
Maxim Integrated
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Evaluates: MAX2678
MAX2678 Evaluation Kit
Measure P1dB of AMP 1 (AMP 2 Can be Measured
in a Similar Manner)
This procedure can be used to measure gain compression.
Note that this is a single-tone test.
1) Disable RF generator output and configure with
1575MHz RF frequency and -30dBm power level.
2) Connect generator to AMP 1 input (IN1, J5).
3) Connect spectrum analyzer to AMP 1 output
(OUT1, J7).
4) Confirm 5V power-supply connection to EV kit
connector JU1 and then enable the supply output.
5) Enable signal generator.
6) Observe gain using spectrum analyzer. This is a high-
power measurement, so confirm that the front-end
attenuator is adjusted appropriately to avoid com-
pression in the spectrum analyzer.
7) Increase power in 1dB steps. Observe gain for each
step. Note input level at which gain is reduced from
initially observed value (step 6) by 1dB.
Measure Noise Figure of AMP 1 (AMP 2 Can be
Measured in a Similar Manner)
Measurement of noise figure is especially challenging
because of the MAX2678’s excellent noise performance.
Some experimentation may be required to obtain the best
results. As a general rule, try to avoid clutter around the
EV kit and ensure that obvious radiators of noise are not
in close proximity to the test fixture. It may be helpful to
use a shielded enclosure for this measurement.
1) Calibrate noise figure meter and test fixture at
operating frequency of the IC.
2) Connect noise figure meter to input and output ports
of AMP 1.
3) Confirm 5V power-supply connection to EV kit
connector JU1 and then enable supply output.
4) Observe noise figure.
Detailed Description of Hardware
SAW Filter
The MAX2678 should be used in conjunction with an
interstage SAW filter for optimal immunity to out-of-band
interferers. The EV kit enables evaluation of the device
with a pair of optional industry-standard SAW filters.
Resistor jumpers are used to realize the required signal
routing. Refer to the schematic for details regarding the
resistor configuration. Only one SAW filter should be used
at a given time. Refer to the BOM information at the end
of this document for specific details regarding the SAW
filters.
RF Signal-Routing Options
As previously mentioned, resistor jumpers are used to
configure the signal path, depending on whether stand-
alone or cascade/SAW filter testing is desired. Only one
of the three available overlapping resistor locations in
each signal-routing junction should be populated at a
given time to avoid creating stubs. It is recommended
that 0Ω film resistors be used since they offer very low
inductance.
Gain Select
AMP 2 includes a 3.4dB gain step. This enables the gain
to be tailored to specific applications and adjusted based
on loss in the SAW filter. The gain mode is controlled by
resistor R7, which configures AMP 2 for high gain. By
default, R7 is not installed. To enable low-gain mode,
install a 0Ω resistor in location R7.
Layout Considerations
Taking full advantage of the IC’s excellent noise perfor-
mance requires careful PCB layout. The input to AMP 1 is
the most sensitive to noise pickup. Everything downstream
of AMP 1’s output is much less sensitive due to the high
gain of AMP 1. Therefore, the IC should be oriented to
optimize the interconnect between AMP 1’s input and
the antenna. In general, this interconnect should be kept
as short as possible to achieve the best possible per-
formance, and should be isolated from suspected noise
sources by a combination of shielding and proper floor
planning. Controlled impedance should be used on all RF
interconnects to avoid any unpredictable behavior, and all
matching components and decoupling capacitors should
be placed in close proximity to the IC package.