2-632
RF5163
Rev A12 061114
The RF5163PCBA-WD Evaluation Board employs the RF2373 as a driver amplifier at the input to the RF5163 (as final
stage power amplifier IC). The RF2373 is a very high linearity single stage low noise amplifier (LNA)/driver amplifier that
demonstrates approximately 15dB of gain from 2400MHz to 2500MHz and is capable of delivering +6dBm RF POUT at <
1% EVM (RMS, mean). The RF5163PCBA-WD Evaluation Board is designed to maximize both useful gain and ultra lin-
ear transmit power performance. Typical RF5163PCBA-WD Evaluation Board specifications are shown in the Table
below:
Typical RF5163PCBA-WD Evaluation Board Specifications:
All application information described above for the RF5163PCBA Evaluation Board applies directly to the RF5163PCBA-
WD Evaluation Board.
On the RF5163PCBA-WD Evaluation Board schematic, reference designator U1 identifies the RF2373 and reference
designator U2 identifies the RF5163. VCC (nominal+5.0VDC) is supplied to both U1 (RF2373) and U2 (RF5163) simulta-
neously through P2, two-pin header connector. VCC is applied to the RF2373 through RF2373 pin 4 (RF OUT). Inductor
L4 is positioned to isolate the power supply line from C7 (RF2373 output tuning capacitor).
R3 on RF2373 pin 3 sets the bias current for RF2373 VBIAS voltage. As employed within the RF5163PCBA-WD Evalua-
tion Board, the RF2373 is biased for VBIAS voltage of +3.0VDC. RF2373 bias voltage is supplied through P3, two-pin
header connector.
Critical RF5163 input and output tuning components are L2, C11, C13, C16, and C17. The resistor values for R7 and R8
have changed from the original values in the RF5163 evaluation board schematic. Critical RF2373 input and output tun-
ing components are C6, C7 and L4. In these cases, high-Q capacitors suitable for RF applications are used on the
RF5163PCBA-WD Evaluation Board (bill of material (BOM) is available upon request). 50
Ω transmission line segments
are employed at both the input and output of the RF2373. It is strongly recommended that the construction of these
transmission line segments be followed as closely as possible to yield best gain, gain flatness, and linear amplifier driver
performance.
The RF5163PCBA-WD Evaluation Board includes two (2) locations where separate and independent 3dB loss pads may
be populated. These two (2) 3dB loss pads are provided to reduce the overall gain of the RF2373+RF5163 amplifier
combination (which can achieve 40dB gain if not reduced through the use of the available 3dB loss pads). If no gain
reduction is desired simply place resistors R11 and R2 as zero (0) resistor values. If only a single 3dB loss pad is desired
for circuit operation it is recommended to use the R9, R10, R11 3dB loss pad positioned in series with and before
RF2373 pin 1 (RF IN). Place resistor R2 as a zero (0) value resistor.
The RF5163PCBA-WD Evaluation Board has been characterized with a VCC voltage of +5.0VDC, RF5163 VREG1 and
VREG2 voltage of +3.0VDC, and RF2373 bias (VBIAS or VPD) voltage of +3.0VDC. These are ideal operating conditions to
achieve the best combination of gain and ultra linear transmitter performance at an RF POUT=+26dBm. However, the
RF5163PCBA-WD Evaluation Board will operate from a wide range of VCC and control voltages. If a different set of VCC
and/or control voltages is desired, contact RFMD Sales or Applications Engineering for additional data and guidance.
Parameter
Min.
Typ.
Max.
Unit
Condition
Frequency Range
2400
2500
MHz
T=25°C, VCC=+5.0VDC; All VREG voltages=+3.0VDC
Output Power
+26
dBm
EVM
2.5
%
RMS, mean (IEEE802.11g/n; Maximum Data Rate)
Gain
33
40
dB
-10dBm RF Pin
Power Supply
Operating Voltage
(VCC)5.0
VDC
Bias Voltage (VREG)3.0
VDC
Current Consumption
660
mA
RF POUT=+26dBm; RF PIN=-10dBm; P_Down is “ON”,
IEEE802.11g/n Modulation @ Maximum Data Rate