MAX4136, MAX4137,

MAX4138 Configuration

The MAX4135 EV kit can easily be configured to evalu-

ate the MAX4136, MAX4137, or MAX4138. The primary

differences between the four parts are the number of

output channels (four or six), and either fixed (2V/V) or

adjustable gain (

≥2V/V). Refer to Table 1 and to the

MAX4135/MAX4136 and MAX4137/MAX4138 data

sheets for further information.

Evaluating the MAX4136

To evaluate the MAX4136, simply order a free sample

(MAX4136EWG), replace the MAX4135 with the

MAX4136 on the PC board, and select and install the

gain-setting resistors for the desired gain.

Evaluating the MAX4137

To evaluate the MAX4137, order a free sample

(MAX4137EWG) and replace the MAX4135 with the

MAX4137 on the PC board. Keep the 0

Ω resistor in RG

and leave RF open. Note that the four output channels

correspond to those labeled OUT2–OUT5, and are

selected via SEL2–SEL5 on SW1 (see Table 2).

Evaluating the MAX4138

To evaluate the MAX4138, simply order a free sample

(MAX4138EWG), replace the MAX4135 with the

MAX4138 on the PC board, and select and install the

gain-setting resistors for the desired gain. Note that the

four output channels correspond to those labeled

OUT2–OUT5, and are selected via SEL2–SEL5 on SW1

(see Table 2).

Layout Considerations

The MAX4135 EV kit layout has been optimized for

high-speed signals and low distortion, with careful

attention given to grounding, power-supply bypassing,

and signal-path layout. The small, surface-mount,

ceramic bypass capacitors (C2, C4, C5, and C6) have

been placed as close to the four MAX4135 supply pins

as possible. The ground plane has been removed

around and under the MAX4135 to reduce stray capac-

itance. The removal of ground plane around the input

SMA connector reduces distortion.

MAX4135 Evaluation Kit

2

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Table 1. Gain Configuration

Table 2. Output Channel Selection

6

6

No. OF

OUTPUTS

User

selected

Open

RF

MAX4136

MAX4135

PART

≥ 2

Fixed at 2

GAIN

V/V

User

selected

0

Ω

RG

≥ 2

Fixed at 2

User

selected

0

Ω

4

4

User

selected

Open

MAX4138

MAX4137

S

SE

EL

L1

1

No. OF

OUTPUTS

PART

S

SE

EL

L2

2

SW1 SWITCH SETTINGS

S

SE

EL

L4

4

S

SE

EL

L3

3

S

SE

EL

L6

6

S

SE

EL

L5

5

OUT2

OUT1

OUT4

OUT3

OUT6

6

OUT5

MAX4135

OUT2

OUT1

OUT4

OUT3

OUT6

6

OUT5

OUT1

—

OUT3

OUT2

—

4

OUT4

MAX4137

MAX4136

OUT1

—

OUT3

OUT2

—

4

OUT4

MAX4138