This version (18 May 2023 17:15) was approved by Brandon Bushey.The Previously approved version (18 May 2023 17:13) is available.
Table of Contents
EVAL-CN0521-EBZ User Guide
Overview
The EVAL-CN0521-EBZ is a USB-powered, RF low noise amplifier (LNA) that is optimized for receiving signal chains in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. Using two HMC639 amplifiers cascaded together, the design provides a gain of 21 dB and return losses of more than 10 dB throughout its RF band of operation.
The board includes a high speed overpower cutoff that protects sensitive downstream equipment connected to the receiver system. The receiver system also automatically turns back on when the RF power level drops within the acceptable range.
Designed to be used with the ADALM-PLUTO, the EVAL-CN0521-EBZ features a small form factor, with dimensions of 25.4 mm × 49.6 mm x 1.5748 mm (PCB only). The RF input and output are designed with a 50 Ω impedance, enabling direct connection between the circuit and standard 50 Ω systems.
A micro-USB connector is used for the input power, allowing the evaluation board to use most +5 V wall wart power supplies available in the market.
Figure 1. EVAL-CN0521-EBZ Reference Design Board
The EVAL-CN0521-EBZ features the HMC639, which is a GaAs, pHEMT, high linearity, low noise amplifier operating between 0.2 GHz to 4 GHz for various applications such as fixed-wireless, cellular, and CATV. This low noise RF amplifier does not require any external matching circuitry to operate.
Figure 2. EVAL-CN0521-EBZ Simplified Block Diagram
Hardware
Figure 3. CN0521 Primary Side
Figure 4. CN0521 Secondary Side
SMA Connectors
The SMA connectors are used for the RF input and output connections.
| RF Port | Reference Designator | Description |
|---|---|---|
| RF Input (SMA male connector) | J1 | Connect to a radio or piece of RF equipment |
| RF Output (SMA female connector) | J2 | Connect to an antenna |
LED Indicators
The reference design uses two LEDs to indicate its current status:
| RF Port | Reference Designator | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Green LED | (DS2) | Indicates that power is present on the board |
| Red LED | (DS1) | Indicates when an overtemperature event occurs |
This table shows the board status when the various LEDs are ON/OFF.
| Green LED | Red LED | Board Status |
|---|---|---|
| OFF | OFF | No Power |
| ON | Off | Normal RF Operation |
| ON | ON | Overpower Event (RF Output Attenuated) |
Power Supply Connector
- P1 is the micro-USB port used to provide +5 V power to the board.
Getting Started
Required Equipment
Hardware:
- Two (2) micro-USB power adaptor or micro-USB to USB cable for powering ADALM-PLUTO and EVAL-CN0521-EBZ
- One (1) SMA male-to-male cable
Firmware
For the step-by-step procedure on how to update the Pluto Firmware, you can use this user guide link.
The latest firmware version for the ADALM-PLUTO can be found here:
ADALM-PLUTO Firmware
ADALM-PLUTO Preparation
Follow the step-by-step process on how to configure the ADALM-PLUTO for proper operation by referring to this link.
Test Setup
Normal Operation
Figure 5. EVAL-CN0521-EBZ Test Setup
- Connect directly the Rx port of ADALM-PLUTO to J2 of the EVAL-CN0521-EBZ
- Connect the Tx port of the ADALM-PLUTO to J1 of the EVAL-CN0521-EBZ using a male-to-male SMA cable.
- Connect P1 (micro-USB) connector of the EVAL-CN0521-EBZ into a PC USB port or 5 V USB charger.
- Connect the micro-USB to USB cable to a PC/laptop and the other end to the ADALM-PLUTO data port.
- The DS2 LED of EVAL-CN0521-EBZ will automatically turn on, indicating the board is powered on and is in operation.
IIO Oscilloscope
Make sure to download/update to the latest version of IIO Oscilloscope found on this linkhttps://github.com/analogdevicesinc/iio-oscilloscope/releases
- Once done with the installation or an update of the latest IIO Oscilloscope, open the application. The user needs to supply a URI, which will be used in the context creation of the IIO Oscilloscope. The instructions can be seen in the previous section.
- Press refresh to display available IIO devices. Once the ADALM-PLUTO appeared, press connect.
Figure 6. IIO Oscilloscope Configuration
- On the AD936x tab, refer to this link for the proper configuration of the AD936x.
- Using the capture window, you can see the RF output of the EVAL-CN0521-EBZ in the frequency domain.
Figure 7. CN0521 RF Output
More Information and Useful Links
Schematic, PCB Layout, Bill of Materials
EVAL-CN0521-EBZ Design & Integration Files
- Schematics
- PCB Layout
- Bill of Materials
- Allegro Project
Registration
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End of Document
resources/eval/user-guides/circuits-from-the-lab/cn0521.txt · Last modified: 18 May 2023 17:15 by Brandon Bushey