This version (04 Apr 2023 13:51) was approved by Trisha Cabildo.The Previously approved version (30 Jul 2021 06:57) is available.
Table of Contents
CN0417 Evaluation Board Guide
Overview
CN0417 is a small USB-powered RF power amplifier optimized for 2400 MHz operation. The amplifier typically provides 20 dB of gain through its RF band of operation, boosting signals for various communication protocols such as ISM, MC-GSM, W-CDMA, TD-SCDMA, and LTE. It requires a 5V USB supply for normal operation. The input and output, both populated with edge-mounted SMA connectors, are dc blocked and matched to 50 Ω for ease of use. More information on this board can be found at PlutoSDR Amplifier.
The ADL5606 is a broadband, two-stage, 1 W RF driver amplifier that operates over a frequency range of 1800 MHz to 2700 MHz. The device can be used in a wide variety of wired and wireless communication protocols, including ISM, MC-GSM, W-CDMA, TD-SCDMA, and LTE.
The LTM8045 is an integrated switching DC/DC converter that contains a current mode controller, power switching element, power coupled inductor, power Schottky diode, and a modest amount of input and output capacitance. It can be configured as a SEPIC or inverting converter by simply grounding the appropriate output rail.
The EVAL-CN0417-EBZ board connects through SMA and is powered by the bus voltage from the USB port.
Required Equipment
- RF Signal Source (like the PlutoSDR)
- Micro-USB power adaptor or Micro-USB to USB cable
General Setup
Block assignments
- Terminal block J1 is the SMA female connector for RF input, and would normally be connected to an SDR.
- Terminal block J2 is the SMA male connector for RF output, and would normally be connected to an antenna
- Terminal block P1 is the micro USB port to provide power to the board
Test setup
- Plug in the micro-USB end of the micro-USB cable or power adapter to P1 of the EVAL-CN0417-EBZ Board
- Plug the other end of the cable into a power outlet or a PC USB port providing at least 500 mA.
- An LED light will turn on indicating the board is on and is in operation.
- Connect the RF output of the RF signal source to J1 of the EVAL-CN0417-EBZ Board
- Connect J2 of the EVAL-CN0417-EBZ Board to desired DUT or equipment needing the amplifier signal
Running the System
- After completing the setup, the EVAL-CN0417-EBZ Board will automatically turn on and output the amplified version of the input.
Normal Operation
For normal operation, connect:
- Connect P1 (micro USB) connector of the EVAL-CN0417-EBZ Board into a PC USB port or 5V USB charger.
- An LED light will turn on indicating the board is on and is in operation.
- Connect the RF output of the Pluto SDR to J1 of the EVAL-CN0417-EBZ Board
- Connect J2 of the EVAL-CN0417-EBZ Board to an antenna (ensure the antenna can dissipate 1W)
WARNING
Connecting the EVAL-CN0417-EBZ Board directly to the Pluto SDR input (Rx) may exceed the absolute maximum ratings for the RF Input (which is +2.5 dBm). Doing this may permanently damage the PlutoSDR input. Never do this for any reason.
We test the EVAL-CN0417-EBZ Board in this configuration, by ensuring the Tx attenuator is set to an attenuation of 30dB or more. This ensures the gain of +20dB from the EVAL-CN0417-EBZ Board will not exceed the maximum ratings for the RF Input.
Never do this in normal operation.
More Information and Useful Links
Schematic, PCB Layout, Bill of Materials
EVAL-CN0417-SDPZ Design & Integration Files
- Schematics
- PCB Layout
- Bill of Materials
- PADS project
Registration
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End of Document
resources/eval/user-guides/circuits-from-the-lab/cn0417.txt · Last modified: 04 Apr 2023 13:51 by Trisha Cabildo