General Description
The MAX2659 evaluation kit (EV kit) simplifies evalua-
tion of the MAX2659 GPS/GNSS low-noise amplifier
(LNA). The MAX2659 high-gain, LNA is designed for
GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS applications. The EV kit
enables testing of the device’s performance and
requires no additional support circuitry. The MAX2659
EV kit is fully assembled with the MAX2659 IC on-board
and incorporates input matching components to opti-
mize performance. The EV kit’s signal inputs and out-
puts use SMA connectors to facilitate the connection of
RF test equipment.
Features
♦Easy Evaluation of the MAX2659 IC
♦1.6V to 3.3V Single-Supply Operation
♦RF Input and Output Matched to 50Ω
♦Jumper Included for Shutdown Setting
♦Fully Assembled and Tested
Evaluates: MAX2659
MAX2659 Evaluation Kit
________________________________________________________________
Maxim Integrated Products
1
19-0947; Rev 0; 8/07
Component List
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642,
or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
Ordering Information
Component Suppliers
PART TEMP RANGE IC PACKAGE
MAX2659EVKIT+ -40°C to +85°C 6 µDFN
SUPPLIER PHONE WEBSITE
AVX Corp. 843-946-0238 www.avxcorp.com
Murata Mfg. Co., Ltd. 770-436-1300 www.murata.com
DESIGNATION QTY DESCRIPTION
C1 1
470pF ±10% ceramic capacitor
(0402)
Murata GRM155R71H471K
C2, C4 2 39pF ±5% capacitors (0402)
Murata GRM1555C1H390J
C3, C5 2
0.033µF ±10% ceramic capacitors
(0402)
Murata GRM155R71A333K
C6 1
10µF ±10% tantalum capacitor (C
case)
AVX TAJC106K016
C7 1
0.01µF ±10% ceramic capacitor
(0402)
Murata GRM155R71C103K
JU1 1
1 x 3-pin header, 3in inline header,
100-mil centers
Sullins PEC36SAAN
DESIGNATION QTY DESCRIPTION
JU2, JU3 2 PC mini-red test points
Keystone 5000
L1 1 6.8nH ±5% inductor (0402)
Murata LQW15AN6N8H00
P1, P2 2
SMA edge-mount connectors,
round contact
Johnson 142-0701-801
P3 0 Not installed
R1, R2 2 0Ω ±5% resistors (0402)
R4 1 10kΩ ±5% resistor (0402)
U1 1 MAX2659ELT+ GPS LNA (6-pin
µDFN, 1.5mm x 1mm x 0.75mm)
— 1 PCB: MAX2659 Evaluation Kit+
+
Denotes a lead-free and RoHS-compliant EV kit.
Note: Indicate that you are using the MAX2659 when contacting
these component suppliers.
Evaluates: MAX2659
MAX2659 Evaluation Kit
2 _______________________________________________________________________________________
Quick Start
Required Equipment
•An RF signal generator capable of delivering RF
power as high as 0dBm at the 1575.42MHz operating
frequency, such as the HPE4433B or equivalent
•An RF spectrum analyzer that covers the MAX2659
operating frequency range, as well as a few harmon-
ics, such as the FSEB20 or equivalent
•One DC power supply capable of up to 50mA at 1.6V
to 3.3V
•Power meter capable of measuring up to 0dBm
•One ammeter to measure the supply current (option-
al)
•A noise figure meter (optional)
•A network analyzer for measuring gain and return
loss (optional)
Connections and Setup
The MAX2659 EV kit is fully assembled and tested.
Follow the steps below for a step-by-step guide to
operating the EV kit and testing the device functions.
Connect pin 1 to pin 2 of JP1 to enable the device.
Caution: Do not turn on the DC power or RF signal
generators until all connections are completed.
1) Connect a DC supply set to +2.85V to the VCC and
GND terminals (through an ammeter, if desired) on
the EV kit. Do not turn on the supply.
2) Connect the RF signal generator to the RFIN SMA
connector. Do not turn on the generator’s output.
Set the output of the RF signal generator to
1575.42MHz and power level to -40dBm.
3) Connect a spectrum analyzer to the RFOUT SMA
connector. Set the center frequency to
1575.42MHz, reference level to 0dBm, and span to
1MHz.
4) Turn on the DC power supply. The supply current
should read approximately 4.1mA.
5) Enable the RF generator’s output. The spectrum
analyzer displays a tone at 1575.42MHz at approxi-
mately -20dBm.
Layout Issues
A good printed-circuit board (PCB) is an essential part
of RF circuit design. The EV kit PCB can serve as a
guide for laying out a board using the MAX2659. Use
controlled impedance lines on all high-frequency inputs
and outputs. Bypass VCC with decoupling capacitors
located close to the device. For long VCC lines, it may
be necessary to add decoupling capacitors. Locate
these additional capacitors farther away from the
device package. This minimizes supply coupling.
Proper grounding of the GND pins is essential. Connect
the GND pins to the ground plane either directly, or
through vias, or both.
Figure 1. MAX2659 EV Kit Schematic
Evaluates: MAX2659
MAX2659 Evaluation Kit
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Figure 2. MAX2659 EV Kit Component Replacement Guide—Component Side
Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.
4
_____________________Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600
© 2007 Maxim Integrated Products is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Evaluates: MAX2659
MAX2659 Evaluation Kit
Figure 3. MAX2659 EV Kit PCB Layout—Layer 2 Figure 4. MAX2659 EV Kit PCB Layout—Layer 3
Figure 5. MAX2659 EV Kit PCB Layout—Component Side Figure 6. MAX2659 EV Kit PCB Layout—Secondary Side
