The MAX3509 evaluation kit (EV kit) simplifies evaluation of the MAX3509 CATV upstream amplifier. The kit includes a serial data interface, which can be programmed through the parallel port of a standard PC. Software (Windows 95/98 and DOS) is included to facilitate this function. This software allows the user to program both the gain and transmit modes through a simple user interface. Access to the device input and output is provided through 50 SMA connectors. The input is matched to 50, while the output circuit includes a minimum-loss pad that increases the load on the output transformer to 75 nominal when using 50 test equipment.