The MAX2645 evaluation kit is a simple-to-use evaluation board that can be used to evaluate the MAX2645 3.4GHz to 3.8GHz low-noise amplifier/PA predriver. The evaluation kit is fully assembled and tested, allowing easy evaluation of all device functions. All RF signal ports use SMA connectors, providing a convenient interface to RF test equipment. The MAX2645 is a versatile, high-performance, low-noise amplifier with adjustable IP3. These features allow the MAX2645 to be used in a variety of applications, from a low-noise amplifier to a PA predriver. As assembled, the MAX2645 evaluation kit is configured for lowest noise figure performance (NF = 2.3dB, IIP3 = +4dBm). A few minor component changes configure the device as a low-noise amplifier with higher linearity and slightly degraded noise figure performance (NF = 2.6dB, IIP3 = +10dBm) or as a PA predriver with high output P1dB performance (output P1dB = +12dBm). Refer to the MAX2645 data sheet for application-specific performance data.
The MAX2645 evaluation kit simplifies testing of the 3.4 GHz‑3.8 GHz low‑noise amplifier/PA pre‑driver. The kit is fully assembled, includes all critical peripheral components, and uses SMA connectors for easy RF test equipment interfacing.
The manual details the component list, required test equipment, step‑by‑step connections, jumper settings for different operating modes, and layout/bypassing recommendations to achieve optimal performance.
| Noise Figure (low‑noise mode) | 2.3 dB |
|---|---|
| IIP3 (low‑noise mode) | +4 dBm |
| Noise Figure (high‑linearity mode) | 2.6 dB |
| IIP3 (high‑linearity mode) | +10 dBm |
| Output P1dB (PA pre‑driver mode) | +12 dBm |
| RF Port Impedance | 50 Ω at 3.55 GHz |
| Supply Voltage | +3.3 V |
| Supply Current (high‑gain mode) | ≈9.2 mA |
| Supply Current (low‑gain mode) | ≈3 mA |
| Shutdown Current | ≈0.1 µA |
Connect the SHDN jumper (JU2) to the “1” position, which ties SHDN to VCC.
Set the GAIN jumper (JU1) to the “1” position, which ties GAIN to VCC.