
MAX9986 Evaluation Kit
Component List (continued)
Connections and Setup
This section provides a step-by-step guide to testing
DESIGNATION
TP1
QTY
1
DESCRIPTION
Large test point for 0.062in PC board
(red)
Mouser 151-107 or equivalent
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
Large test point for 0.062in PC board
of 910MHz using high-side injected LO for a 160MHz IF.
TP2
TP3
U1
1
1
1
(black)
Mouser 151-103 or equivalent
Large test point for 0.062in PC board
(white)
Mouser 151-101 or equivalent
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.
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
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.
?
?
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
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)
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.
2
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