Analog Devices Inc. ADRF5019-EVALZ

Overview

ADRF5019-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize the ADRF5019 nonreflective SPDT RF switch, supporting full 100 MHz–13 GHz operation with measured insertion loss ≤0.8 dB and isolation ≥45 dB at 8 GHz, and enabling hot-switching validation up to 27 dBm under dual-supply conditions. It serves as a reference layout for high-frequency RF front-end designs in microwave radios and test instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the ADRF5019-EVALZ datasheet, ADRF5019-EVALZ pinout, ADRF5019-EVALZ application, or ADRF5019-EVALZ equivalent, this board provides verified RF performance data, coplanar waveguide routing guidance, thermal grounding best practices, and dual- and single-supply switching characterization on a 4-layer Rogers RO4350-based PCB.

Technical Context

The ADRF5019-EVALZ implements a 4-layer stackup with top-layer RF traces (18 mil width, 13 mil ground spacing) on 10 mil Rogers RO4350 dielectric, achieving 50 Ω characteristic impedance and minimal dispersion across 13 GHz. All RF ports (RFC, RF1, RF2) connect directly to edge-mount SMA launchers with no dc blocking required due to internal 0 V dc coupling.

Power delivery includes 100 pF bypass capacitors on VDD and VSS lines, and dense via fencing around RF paths and the exposed pad ensures low-inductance RF/thermal grounding. Measurements per datasheet-including P1dB (39 dBm), IIP3 (60 dBm), and 0.1 dB settling time (300 ns)-are explicitly stated as taken on this board.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADRF5019-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microwave radio development, VSAT transceiver prototyping, and RF test instrumentation design requiring stable component supply and validated high-frequency layout reference.

Supply support for ADRF5019-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, headquartered in Norwood, MA, with deep expertise in signal processing and precision RF solutions.

The ADRF5019-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF switch evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate adoption of broadband silicon SPDT switches in defense, telecom, and instrumentation applications where linearity, isolation, and fast settling are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary purpose of the ADRF5019-EVALZ?

The ADRF5019-EVALZ is an evaluation board specifically built to demonstrate and validate the performance of the ADRF5019 nonreflective SPDT RF switch. It provides a proven PCB layout-using Rogers RO4350, coplanar waveguide routing, and optimized grounding-that enables engineers to measure key parameters including insertion loss, isolation, P1dB, IIP3, and RF settling time across 100 MHz–13 GHz, as documented in the ADRF5019 datasheet Rev. 0.

Does the ADRF5019-EVALZ support both dual-supply and single-supply operation of the ADRF5019 IC?

Yes, the ADRF5019-EVALZ supports both configurations: dual-supply operation (VDD = +3.3 V, VSS = −2.5 V) and single-supply operation (VSS tied to ground). The board includes dedicated test points and bypass capacitor placements for each mode, and all published large-signal performance data-including 39 dBm P1dB and 60 dBm IIP3-were measured on the ADRF5019-EVALZ under dual-supply conditions per the datasheet.

What RF connector type and impedance does the ADRF5019-EVALZ use?

The ADRF5019-EVALZ uses three edge-mount SMA connectors-one each for RFC, RF1, and RF2-all terminated in 50 Ω. The RF traces are implemented as coplanar waveguides (CPWG) with 18 mil signal width and 13 mil ground spacing on 10 mil Rogers RO4350, delivering consistent 50 Ω impedance and minimal mismatch across the full 100 MHz–13 GHz band, as confirmed by return loss measurements in the ADRF5019 datasheet.

Can the ADRF5019-EVALZ be used for hot-switching validation?

Yes, the ADRF5019-EVALZ is explicitly used to measure hot-switching performance: the datasheet states "All of the large signal performance parameters are measured on the ADRF5019-EVALZ evaluation board," including hot-switching power handling of 27 dBm under dual-supply conditions. Its layout-featuring low-inductance grounding, controlled-impedance paths, and proper supply decoupling-ensures reliable measurement of transient behavior during RF path switching.

Is the ADRF5019-EVALZ compatible with the HMC1118 evaluation platforms?

No, the ADRF5019-EVALZ is not mechanically or electrically compatible with HMC1118 evaluation boards. While the ADRF5019 IC is pin-compatible with the HMC1118, the ADRF5019-EVALZ board is purpose-built for the ADRF5019's specific biasing, thermal, and RF layout requirements-including its dual-supply interface and Rogers-based stackup-and does not share footprint, connector placement, or schematic topology with HMC1118 evaluation hardware.