Analog Devices Inc. ADL8112-EVALZ

Overview

ADL8112-EVALZ from Analog Devices is a fully assembled, 6 mm × 6 mm land grid array (LGA) evaluation board for the ADL8112 broadband RF amplifier with integrated SP4T reflective bypass switches. It supports all four operating modes - internal amplifier, internal bypass, external bypass A, and external bypass B - across 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz, delivering 13.5 dB gain (8–14 GHz), 4 dB noise figure, and 25.5 dBm OIP3. Designed for rapid characterization in electronic warfare and test equipment signal paths.

For engineers reviewing the ADL8112-EVALZ datasheet, ADL8112-EVALZ pinout, ADL8112-EVALZ application, or ADL8112-EVALZ equivalent, this board enables immediate RF performance validation of the ADL8112's amplifier/bypass switching behavior, gain flatness (±0.5 dB), settling time (≤60 ns), and multi-path isolation without custom PCB development.

Technical Context

The ADL8112-EVALZ implements the full ADL8112 IC functionality using calibrated 50 Ω microstrip routing, on-board bias sequencing circuitry, and SMA connectors for RFIN, RFOUT, IN_A/OUT_A, and IN_B/OUT_B. It replicates the exact VDD1 (8.5 V), VDD2 (+3.3 V), VSS2 (−3.3 V), and RBIAS resistor interface defined in the ADL8112 datasheet Rev. C.

All four digital control modes are accessible via header pins (VA/VB), with onboard LED indicators confirming mode state. The board integrates the recommended power management components - including LT3042 for low-noise 8.5 V LNA bias and MAX17651/MAX1697 for switch supply - matching the turn-on/off sequencing (VDD2 → VSS2 → VDD1 → RF) specified for reliability.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADL8112-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for electronic warfare receivers, RF test instrumentation, wireless communications prototyping, and broadband receiver front-end development requiring stable component supply and fast time-to-measurement.

Supply support for ADL8112-EVALZ 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, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs, serving precision instrumentation, defense, communications, and industrial markets since 1965.

The ADL8112-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF & Microwave Evaluation Platform family, designed specifically to accelerate validation of broadband GaAs/SOI hybrid amplifiers with integrated switching for EW, radar, and high-speed test systems.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADL8112-EVALZ?

The ADL8112-EVALZ is an evaluation board that enables full functional testing of the ADL8112 - a 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz wideband amplifier with integrated SP4T reflective bypass switches. It provides immediate access to all four operating modes (internal amplifier, internal bypass, external bypass A/B) using SMA connectors, sequenced bias supplies, and digital control headers - eliminating the need for custom RF layout during early-stage design validation.

Does the ADL8112-EVALZ support all frequency bands specified for the ADL8112 IC?

Yes, the ADL8112-EVALZ supports the full 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz operational range of the ADL8112 IC across all four signal path modes. Its 50 Ω microstrip routing, SMA connector selection, and ground-plane integrity are optimized per Analog Devices' layout guidelines in the ADL8112 datasheet Rev. C to maintain insertion loss, return loss, and isolation performance up to 26.5 GHz.

How are the four operating modes controlled on the ADL8112-EVALZ?

The ADL8112-EVALZ uses two header pins (VA and VB) to select the four ADL8112 operating modes as defined in the datasheet truth table: internal amplifier (VA = 0 V, VB = 0 V), internal bypass (VA = 3.3 V, VB = 3.3 V), external bypass A (VA = 0 V, VB = 3.3 V), and external bypass B (VA = 3.3 V, VB = 0 V). Onboard LEDs provide real-time visual confirmation of the active mode.

What power supply requirements does the ADL8112-EVALZ have?

The ADL8112-EVALZ requires three independent DC supplies: +8.5 V for the amplifier (VDD1), +3.3 V for the positive switch rail (VDD2), and −3.3 V for the negative switch rail (VSS2). It implements the exact turn-on/off sequencing (VDD2 → VSS2 → VDD1 → RF) specified in the ADL8112 datasheet Rev. C to prevent latch-up and ensure reliable switching.

Is external decoupling needed when using the ADL8112-EVALZ?

No external decoupling is required. The ADL8112-EVALZ integrates all necessary bias filtering and decoupling components - including low-noise regulation for VDD1 (LT3042), charge-pump generation for VSS2 (MAX1697), and linear regulation for VDD2 (MAX17651) - as recommended in the ADL8112 datasheet Rev. C Section "Recommended Power Management Circuit."