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Table of Contents
User’s Guide
LMH9135 Evaluation Module
ABSTRACT
This document outlines the basic steps and functions that are required to ensure the proper operation and quick
setup of the LMH9135RRL-EVM. This document also includes a schematic diagram, a bill of materials (BOM),
printed-circuit board (PCB) layouts, and test block diagrams. Throughout this document, the abbreviations EVM,
LMH9135 EVM and the term evaluation module are synonymous with the LMH9135RRL-EVM, unless otherwise
noted.
Table of Contents
1 Description.............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
1.1 Features............................................................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 General Usage Information................................................................................................................................................ 3
2 EVM Overview......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Schematic.......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 PCB Layers........................................................................................................................................................................ 5
2.3 LMH9135 EVM Bill of Material........................................................................................................................................... 7
2.4 Stack-Up and Material........................................................................................................................................................8
3 Test Setup Diagrams.............................................................................................................................................................. 9
3.1 Single-Tone Measurement Test Setup............................................................................................................................... 9
3.2 S-Parameter Test Setup...................................................................................................................................................10
3.3 Noise Figure Test Setup................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.4 Two-Tone OIP3 Test Setup.............................................................................................................................................. 12
List of Figures
Figure 1-1. General Test Setup....................................................................................................................................................2
Figure 2-1. LMH9135 EVM Schematic........................................................................................................................................ 4
Figure 2-2. Top Layer...................................................................................................................................................................5
Figure 2-3. Layer 2...................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 2-4. Layer 3...................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 2-5. Bottom Layer............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Figure 2-6. LMH9135 EVM Stack-Up (Units in Mils)................................................................................................................... 8
Figure 3-1. Single-Tone Setup for Gain and Output P1dB (1-dB Compression Point)................................................................ 9
Figure 3-2. S-Parameter Test Setup.......................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 3-3. Noise Figure Test Setup.......................................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 3-4. OIP3 Test Setup...................................................................................................................................................... 12
List of Tables
Table 2-1. LMH9135 EVM BOM.................................................................................................................................................. 7
Trademarks
Isola® is a registered trademark of Isola USA Corporation.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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Description
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1 Description
The LMH9135 evaluation module (EVM) is used to evaluate the LMH9135 device, which is a differential input
to single-ended output RF gain block amplifier available in a 2-mm × 2-mm2, 12-pin RRL package. The device
is well-suited to support requirements for the next generation 5G m-MIMO active antenna system (AAS) while
interfacing with the output of transceiver. The EVM is designed to quickly demonstrate the functionality and
performance of the LMH9135 device in the 3.3-GHz to 4.2-GHz transmit frequency band with 900 MHz of 1-dB
bandwidth.
By default, the board is set up for 100-Ω differential input matching and 50-Ω single-ended output matching for
easy interface with 50-Ω test equipment. The EVM is ready to connect to a +3.3-V power supply, signal source,
and test instruments through the use of onboard connectors.
1.1 Features
•
•
•
•
Operates on single +3.3-V supply.
Designed for differential 100-Ω input matching and 50-Ω single-ended output matching interface.
Simple interface to the inputs and output through onboard SMA connectors.
Power-down option available onboard using jumper connector.
+3.3-V Single Bench
Power Supply
Frequency Support:
FL ± FH = 3.3 ± 4.2 GHz
FL
FH
GHz
Spectrum Analyzer
DMM
(Measure Current)
Marki BAL-0010
or Similar
1:2, Zin = 50 Ÿ
(J1)
+3.3 V
3-dB pad
GND
Zo = 50 Ÿ
(J2)
(J3)
0°
3-dB pad
LMH9135
180°
RF Signal Generator
3-dB pad
(J4)
1
2
GND
3
(J5)
+1.8 V
Zin = 100 Ÿ (diff)
LMH9135 RRL EVM
Jumper
Figure 1-1. General Test Setup
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Description
1.2 General Usage Information
This section provides general usage information for the LMH9135 EVM. See Figure 1-1 for a general single-tone
setup diagram as a reference point to the following instructions. Some components such as supply bypass
capacitors, and power down reference voltage generation are omitted in Figure 1-1 for clarity.
1. Recommended power-up sequence:
a. Before connecting the power-supply cables to the EVM, set the DC output power supply to +3.3 V.
b. Set the current limit of the DC output power supply at 200 mA.
c. Making sure the supply is turned off, connect the power supply cables to the J1 connector.
d. Now turn on the DC power supply of VCC = +3.3 V. The supply current (IQ) drawn from the power supply
should be approximately 120 mA.
e. If the supply current is low, ensure the device is not disabled by shorting the jumper connection for J5
between 2 and 3 header pins.
2. Power-down option:
a. Short terminals 1 and 2 on J5 to put the LMH9135 device in its Power-down state. The supply current
(IQ) drawn should be < 15 mA.
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EVM Overview
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2 EVM Overview
This section includes the schematic diagram, a BOM, PCB layer prints, and EVM stack-up information.
2.1 Schematic
Figure 2-1 shows the LMH9135 EVM schematic.
Figure 2-1. LMH9135 EVM Schematic
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EVM Overview
2.2 PCB Layers
Figure 2-2 through Figure 2-5 illustrate the PCB layers for this EVM.
Figure 2-2. Top Layer
Figure 2-3. Layer 2
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Figure 2-4. Layer 3
Figure 2-5. Bottom Layer
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EVM Overview
2.3 LMH9135 EVM Bill of Material
Table 2-1. LMH9135 EVM BOM
Item # Designator
Qty
Value
Description
Footprint
Printed Circuit
Board
PartNumber
1
!PCB1
1
2
C1
1
1 µF
CAP, CERM, 1 µF,
10 V, ± 20%, X5R,
0201
0201
Samsung
CL03A105MP3NSNC ElectroMechanics
3
C2
1
0.01 µF
CAP, CERM, 0.01
µF, 10 V, ± 10%,
X7R, 0201
0201
GRM033R71A103KA
MuRata
01D
4
C3
1
0.1 µF
CAP, CERM, 0.1
µF, 16 V, ± 10%,
X5R, 0201
0201_033
GRM033C71C104KE
MuRata
14D
5
C4
1
3.9 pF (1)
3.9 pF Thin Film
Capacitor 16 V
0201 (0603 Metric)
ACCU_0201
0201YJ3R9BBSTR
AVX
6
J1
1
Terminal Block,
5.08 mm, 2x1, TH
PhoenixContact
_1715721
1715721
Phoenix Contact
7
J2, J3, J4
3
SMA JACK 50
OHM, R/A, SMT
Rosenberger_32
32K243-40ML5
K243-40ML5
Rosenberger
8
J5
1
Header, 100 mil,
3x1, Tin, TH
CONN_PEC03S
PEC03SAAN
AAN
Sullins
Connector
Solutions
9
R1
1
2.49 k
RES, 2.49 k,
1%, 0.063 W, AEC0402
Q200 Grade 0,
0402
CRCW04022K49FKE
Vishay-Dale
D
10
R2
1
3.24 k
RES, 3.24 k,
1%, 0.063 W, AEC0402
Q200 Grade 0,
0402
CRCW04023K24FKE
Vishay-Dale
D
11
SH-J1
1
1x2
Shunt, 100 mil,
Gold plated, Black
SNT-100-BK-G
SNT-100-BK-G
Samtec
12
U1
1
LMH9135RRL,
RRL0012A
(WQFN-12)
RRL0012A
LMH9135RRL
Texas
Instruments
13
FID1, FID2,
FID3
0
Fiducial mark.
There is nothing to
buy or mount.
Fiducial10-20
N/A
N/A
1
AMPS087
Manufacturer
Alternate
PartNumber
Alternate
Manufacturer
Any
969102-0000DA
3M
Texas
Instruments
Alternate 3.9 pF part: 02013J3R9BBSTR
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EVM Overview
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2.4 Stack-Up and Material
The LMH9135 EVM is a 56-mil, 4-layer board whose material type is Isola® 370HR. The top layer routes the
power, ground, and signals to and from the device. The signal impedance is targeted at 49.9 Ω. The bottom 3
layers are ground layers.
Figure 2-6. LMH9135 EVM Stack-Up (Units in Mils)
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Test Setup Diagrams
3 Test Setup Diagrams
This section includes general recommendations for single-tone, S-parameter, noise figure, and two-tone OIP3
setup while measuring the LMH9135 EVM.
3.1 Single-Tone Measurement Test Setup
+3.3-V Single Bench
Power Supply
Frequency Support:
FL ± FH = 3.3 ± 4.2 GHz
FL
FH
GHz
Spectrum Analyzer
DMM
(Measure Current)
Marki BAL-0010
or Similar
1:2, Zin = 50 Ÿ
(J1)
+3.3 V
3-dB pad
GND
Zo = 50 Ÿ
(J2)
(J3)
0°
3-dB pad
LMH9135
180°
RF Signal Generator
3-dB pad
(J4)
1
2
GND
3
(J5)
+1.8 V
Zin = 100 Ÿ (diff)
LMH9135 RRL EVM
Jumper
Figure 3-1. Single-Tone Setup for Gain and Output P1dB (1-dB Compression Point)
Use the following guidelines for single-tone measurement:
1. The input to the EVM is differential. Differential signal is generated from the single-ended output of the signal
generator using an external passive balun such as shown in Figure 3-1. Use of at least 3-dB attenuator pads
are recommended at the differential ports of the balun for better matching with the board.
2. The differential signals are fed into connectors J2 and J4.
3. The RF signal generator used must support 3.3-GHz to 4.2-GHz signal frequency for testing out the
LMH9135 EVM.
4. When measuring the EVM for single-tone distortion products, TI recommends using an RF band pass filter
(not shown in Figure 3-1) between the signal source and the balun.
5. The output of the EVM from connector J3 is fed to the spectrum analyzer. An attenuator pad of at least 3 dB
is recommended at the output port of the EVM.
6. Lastly, it is recommended to properly characterize and account for the insertion loss of RF coaxial (coax)
cables, attenuator pads, and passive baluns to measure accurate gain and power levels for the device.
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Test Setup Diagrams
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3.2 S-Parameter Test Setup
Vector Network Analyzer
LMH9135 RRL EVM
Zo = 50 Ÿ
(J2)
(J3)
LMH9135
(J4)
Zin = 100 Ÿ (diff)
Figure 3-2. S-Parameter Test Setup
Use the following guidelines for S-parameter measurement:
1. S-parameter measurement is typically done using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA), as Figure 3-2 shows.
For measuring the LMH9135 EVM, a 4-port VNA is recommended which can generate and receive truly
differential signals at the input and output ports.
2. Before connecting the RF coax cables to the LMH9135 EVM, you must calibrate the VNA along with the
cables using a calibration kit. This accounts for any cable losses in the S-parameter calculation at the VNA
and helps set reference impedance at the cable ends.
3. Make sure the frequency sweep and output power level from the VNA is set within the linear operating range
of the LMH9135 devices. The resolution bandwidth (RBW) and dynamic range of the VNA can be adjusted
to give optimum sweep time for the measurement.
4. The trace plus connector loss for the board is about 0.35 dB for the input trace (differential) and 0.3 dB for
the output trace in the middle of the frequency band. This may be accounted for improved accuracy in the
measurements.
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Test Setup Diagrams
3.3 Noise Figure Test Setup
Spectrum Analyzer or
Noise Figure Analyzer
Zin = 100 Ÿ (diff)
Marki BAL-0010
or Similar
1:2, Zin = 50 Ÿ
3-dB pad
ENR Diode
LMH9135 RRL EVM
Zo = 50 Ÿ
(J2)
(J3)
0°
3-dB pad
LMH9135
180°
3-dB pad
(J4)
Figure 3-3. Noise Figure Test Setup
Use the following guidelines for Noise Figure (NF) measurement:
1. The traditional Y-factor method can be used for the NF measurement using a noise diode and a spectrum
analyzer (or a noise figure analyzer), as Figure 3-3 shows.
2. While doing the measurement, take into account any RF cable losses to the EVM board and also the balun
loss. Any external input attenuator added for matching will result in proportional NF degradation and must be
calibrated out in the measurement.
3. Also, onboard losses of the input traces at the device input pin must be factored into the NF measurement.
4. If the device output loss is significant, it is important to factor the output loss into the NF measurement.
5. Use the Friis equation to calculate the combined NF of the measurement setup and then back calculate the
individual device noise figure.
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3.4 Two-Tone OIP3 Test Setup
RF Signal Gen 1
RF Signal Gen 2
Spectrum Analyzer
6-dB pad
6-dB pad
Zin = 100 Ÿ (diff)
Power Splitter/
Combiner
Marki BAL-0010
or Similar
1:2, Zin = 50 Ÿ
LMH9135 RRL EVM
Zo = 50 Ÿ
3-dB pad
(J2)
(J3)
0°
3-dB pad
LMH9135
180°
3-dB pad
(J4)
Figure 3-4. OIP3 Test Setup
Use the following guidelines for two-tone OIP3 measurement:
1. As Figure 3-4 shows, combine two signal generator outputs using an in-phase power splitter and combiner.
A 6-dB attenuator is recommended at the signal generator outputs to prevent the generators from coupling
to each other and resulting in signal generator IMD3 spurs.
2. Set both the signal generator outputs to a power level and frequency spacing such that it would yield the
desired output power (POUT) at the device.
3. TI recommends that the output power level is within the linear operation range of the LMH9135 device. As a
general rule, it is recommended to keep the total output power level approximately 6 dB to 8 dB lower than
the 1-dB compression point. For example, if the output 1-dB compression point of the device is 16 dBm, then
set the signal generators such that each of the fundamental output power results in 2 dBm per tone.
4. For the OIP3 test, the two tones can be spaced at 10 MHz apart from each other and on either side of center
frequency.
5. TI recommends setting the spectrum analyzer attenuation setting from 20 dB to 26 dB based on its sweet
spot and the incoming input power level.
6. Keep spectrum analyzer RBW and VBW settings identical for main tone and IM3 products.
7. For output IP3 calculation, take into account combined losses at the desired frequency band between the
LMH9135 device output to the spectrum analyzer input. The combined power losses include loss due to
PCB output trace, RF coax cable, and attenuator pad used for external matching. The calculated OIP3 is
given by the following equation:
Output IP3 = (PIN_SA – IMD3) / 2 + PIN_SA + PLOSS
where,
• PIN_SA = Input power per tone into the spectrum analyzer
• PLOSS = Power loss from the device output to the spectrum analyzer input
• IMD3 = Higher power of the two inter-modulation distortion products recorded at either 2f1 – f2 or 2f2 – f1
8. Note: PIN_SA + PLOSS = POUT is the amplifier output power per tone.
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