Analog Devices Inc. ADG918BRM-REEL7

Overview

ADG918BRM-REEL7 from Analog Devices is a wideband 2:1 RF multiplexer / SPDT switch optimized for high-isolation signal routing in wireless front ends. It delivers 43 dB off-isolation at 1 GHz, 0.8 dB insertion loss at 1 GHz, and operates from 1.65 V to 2.75 V CMOS logic supply - enabling use in antenna diversity switching and dual-band transceiver T/R paths.

For engineers reviewing the ADG918BRM-REEL7 datasheet, ADG918BRM-REEL7 pinout, ADG918BRM-REEL7 application, or ADG918BRM-REEL7 equivalent, key selection criteria include absorptive (50 Ω terminated) architecture, 4 GHz −3 dB bandwidth, sub-10 ns switching times, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with 50 Ω RF layout requirements.

Technical Context

The ADG918BRM-REEL7 implements an absorptive (matched) SPDT topology with internally terminated 50 Ω shunt legs on RF1 and RF2, ensuring stable 50 Ω impedance across both on- and off-states. Its on-chip CMOS control logic accepts 1.65 V–2.75 V inputs and drives RFC–RF1/RF2 paths with no external biasing.

It achieves broadband performance via a proprietary CMOS process enabling −3 dB operation up to 4 GHz, while maintaining 34–43 dB isolation from 100 MHz to 1 GHz (RM package). Video feedthrough is limited to 2.5 mV_p-p, and third-order intercept (IP3) reaches 36 dBm at 900 MHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADG918BRM-REEL7 uses the 8-lead Mini Small Outline Package (MSOP, RM-8), 3 mm × 3 mm footprint, 0.75 mm height, with exposed pad tied to GND for thermal and RF grounding.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar RF SPDT switch applications.

Compared with ADG918BRM-REEL7, ADG919BRMZ-REEL7 trades absorptive safety for slightly lower cost and same-package fit, while QM11036TR13 offers wider supply range but introduces layout complexity via non-absorptive behavior and higher minimum voltage - making ADG918BRM-REEL7 the optimal choice for noise-sensitive, low-voltage, single-supply T/R isolation.

Availability

ADG918BRM-REEL7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless metering, antenna diversity switching, and dual-band transceiver front-end designs requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and guaranteed long-term industrial temperature support (−40°C to +85°C).

Supply support for ADG918BRM-REEL7 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and industrial markets since 1965.

The ADG918BRM-REEL7 belongs to Analog Devices' high-frequency RF switch product line, engineered specifically for low-distortion, high-isolation signal routing in battery-constrained, space-limited wireless infrastructure and endpoint devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the ADG918BRM-REEL7 before insertion loss exceeds −3 dB?

The ADG918BRM-REEL7 maintains −3 dB bandwidth up to 4 GHz, as confirmed in the Rev. E datasheet Table 1 and Figure 6. This specification applies across the full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) and supply range (1.65 V to 2.75 V), making ADG918BRM-REEL7 suitable for sub-6 GHz 5G FR1 and Wi-Fi 6E front-end switching where wide instantaneous bandwidth is required.

Does the ADG918BRM-REEL7 require external DC blocking capacitors on its RF ports?

No, the ADG918BRM-REEL7 does not require external DC blocking capacitors on RF1, RF2, or RFC ports. Its internal architecture is fully DC-coupled and designed for direct connection to 50 Ω transmission lines. The device's absorptive termination and matched 50 Ω interface eliminate the need for series capacitors, simplifying layout and preserving low-frequency response down to DC - a key advantage of ADG918BRM-REEL7 over many competing RF switches.

How does the absorptive architecture of the ADG918BRM-REEL7 improve system-level RF performance compared to reflective switches?

The absorptive architecture of ADG918BRM-REEL7 provides 50 Ω termination on both RF1 and RF2 ports in all states, ensuring stable VSWR (<1.2:1) regardless of switch position. This prevents reflected energy from re-entering the PA or LNA, avoiding gain instability, spectral regrowth, or receiver desensitization - a critical reliability advantage of ADG918BRM-REEL7 in compact, multi-RF-path designs where impedance mismatches cascade.

Can the ADG918BRM-REEL7 operate reliably from a 1.8 V supply in battery-powered applications?

Yes, ADG918BRM-REEL7 is fully specified and characterized for operation from 1.65 V to 2.75 V, including 1.8 V nominal supply. At 1.8 V, it maintains 43 dB isolation at 1 GHz and 0.8 dB insertion loss (per Figure 8), while drawing <1 µA quiescent current - confirming ADG918BRM-REEL7 as a robust choice for coin-cell or Li-ion powered IoT sensors and utility meters requiring ultra-low power RF switching.

What is the meaning of "RM-8" in the ADG918BRM-REEL7 ordering code, and how does it affect PCB layout?

"RM-8" denotes the 8-lead Mini Small Outline Package (MSOP) per JEDEC MO-187-AA, with 0.65 mm lead pitch and 3 mm × 3 mm body. This package requires standard MSOP land pattern (not LFCSP), exposes no thermal pad on bottom, and places all pins along two sides - simplifying routing in dense RF layouts. ADG918BRM-REEL7's RM-8 footprint is incompatible with CP-8-13 LFCSP variants, so PCB design must strictly follow Figure 31 dimensions to ensure mechanical and thermal reliability.