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
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 |
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) |
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
Follow the step-by-step process on how to configure the ADALM-PLUTO for proper operation by referring to this link.
Figure 5. EVAL-CN0521-EBZ Test Setup
Figure 6. IIO Oscilloscope Configuration
EVAL-CN0521-EBZ Design & Integration Files
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