Evaluates: MAX2242
MAX2242 Evaluation Kit
2 _______________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________Quick Start
The MAX2242 EV kit is fully assembled and factory test-
ed. Follow the instructions in the Connections and Setup
section for proper device evaluation.
Test Equipment Required
This section lists the test equipment recommended to
verify operation of the MAX2242. It is intended as a guide
only, and some substitutions are possible:
• One RF signal generator capable of delivering at
least +10dBm of output power at the operating fre-
quency with 802.11b comparable source
• One RF power sensor capable of handling at least
+20dBm of output power at the operating frequency
(HP 8482A, or equivalent)
• One 20dB high-power attenuator
• One RF power meter capable of measuring up to
+20dBm of output power at the operating frequency
(HP EPM-441A or equivalent)
• One RF spectrum analyzer capable of measuring
ACPR and covering the MAX2242’s operating fre-
quency range (Rohde and Schwartz FSEA20, for
example)
• One power supply capable of delivering up to 0.5A
at +2.7V to +3.6V
• One high-impedance voltmeter for measuring the
actual operating voltage
• One ammeter for measuring the supply current
(optional)
• Two 50Ω SMA cables
• One network analyzer (HP 8753D, for example) to
measure small signal return loss and gain (optional)
Connections and Setup
This section provides a step-by-step guide to operating
the EV kit and testing the device’s functions. Do not
turn on the DC power or RF signal generator until all
connections are made:
1) Connect a 20dB high-power attenuator to the OUT
SMA connector on the EV kit. This will prevent over-
loading the power sensor and the power meter.
2) Connect a DC supply set to +3.3V (through an
ammeter if desired), and connect the voltmeter to
the EV kit’s V
CC
and GND terminals.
3) Connect an RF signal generator to the IN SMA con-
nector. Set the generator for a 2.45GHz output fre-
quency at a -10dBm power level.
4) Connect the power sensor to the power meter.
Calibrate the power sensor for 2.45GHz. Set the
power meter offset to compensate the 20dB attenu-
ator plus any cable loss (between 0.5dB and 2dB),
and circuit board losses (approximately 0.15dB).
5) Connect a power sensor to the 20dB high-power
attenuator.
6) Place the SHDN jumper (JU1) in the ON position.
7) Turn on the DC supply and adjust BIAS voltage to
give idle current of 280mA.
8) Activate the RF generator’s output. Set the RF gen-
erator’s output to produce a reading of +22dBm on
the power meter. Verify that the voltmeter reads
+3.3V. Iteratively adjust the power supply’s output
and the RF generator’s output to produce a +3.3V
reading on the voltmeter and a reading of +22dBm
on the power meter.
• The supply current should increase to approxi-
mately 305mA.
Layout Issues
A good PC board is an essential part of an RF circuit
design. The EV kit PC board can serve as a guide for lay-
ing out a board using the MAX2242. Keep traces carrying
RF signals as short as possible to minimize radiation and
insertion loss due to the PC board. Each V
CC
_ node on
the PC board should have its own decoupling capacitor.
This minimizes supply coupling from one section of the IC
to another. Using a star topology for the supply layout, in
which each V
CC
_ node on the circuit has a separate con-
nection to a central V
CC
node, can further minimize cou-
pling between sections of the IC.
