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DC bias current through balun

Category: Hardware
Product Number: AD9375

Hello

I have a question regarding biasing the AD9375 TX outputs using a balun DC bias. In the AD9375 System Development User Guide, this is simplified as the following configuration:

This is the recommended RF transmitter interface.

Table 175 provides matching components for TX1 at different frequency ranges. I believe it is using a balun to provide the DC bias for the 5300 to 5900MHz case. 

It is not clear from this table whether L307/L308 (choke inductors) are populated or not. Please confirm that the DC bias current is provided from the balun and not from the choke inductors as follows:

Lastly, the balun specified is the TDK HHM1752A2. According to the user guide, each transmitter output (P and N) requires roughly 100mA of DC bias current:

Nowhere in the TDK HHM1752A2 datasheet can I find a specification for maximum rated DC current. Is this not a problem? Surely we need to confirm that the balun we are choosing is able to handle the rated DC bias current of 100mA per balanced input?

The reason I am asking is because I overlooked this fact when choosing a balun for a custom board. I am using a TTM X4BD40L1-5050G balun. This balun datasheet also does not specify the maximum rated DC current and I am concerned that I may be stressing the part. I am also seeing a significant signal drop across this balun, even though it's insertion loss is comparable to that of the evaluation board Mini-Circuits TCM1-83X+. I am wondering if the limited DC current handling capability of this balun is limited the transmitter maximum output drive.

 

Thank you in advance.

Gavin

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  • It is not clear from this table whether L307/L308 (choke inductors) are populated or not

    Yes , the Inductors L307,L308 are DNI from the Schematic. The DC is going through the transformer.

    Hope the layout of the DC feed is taken care.

    I am also seeing a significant signal drop across this balun,

    Do you observe any less power at the TX output?

  • Hello Vanitha

    Thank you for confirming that the DC current is through the balun and not the chokes.

    Thankfully the layout does include the DC feed circuitry to the balun.

    I have made some improvements by adding impedance matching components between the balun and the AD9375. This has improved the overall TX output power and the flatness across the frequency band of interest.

    I have also contacted TTM about the maximum rated DC current that the balun can handle.

    Thanks

    Gavin

Reply
  • Hello Vanitha

    Thank you for confirming that the DC current is through the balun and not the chokes.

    Thankfully the layout does include the DC feed circuitry to the balun.

    I have made some improvements by adding impedance matching components between the balun and the AD9375. This has improved the overall TX output power and the flatness across the frequency band of interest.

    I have also contacted TTM about the maximum rated DC current that the balun can handle.

    Thanks

    Gavin

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