPPLY

MMIC

DUT

SIGNAL

GENERATOR

SIGNAL

GENERATOR

ISOLATOR

LOW-PASS

FILTER (LPF)

POWER

COMBINER

SPECTRUM

ANALYZER

ISOLATOR

LOW-PASS

FILTER (LPF)

6.3 Output third-order intercept point

The output intercept point (OIP3) is a figure of merit for linearity; see Figure 5. The set-up is configured to achieve an accurate measurement of the OIP3; see Figure 6 signal generators, a Low-Pass Filter (LPF) and isolator is applied, before combining the two signals. This configuration gives best isolation between the generators, hence IMD3 levels of the input signal < 80 dBc can be measured.

Please refer to the BGA7210 data sheet for power level and tone spacing values.

dBc

output power

fundamental

slope 1:1

UM10480

Variable gain amplifier BGA7210

. After the

IP3

saturation

region

IMD3

slope 1:3

dBc

IMD3

2*f1-f2f1f

f2*f2-f

input power

019aac409

Fig 5. Definition of output intercept point (OIP3)

Fig 6. Output intercept point (OIP3) set-up

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6.4 Noise

The Noise Figure (NF) is measured using a calibrated noise source with a specified Excess Noise Ratio (ENR), and a spectrum analyzer with a noise measurement option. The system is calibrated with this noise source in order to measure accurate noise figures; see Figure 7

UM10480

Variable gain amplifier BGA7210

POWER SUPPLY

NOISE

SOURCE

Fig 7. Noise figure measurement set-up

DUT

MMIC

SPECTRUM

ANALYZER

including

NOISE OPTION

019aac411

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7. Jumpers and connectors

UM10480

Variable gain amplifier BGA7210

019aac412

Fig 8. BGA7210 RF evaluation board jumpers and connectors

Table 1. RF evaluation board components

Component reference Description

RF connectors

X6, X7 calibration port for determining PCB losses X1 RF in X5 RF out

Control interface

X2 USB interface board connector

Voltage sup ply

X4 external supply voltage 5 V/200 mA X3 power configuration jumper

The RF evaluation board is powered through connector X4. The X3 jumpers are set as shown in Figure 9

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019aac413

VRFO

VCC2

VDDA

VCC1

VDDD

VUSB

019aac414

VRFO

VCC2

VDDA

VCC1

VDDD

VUSB

Fig 9. X3 jumper setting using supply voltage on X4

The 5 V provided by the USB port can be used for quick tests. In that case X4 should not be used and jumpers on X3 should be set as shown in Figure 10

UM10480

Variable gain amplifier BGA7210

Fig 10. X3 jumper setting using USB supply voltage on X2

8. Abbreviations

Table 2. Abbreviations

Acronym Description

DUT Device Under Test ESD ElectroStatic Discharge IMD3 Inter-Modulation Distortion (third-order) MMIC Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit PCB Printed-Circuit Board USB Universal Serial Bus VGA Variable Gain Amplifier

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9. Legal information

UM10480

Variable gain amplifier BGA7210

9.1 Definitions

Draft — The document is a draft version only. The content is still under

internal review and subject to formal approval, which may result in modifications or additions. NXP Semiconductors does not give any representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of information included herein and shall have no liability for the consequences of use of such information.

9.2 Disclaimers

Limited warranty and liability — Information in this document is believed to

be accurate and reliable. However, NXP Semiconductors does not give any representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of such information and shall have no liability for the consequences of use of such information.

In no event shall NXP Semiconductors be liable for any indirect, incidental, punitive, special or consequential damages (including - without limitation - lost profits, lost savings, business interruption, costs related to the removal or replacement of any products or rework charges) whether or not such damages are based on tort (including negligence), warranty, breach of contract or any other legal theory.

Notwithstanding any damages that customer might incur for any reason whatsoever, NXP Semi conductors’ aggregat e and cumulative liabil ity towards customer for the products described herein shall be limited in accordance with the Terms and conditions of commercial sale of NXP Semiconductors.

Right to make changes — NXP Semiconductors reserves the right to make changes to information published in this document, including without limitation specifications and product descriptions, at any time and without notice. This document supersedes and replaces all information supplied prior to the publication hereof.

Suitability for use — NXP Semiconductors products are not designed, authorized or warranted to be suitable for use in life support, life-critical or safety-critical systems or equipment, nor in applications where failure or malfunction of an NXP Semiconductors product can reasonably be expected to result in personal injury, death or severe property or environmental damage. NXP Semiconductors accepts no liability for inclusion and/or use of NXP Semiconductors products in such equipment or applica tions and therefore such inclusion and/or use is at the customer’s own risk.

Applications — Applications that are described herein for any of these products are for illustrative purposes only. NXP Semiconductors makes no representation or warranty that such applications will be suitable for the specified use without further testing or modification.

Customers are responsible for the design and operation of their applications and products using NXP Semiconductors product s, and NXP Semiconductors accepts no liability for any assistance with applications or customer product

design. It is customer’s sole responsibility to determine whether the NXP Semiconductors product is suitable and fit for the customer’s applications and products planned, as well as for the planned application and use of customer’s third party customer(s). Customers should provide appropriate design and operating safeguards to minimize the risks associated with their applications and products.

NXP Semiconductors does not accept any liability related to any default , damage, costs or problem which is based on any weakness or default in the customer’s applications or products, or the application or use by customer’s third party customer(s). Customer is responsible for doing all necessary testing for the customer’s applications and products using NXP Semiconductors products in order to avoid a default of the applications and the products or of the application or use by customer’s third part y customer(s). NXP does not accept any liability in this respect.

Export control — This document as well as the item(s) described herein may be subject to export control regulations. Export might require a prior authorization from national authorities.

Evaluation products — This product is provided on an “as is” and “with all faults” basis for evaluation purposes only. NXP Semiconductors, its affiliates and their suppliers expressly disclaim all warranties, whet her express, implied or statutory, including but not limited to the implied warranties of non-infringement, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The entire risk as to the quality, or arising out of the use or performance, of this product remains with customer.

In no event shall NXP Semiconductors, its affiliates or their su ppliers be liable to customer for any special, indirect, consequential, punitive or incidental damages (including without limitation damages for l oss of bu siness, busi ness interruption, loss of use, loss of data or information, and the like) arising out the use of or inability to use the product, whether or not based on tort (including negligence), strict liability, breach of contract, breach of warranty or any other theory , even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

Notwithstanding any damages that customer might incur for any reason whatsoever (including without limitation, all damages referenced above and all direct or general damages), the entire liability of NXP Semiconductors, its affiliates and their suppliers and customer’s exclusive remedy for all of the foregoing shall be limited to actual damages incurred by customer based on reasonable reliance up to the greater of the amount actually paid by customer for the product or five dollars (US$5.00). The foregoin g limita tions, exclusions and disclaimers shall apply to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, even if any remedy fails of its essential purpose.

9.3 Trademarks

Notice: All referenced brands, prod uct names, service names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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10. Contents

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 Quick start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4 Customer evaluation kit contents . . . . . . . . . . 4

5 Controlling the customer RF evaluation board 5

5.1 Improving linearity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

5.2 Quick tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

5.3 Setting current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

5.4 Setting attenuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

5.5 Power save. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

6 BGA7210 evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

6.1 Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

6.2 S-parameters and output compression point . . 7

6.3 Output third-order intercept point . . . . . . . . . . . 8

6.4 Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

7 Jumpers and connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

8 Abbreviations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

9 Legal information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

9.1 Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

9.2 Disclaimers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

9.3 Trademarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

10 Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

UM10480

Variable gain amplifier BGA7210

Please be aware that important notices concerning this document and the product(s) described herein, have been included in section ‘Legal information’.

For more information, please visit: http://www.nxp.com For sales office addresses, please send an email to: salesaddresses@nxp.com

Date of release: 26 July 2011

Document identifier: UM10480

NXP Semiconductors UM10480, BGA7210 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

1. Introduction

2. Quick start

3. Installation

4. Customer evaluation kit contents

5. Controlling the customer RF evaluation board

5.1 Improving linearity

5.2 Quick tour

5.3 Setting current

5.4 Setting attenuation

5.5 Power save

6. BGA7210 evaluation

6.1 Calibration

6.2 S-parameters and output compression point

6.3 Output third-order intercept point

6.4 Noise

7. Jumpers and connectors

8. Abbreviations

9. Legal information

9.1 Definitions

9.2 Disclaimers

9.3 Trademarks

10. Contents