Analog Devices Inc. ADRF5022-EVALZ

Overview

ADRF5022-EVALZ from Analog Devices is an evaluation board designed to characterize and validate the ADRF5022 nonreflective silicon SPDT RF switch - a high-frequency component operating from 100 MHz to 45 GHz with 2.3 dB typical insertion loss at 45 GHz, 43 dB isolation, and CMOS/LVTTL-compatible control interface. It supports dual-supply (±3.3 V) or single-supply (3.3 V/0 V) operation and enables rapid prototyping in millimeter-wave test instrumentation and 5G infrastructure.

For engineers reviewing the ADRF5022-EVALZ datasheet, ADRF5022-EVALZ pinout, ADRF5022-EVALZ application, or ADRF5022-EVALZ equivalent, this board provides full access to RFC, RF1, RF2, CTRL, EN, VDD, and VSS signals on a calibrated 50 Ω coplanar waveguide layout - critical for validating switching speed (30 ns 0.1 dB settling), power handling (30 dBm hot-switching), and wideband S-parameter performance up to 45 GHz.

Technical Context

The ADRF5022-EVALZ implements the ADRF5022 IC in a controlled RF environment with precision-matched 50 Ω CPWG traces, ground-via stitching, and optimized decoupling (100 pF MLCCs on VDD/VSS). It supports both dual-supply (±3.3 V) and single-supply (3.3 V/0 V) configurations, enabling validation of trade-offs in switching speed (30 ns vs. 90 ns settling), linearity (P0.1dB = 31 dBm vs. 17 dBm), and isolation across frequency bands.

Control logic follows the ADRF5022 truth table: EN low enables path selection via CTRL (RF1–RFC on CTRL = low; RF2–RFC on CTRL = high); EN high forces all-off state with internal 50 Ω terminations on RF1/RF2. The board exposes all 20 LGA pins via edge-mounted SMA connectors and test points, preserving signal integrity through the full 100 MHz–45 GHz range.

Key Specifications

Availability

ADRF5022-EVALZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 5G mmWave base station development, military radar front-end testing, microwave radio link characterization, and industrial millimeter-wave scanner validation requiring stable component supply and traceable evaluation hardware.

Supply support for ADRF5022-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 IC design, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and defense markets since 1965.

The ADRF5022-EVALZ belongs to Analog Devices' RF Switch Evaluation Platform family, engineered specifically to accelerate design-in of ultra-wideband silicon SPDT switches in demanding millimeter-wave applications where signal fidelity, repeatability, and thermal stability are critical.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the ADRF5022-EVALZ?

The ADRF5022-EVALZ is an evaluation board for the ADRF5022 nonreflective SPDT RF switch. It provides a calibrated, 50 Ω coplanar waveguide platform with SMA connectors on RFC, RF1, and RF2 ports, enabling accurate measurement of insertion loss, isolation, switching speed, and linearity up to 45 GHz. The ADRF5022-EVALZ allows engineers to validate the ADRF5022's performance under real-world RF conditions before integration into final systems.

Does the ADRF5022-EVALZ support both dual-supply and single-supply operation of the ADRF5022?

Yes, the ADRF5022-EVALZ supports both configurations. It includes dedicated pads and jumpers to apply ±3.3 V (optimal RF performance) or +3.3 V/0 V (single-supply mode). In single-supply mode, the ADRF5022-EVALZ enables verification of derated parameters including slower 0.1 dB settling time (90 ns vs. 30 ns), reduced P0.1dB (17 dBm vs. 31 dBm), and lower hot-switching power (17 dBm vs. 30 dBm), as specified in Table 2 of the ADRF5022 datasheet.

How are the RF ports connected on the ADRF5022-EVALZ?

The ADRF5022-EVALZ features three edge-mounted SMA connectors directly tied to the RFC, RF1, and RF2 pins of the ADRF5022 IC. Each RF path uses impedance-controlled 50 Ω coplanar waveguide routing with ground-via stitching and solder-mask-defined ground pads - matching the recommended PCB stack-up in the ADRF5022 datasheet (Figure 19–21). No external DC blocking capacitors are required unless the RF source/load introduces DC bias different from 0 V.

What control signals are accessible on the ADRF5022-EVALZ?

The ADRF5022-EVALZ provides test points and solder pads for CTRL and EN digital control inputs, fully compatible with CMOS/LVTTL logic levels (0 V and 3.3 V). These signals follow the ADRF5022 truth table: EN low enables path selection (CTRL low → RF1–RFC active; CTRL high → RF2–RFC active); EN high forces all-off state with internal 50 Ω terminations. Power sequencing recommendations (VDD before CTRL/EN) are implemented via onboard routing.

Is thermal management addressed on the ADRF5022-EVALZ?

Yes. The ADRF5022-EVALZ implements the thermal design guidance from the ADRF5022 datasheet: the exposed paddle (EPAD) is solidly connected to a large internal and bottom-side ground plane using multiple thermal vias. This achieves the specified junction-to-case thermal resistance (θJC = 120 °C/W for through path), supporting reliable operation at TCASE = 85°C during high-power RF testing - critical for validating the ADRF5022's 30 dBm hot-switching capability.