Datasheet
Evaluates: MAX9930–MAX9933
MAX9930 Evaluation Kit
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__________________________Quick Start
Recommended Equipment
Before beginning, the following equipment is needed:
• One variable DC power supply capable of supplying
between 2.7V and 5.25V at 50mA
• One signal generator capable of delivering -45dBm
to +0dBm at frequencies between 2MHz and 1.6GHz
• One voltmeter
Procedure
The MAX9930 EV kit is fully assembled and tested.
Follow the steps below to verify board operation.
Caution: Do not turn on the power supply until all
connections are completed.
1) Set the variable DC power supply to 3V.
2) Ensure that the variable DC power supply is
turned off.
3) Connect the positive terminal of the variable DC
power supply to the pad marked VCC. Connect the
ground return of the variable DC power supply to
the pad marked GND.
4) Set the signal generator to produce an output
signal of 0dBm at a frequency of 50MHz.
5) Ensure that the signal generator is turned off.
6) Connect the signal generator to the edge-mount
SMA connector marked RFIN.
7) Connect the positive terminal of the voltmeter to
the pad marked SET. Connect the ground return of
the voltmeter to the pad marked GND.
8) Ensure that a shunt is installed across pins 1-2 of
jumper JU1.
9) Ensure that a shunt is installed across pins 2-3 of
jumper JU2.
10) Ensure that a shunt is installed across jumper JU3.
11) Turn on the variable DC power supply.
12) Turn on/enable the output of the signal generator.
13) Verify with the voltmeter that an output voltage of
approximately 1.4V is produced between the SET
pad and the GND pad.
Detailed Description
The MAX9930 EV kit is a fully assembled and tested sur-
face-mount PCB that evaluates the MAX9930 RF-detect-
ing controller. The MAX9930 EV kit can also be used to
evaluate the MAX9931/MAX9932 RF-detecting con-
trollers and the MAX9933 RF detector. The MAX9930 EV
kit includes on-board shutdown control, as well as quasi-
measurement mode circuitry to provide an easy method
to evaluate the MAX9930, MAX9931, and MAX9932. The
RF input utilizes a 50Ω SMA connector for convenient
connection to test equipment.
For operation in controller mode, both JU2 and JU3
should be removed. Use a DAC or external precision
voltage supply to apply the set-point voltage to the SET
pad. RFIN is connected to the RF source—power ampli-
fier (PA) output through a directional coupler—and the
OUT pad is connected to the gain-control pin of the PA.
When used in controller mode, a capacitor must be
installed in C3 for loop stability (see the
Filter Capacitor
Selection
section).
To simulate an automatic gain-control (AGC) loop, a
quasi-measurement mode can be implemented where
the MAX9930 delivers an output voltage that is
proportional to the log of the input signal (see the
Quasi-Measurement Mode
section). To establish the
transfer function of the log amp, the RF input power
level should be swept while the voltage at the SET pad
is measured. This is the simplest method to validate
operation of the evaluation board.
Shutdown Control
Jumper JU1 controls the CMOS-compatible shutdown
pin (SHDN) of the MAX9930, which disables the
MAX9930. Removing the shunt from JU1 allows the
SHDN pin to be driven with an external signal source
connected to the SHDN pad (see Table 1 for shutdown
shunt positions).
JUMPER SHUNT POSITION DESCRIPTION
1-2* MAX9930 enabled
2-3 MAX9930 disabled
JU1
Not installed
SHDN pin driven by an
external signal source
*
Default position.
Table 1. Shutdown Selection